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Custom Keyboard Pricing Guide: What You're Actually Paying For
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a custom keyboard that’s just right for you, you’re in the right place. But let’s be honest - diving into the world of custom keyboards can feel like stepping into a maze of options, prices, and jargon. This post is to help break down the keyboard commission pricing guide so you can understand what goes into the cost of a custom keyboard commission and how to get the best bang for your buck. What Exactly Goes Into the Keyboard Commission Prici
Addie Politi
May 66 min read


May 6th: Drops and Updates
Seems like GMK is dropping a lot this month! My favorite item this week is the dual-shot substance desk pad from Omnitype. Till next week! Proto[Typist] Keyboards: New Group Buys: Tofu Numoad DCS Grass Valley GMK CYL Greg R2 Grit Jahare Keyboard kit Stratum 80 New In-Stock GMK CYL Mictlan GMK MTNU CannonKeys: New Group Buys: GMK Combobreaker Transit Deskmat R3 Unikeys: N/A LumeKeebs: New In-Stock QK65 MK3 Mechanical Keyboard Prebuilt – Retro Console & Bubble Dragon PMOKEY GB
Addie Politi
May 61 min read
The Best Wireless Mic for Filming Keyboard Builds: Rode vs DJI vs Hollyland
Recently, I’ve been trying to get into more content creation around keyboard builds. I haven’t made that many YouTube videos yet, but I’m figuring it out as I go. One of my dilemmas, though, is how to get good audio without taking up (1) desk space and (2) my hands. These two factors are important because I have a small desk and need space to build my keyboards, and I want my hands to be free for building. A mic arm or a tabletop mic would take up too much space during the bu
Addie Politi
May 36 min read
CNC Aluminum Keyboards are Overpriced
There’s a real ceiling to the quality and tighter tolerances that separate a $100 board from a $400 one. At a certain point, you’re not paying for performance, you’re paying for niche scarcity, access to limited drops, and a premium you’re almost never getting back. And if you do try to sell? Your main marketplace is basically Discord. Let’s be honest: the ROI (Return on Investment) on keyboards is humbling. Most boards don’t hold their original value, and the only people wil
Addie Politi
Apr 304 min read
April 29th: Drops and Updates
Not that much this week. Seems like GMK CYL King of the Seas is the new keycap set hitting all the stores! Proto[Typist] Keyboards: New Group Buys: PBS Restro S.M AG Monotype Deskmats GMK CYL King of the Seas Juna60 Keyboard Kit S46 R3 40% Wireless Keyboard Kit CannonKeys: New In-Stock Salted Butter Deskmat Unikeys: New Pre-Orders/Group Buys GMK King of the Seas New In-Stock MZ x Keygeek T2 Linear Switches Wingtree Golden Apple V2 Tactile Switches LumeKeebs: N/A KBDFans: Pre-
Addie Politi
Apr 291 min read
April 22nd: Drops and Updates
Proto[Typist] Keyboards: New Group Buys: GMK Ishtar R2 GMK CYL Chocolatier 2 New In-Stock GMK BLOT R2 GMK CYL Unobtanium Blue GMK dualshot Accent Kits New Pre-Orders: Zoot R2 CannonKeys: New Group Buys/Pre-Orders Nywaice PBS S.M AG New In-Stock Transit Deskmat Restock Samurai Deskmat BSoD Deskmat Gold Ink Deskmat Stealth Deskmat Unikeys: New Pre-Orders/Group Buys Gray Studio Infinite 70 Keyboard Kit Jr. Mars PBS Retro S.M AG Keycap Set LumeKeebs: Update Alice Duo will be disc
Addie Politi
Apr 221 min read
April 15th: Drops and Updates
If you don't want to sift through over 15+ Discord servers to find out what's being released or what's in the pipeline, you've come to the right place! Here, I provide updates on new drops, upcoming products, and weekly releases. These are not in any particular order. If there's something you want me to include that isn't on this list, feel free to email me! Proto[Typist] Keyboards: New Group Buys: Awekeys Air (Choc & MX): low-profile metal keycaps New In-Stock Sebas keyboar
Addie Politi
Apr 152 min read
Are Custom Mechanical Keyboards Just A Trend?
Is this wave of mechanical keyboards just a phase, or is it here to stay? At first glance, it can feel like just another internet-driven trend. Another aesthetic hobby that exploded on YouTube and TikTok and will eventually fade. But if you look a little deeper, mechanical keyboards sit at the intersection of function, personalization, and accessibility in a way that most tech products simply don’t. That combination makes them much more durable than a typical “phase.” Let's s
Addie Politi
Apr 153 min read
Do Creamy and Thocky Really Sound That Different?
The keyboard community is constantly debating sound profiles: creamy, thocky, poppy, clacky , all shaped by switches, springs, case materials, foam, and more. But when it comes down to it, do creamy and thocky switches actually sound that different? I like to think of these sounds as different types of rain. Thocky feels like muted, heavy rain, deep and cushioned, with soft, rounded taps. Creamy, on the other hand, reminds me of light rain against a window, gentle and smooth.
Addie Politi
Apr 102 min read
The Difficulties of Choosing the Right Switch
A switch has a general sound profile recorded with a stock custom keyboard (if you are using Kinetic Labs ). What they don't tell you is that a keyboard changes the switch's sound profile so much that the audio you hear online might not be the same when you put the switch into your own custom keyboard. Switches are a commitment. You need to buy at least 70 switches per keyboard, depending on the build, and it's a hassle. Choosing the right switch is a burdensome decision; som
Addie Politi
Apr 23 min read
Case Foam Should be Banned
Yes, I said it, case foam should not be used in mechanical keyboards, and here is why. Keyboards are a piece of technology first and foremost. Yes, the trends on social media and TikTok have shifted them toward a more aesthetic look, with new dynamic colors, shapes, and sounds, but beneath all that new garb, they still have PCBs with metal contacts and wiring. Those metal components, soldering joints, and wiring are in danger of corrosion, and this could be caused by....you g
Addie Politi
Mar 302 min read
Why Is the Keyboard World So Hard to Navigate?
The Keyboard community is a small, slowly growing group, but the industry is not growing as quickly as its fan base. Companies are constantly sold out, and getting a keyboard is like trying to buy Trader Joe's seasonal totes. The values are spiking, the market is becoming competitive, and everyone is fighting for their group-buy slot. As an avid keyboard enthusiast myself, I have tried to keep up with the numerous Excel sheets, Discord servers, and drop notifications that the
Addie Politi
Mar 293 min read
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