Why are Custom Mechanical Keyboards So Expensive?

Custom mechanical keyboards are often more expensive than standard off-the-shelf keyboards for a few reasons:

1. High-Quality Materials: Many custom mechanical keyboards use high-quality materials such as solid aluminum, brass, or even titanium for the case, as well as premium keycaps and switches, which can drive up the cost.
2. Small Scale Production: Custom mechanical keyboards are typically produced in smaller quantities by independent makers or small businesses. This means that the economies of scale that larger manufacturers benefit from don’t apply, and the cost of production per unit is higher.
3. Customization and Personalization: Custom mechanical keyboards often offer a high degree of customization and personalization options, allowing the user to select different colors, switches, and keycaps to match their preferences. This level of customization requires more time and effort from the manufacturer, which can increase the cost.
4. Labor Intensive: Building a custom mechanical keyboard is a labor-intensive process that requires skill and attention to detail. The process involves assembling the keyboard by hand, soldering components, and programming the firmware. The time and effort required to build a custom mechanical keyboard add to the overall cost.

Overall, custom mechanical keyboards are more expensive due to the use of high-quality materials, small scale production, customization options, and the labor-intensive process of building each keyboard. However, for many enthusiasts, the ability to customize and personalize their keyboard to their liking is well worth the higher cost.