02Switches8 min
Choose the right switches
Choose linear, tactile, or clicky keyboard switches by feel, force, sound, and fit—without relying on color names or marketing labels.
Open guideThe KBD Lab field guide
Better decisions,before checkout.
Practical guides for choosing parts that fit your work, your board, and each other. No rankings disguised as advice.
Start here01
Layouts
How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard Size and Layout
Choose the smallest layout that keeps your daily work comfortable—not the smallest percentage that looks good in a product photo.
Read the guide 8 min read
- 01
Start with the keys you cannot comfortably move to a layer.
- 02
A size label describes the rough footprint, not exact part compatibility.
- 03
Check physical layout, firmware support, and keycap sizes separately.
Build library
One guide for each expensive decision.
03Keycaps8 min
Choose compatible keycaps
Check keycap stem, layout coverage, key sizes, profile, material, and legends in the right order before buying a set.
Open guide04Assembly7 min
Get stabilizers right
Choose PCB-mount or plate-mount stabilizers, match spacebar sizes, and test every stabilized key before final keyboard assembly.
Open guide05Planning9 min
Plan a complete keyboard build
Turn keyboard requirements into a compatible parts list, realistic budget, buying order, and low-risk assembly plan.
Open guide06Kits9 min
Choose a keyboard kit
Choose a mechanical keyboard kit by layout, PCB, plate, mount, firmware, included parts, and fulfillment risk—not case looks alone.
Open guide07Planning8 min
Check every part before buying
Verify keyboard kit, PCB, plate, stabilizer, switch, and keycap compatibility with an exact pre-purchase checklist.
Open guideFrom question to parts list
Use the guides with the lab.
Compare the physical layout, narrow the catalog, then keep the exact parts together while you verify the compatibility chain.