Mechanical keyboards have made a huge comeback and it looks like this time they’re here to stay. There has been so much hype surrounding these mechanical keyboards not just for their aesthetics, but also for the oh so satisfying ASMR “thonks” as you type away. But one of the biggest appeals to mechanical keyboards is their customisability. You can customise the build, keycaps and even the mechanical switches to suit your comfort and more importantly your aesthetics. If you’re looking for a place to build your one-of-a-kind mechanical keyboard to complete your gaming or work from home set-up, here are 10 best places mechanical keyboard shops in Singapore that can help you with just that!
Why should you build your own custom build?
The bigger question is why not? A custom build lets you have a more pleasant work experience as everything is suited specifically to your needs. You can tailor each component to suit your needs and aesthetics. For example, you can choose the size and layout that best fits your workstation. You can also design the keycaps to make your keyboard more pleasant to look at.
You can even change the keyboard switches to give you the best keyboard ASMR while you work, which may help you to concentrate better or make work sound less of a bore, but don’t quote us on that. The entire process of building your custom build can be quite tedious, but it can be pretty enjoyable and fun as you get to let your creativity run free. Plus, you get to enjoy your own masterpiece at the end too. The icing on top is that there’s probably no one else with the same build as you, so you get to remain one-of-a-kind.
Although, a good custom build can cost you quite a bit, some ranging from as much as S$200 to even S$600. A more reasonable alternative is to get the mechanical keyboard and keycaps separately via online shopping platforms. However, one limitation of that is the lack of creative freedom and finding specific keycaps that match your aesthetic is a lot harder.
1. MASH
MASH is located at Aftershock’s experiential centre. This means, you can not only get a customised keyboard done here, but you can also get a custom PC from Aftershock to complete the whole package – if you need it of course. There’s also a lot to explore at Aftershock’s experiential centre which is great if you’re looking for other gadgets to pair with your new keyboard. But if you’re only here for a custom mechanical keyboard, MASH is the one-stop-shop for you. At MASH, you can pick out the different parts that your heart desires, from the keyboard design to the switches, and of course, the keycaps, they’re all up to you to choose and piece together.
If you’re up for it, you can even piece the entire keyboard together by yourself, with the guidance of the experts on-site. Otherwise, you can always leave it to the experts if you don’t trust yourself with putting it together or for fear of screwing it up. Although, the fun about getting a customised keyboard is in assembling the entire thing together by yourself. The best part about MASH is they have plenty of ready stock on hand which means you can walk away with your custom keyboard and begin typing away all in the same day!
Address: 994 Bendemeer Road, #05-07, Singapore 339943
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 11:30am to 8pm | Sat, 12pm to 6pm | Closed on Sundays
Website: MASH Official Website
2. LaunchingPad
Most mechanical keyboard builds are pretty costly, partly because pretty much everything is customisable. Another pain of building your own customisable keyboard is in the building process itself. Putting the entire keyboard together from scratch does require a lot of time and patience, speaking from personal experience. While some may find this process enjoyable, others just aren’t built with that much patience to sit through the entire build process. This is where LaunchingPad comes in. At LaunchingPad, you can commission them to build a keyboard for you starting from just S$100.
With LaunchingPad, all you have to do is to give them the details of your desired keyboard size, and if you have any specific switch or keycap design in mind. But most importantly, if you have a specific budget, you should let them know as well. With all that, the team will take over the daunting task of building your dream keyboard for you. From procuring the materials to assembling the actual product. If you’re not sure what to get, you can always book an appointment to view their showroom and talk it out with the team on-site so that they can assist you in making your dream a reality. Some of their more popular designs include the Mahjong themed keyboard and the Bento keyboard. Additional services provided at LaunchingPad include Keyboard assembly, switch lubrication and filming, stabiliser tuning, as well as soldering and desoldering boards.
Address: 67 Ubi Road 1, Block 67 Oxley Bizhub #08-04, Singapore 408730
Opening hours: Tues – Fri, 3pm to 8pm |Sat, 3pm to 7pm (by appointment only) | Closed on Sundays and Mondays
Website: LaunchingPad Official Website
3. Mecha
Keyboard switches are probably the most exciting part of the keyboard. It is important to know that keyboard switches are not made the same. For example, Linear switches are much quieter and its keystrokes are smooth and consistent. Tactile switches on the other hand are moderately noisy and their keystrokes are bumpier. For clicky switches, the sounds are loud and the keystrokes are also bumpy. Each switch type is also suitable for users with different needs. Sounds confusing? Indeed. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available, then you should check out Mecha’s shop space at Ann Siang Road.
Mecha has over 80 of the most popular switches in their store. You can try out all the different switches in store to find out which one suits your fancy the most. They also have a suite of assembled keyboards in different form factors and materials which you can also have a go at to see if they’re to your liking. Mecha also provides keyboard modifications as well as assembly services, switch lubricating and filming, and stabiliser tuning. They even have other accessories like desk mats to level up your set-up.
Address: 12 Ann Siang Road, Level 3, Singapore 069692
Opening hours: Tues – Fri, 12:30pm to 8:30pm |Sat and Sun, 12:30pm to 4:30pm | Closed on Mondays
Website: Mecha Official Website
4. Monokei
Keyboard design and manufacturing is not just for the big players in the industry. Monokei, helps to uplift smaller designers who want to make a name for themselves in the industry of keyboard designing. One of its more notable designs is the Hidari keyboard. The keyboard retails for a whopping S$750 and it features a Southpaw layout which has the number pad on the left side, instead of the usual right side.
Apart from collaborations and limited edition runs, Monokei also has their own minimalist-designed keycaps as well as chic keyboard cases. These come in handy for when you want to bring your keyboard to the office and back home, instead of chucking it into your bag, you can pack it nicely into the carrying case. The case also protects your keyboard from external elements and helps you keep your keyboard in pristine condition. You did go through all the stress of customising a keyboard, you should at least try to keep it in pristine condition, but also show it off to your colleagues too, right? Monokei is also open to collaborations and more details can be found on their website.
Website: Monokei Official Website
5. qwertyqop
qwertyqop had a very interesting beginning. Before making it big as an e-commerce store, they originally started out on the online marketplace Carousell. With a solid 4.98/5 rating, it just made perfect sense that qwertyqop venture into its next big phase, turning the small business into a full-fledged one.
qwertyqop specialises in a variety of niche-but-accessible keyboard parts. Their hottest item is their own Quartz switch which was designed in house. As for the services available, qwertyqop provides lubing and filming services for switches, even if they were not purchased from their store. They also provide keyboard assembly, repairs, and soldering and desoldering boards. They also have cute tote bags and other accessories available on their website.
Website: qwertyqop Official Website
6. k.techs
k.techs has an astounding Shopee page that boasts 10,000 5-star ratings, and they also have an official online store too. Fans of building mechanic keyboards will love what k.techs has to offer. K.techs has almost all the parts you possibly need from tweezers, brushes, lubricants and even lubricating stations. For those who are feeling adventurous and want to go all out with the modifications, k.techs also has items like springs and foam pieces that are meant to alter the sound of the board.
But of course, if you would rather leave the assemble to the professionals, k.techs also offers keyboard assembly services as well as switch lubrication and filming. You can also commission k.techs to build a keyboard for you. Simply provide them with your budget, the size factor you are looking for, your desired type of switches, keycap designs, and any other specifications you may have. With all that information, the team will be able to find the perfect keyboard for you.
Website: k.techs Official Website
7. iLumkb
As you explore further into the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ll soon realise that even keyboards have their own premium quality builds that come with a price tag that is equally as premium. Let’s just say iLumkb is for those with large sums of disposable income to splurge on a keyboard. But for what it’s worth, they do not hold back in giving you only premium quality builds. iLumkb is also one of the few vendors that bring in keyboards from independent designers.
For example, the Satisfaction75 keyboard costs a massive S$738 and it comes with an OLED screen. The Primus keyboard on the other hand boasts an aluminium build and comes in a variety of colours. They even have a very uniquely shaped Sagittarius keyboard. Its unique design is said to address some ergonomic concerns and costs S$799. But for the price point it carries, the keyboard is really a statement piece to any workstation.
Website: iLumkb Official Website
8. Pantheon Keys
Pantheon Keys is perfect for those who want to save a little on the total cost of customising their keyboards. Pantheon offers the keycaps as well as other accessories like cables as well as desk mats that are water-resistant to match your work-from-home aesthetics.
For those who are looking to rid of the scratchy noise when you type, Pantheon Keys has the solution for you. Pantheon Keys sells pre-lubricated switches, however, these are available in limited quantities, so make sure you check out their official website to stay updated on what’s available.
Website: Pantheon Keys Official Website
9. Kwertie Keys
Kwertie Keys is a local vendor of artisanal keycaps. These one-of-a-kind artisanal keycaps are real statement pieces to add to your keyboard if you want to make it stand out. When it comes to customising, the next step is usually having a statement piece that is unique to you. What better place to find that statement piece than at Kwertie Keys?
The keys are all individually made. And when we mean statement piece, we really mean it. The whale keycap for example is made of resin and depicts a humpback whale swimming in the ocean. Other more intricate designs include the mini Koi Pond that replaces your basic escape key. But of course, with such great attention to detail, these keycaps might be a little pricey, depending on the design. A simple design could cost you around S$19, while more complex resin productions can cost you around S$39 per key. An important note is if your keyboard has RGB back lights, make sure you check if the keycaps can let the light shine through.
Website: Kwertie Keys Official Website
10. Xtreme Solution
If you’re a beginner keyboard enthusiast, or just starting out with your custom mechanical keyboard, then this is the place for you. The shop is tucked away in Sim Lim Square but don’t be fooled by the small shop space because they sure have a lot to offer.
The shop is stocked with plenty of keyboard and keycap options of different sizes and different lengths. They also have brands Duckys, Leopards, HHKB, Varmillo and more available in the store. But of course, if you’re working with a budget, there are other more affordable and pock friendly options available for you to choose from.
Address: 1 Rochor Canal Road, Sim Lim Square, #02-21, Singapore 188504
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 8pm
Website: Xtreme Solution Official Website
Having a mechanical keyboard is something that many people are into building these days. It doesn’t matter if you’re a 9 to 5 office worker or a pro gamer, mechanical keyboards serve both groups equally well because it elevates the whole gaming and typing experience, plus, who can hate the soothing sounds it makes as you type away. Mechanical keyboards are also easier on your fingers as compared to your laptop’s membrane keyboard.
But of course, with all the options available out there and with all the information you can get from the internet, it is hard to really get down and get started on building the keyboard. If you’re stuck in a pickle and don’t know how else to continue, or not sure where to even begin, then you should check out these 10 best mechanical keyboard shops in Singapore. The dialogue with the experts on-site as well as the testing or switches will definitely simplify the process by a bunch!
