// the switchboard

All Guides

Switches, keycaps, layouts, and the boards worth your money.

PILLAR

Tactile vs Linear vs Clicky: The Definitive Switch Guide

Force curves, sound signatures, and how to pick your first switch — the complete first-buyer's guide.

12 min read →
PILLAR

Build Your First Custom Keyboard: The No-Solder Guide

Kit selection, stabilizer prep, switch install, firmware, troubleshooting — the complete first build.

13 min read →
GUIDE

Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Hot-swap, gasket mount, and great stock sound on a budget — the boards the community actually recommends.

9 min read →
GUIDE

Best 65% Keyboards: The Enthusiast Sweet Spot

Why 65% won the layout wars, and the best boards at every tier from entry to endgame.

9 min read →
GUIDE

Best Hot-Swappable Keyboards: Turn One Board into Many

How sockets work, their real limits, and the platforms that make switch-swapping shine.

9 min read →
GUIDE

Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards: Tri-Mode Done Right

Bluetooth vs 2.4GHz latency truth, battery reality, and the boards that give up nothing to cables.

9 min read →
EXPLAINER

Keycap Profiles Explained: Cherry, OEM, SA, XDA

Profiles, materials, and legends — and how to buy a set that actually fits your board.

8 min read →
EXPLAINER

How to Lube Switches (and When Not to Bother)

Supplies, technique, how thin is thin — and when factory lube means you can skip the whole evening.

9 min read →
EXPLAINER

What Is a Gasket Mount? Mounting Styles Explained

Gasket vs top vs tray — how mounting changes typing feel, and how to spot label-only implementations.

8 min read →
COMPARISON

Keyboard Sizes Compared: 40% to Full-Size

Every layout's trade-offs in one place, with a three-question decision path.

7 min read →
COMPARISON

Gateron vs Cherry: The Switch Rivalry, Honestly Compared

History, smoothness vs consistency, lineup by lineup — and which to actually buy.

8 min read →