A barebone keyboard is your foundation—case, PCB, and plate, ready for switches and caps you choose. Selecting the right kit sets the tone for your build.
Layout | Keys | Best For | Example Use Case |
---|---|---|---|
60% | ~61 | Minimal footprint | Travel, secondary setups |
65% | ~68 | Compact with arrows | Everyday desk typing |
75% | ~80 | Function row included | Balanced work + play |
TKL | ~87 | Full function row, no numpad | Coding, writing |
100% | ~104 | All keys | Data-heavy work, gaming macros |
Aluminum — Premium weight, durability, crisp acoustics
Plastic/Polycarbonate — Lighter, softer sound, budget-friendly
Gasket vs tray mount — Gasket adds flex and softer feel; tray is simpler, firmer
💡 Tip: If sound tuning matters, choose a gasket-mount aluminium case with foam support.
Hotswap — Swap switches easily, no soldering required
Soldered — Stronger long-term, but fixed once installed
RGB support — Underglow or per-key lighting for personal style
Software compatibility — VIA/QMK for remapping flexibility
Consider typing angle (6°–8° is comfortable for most users)
Check if foam and dampening options are included
Look for stabilizers (pre-lubed or upgrade-ready)
Choose brands with reliable QC and after-care.
From our market survey:
China — Qwertykeys QK75, Wuque Ikki68 Aurora, Akko MOD 007, KBDfans Tiger80 Lite, Meletrix Zoom65
USA — GMMK Pro, Drop ALT/CTRL, NK65 Entry, CannonKeys Bakeneko 60
Hong Kong — Keychron Q series (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q6)
All strong choices, each with its own sound and feel profile.
Start with size, then choose case material and PCB features. Think about sound, feel, and your workflow. The right barebone saves you money on trial-and-error and sets you up for a build that lasts.