Editorial Policy

At Custom Mechanical Keyboards, our mission is to deliver clear, structured, and dependable buyer guidance across the evolving keyboard landscape. Our evaluations compare published specifications and current listings across multiple sources; we do not conduct hands-on testing. Instead, we analyze technical datasheets, component schematics, and public marketplace documentation to help builders make informed decisions.

Editorial Focus and Subject Areas

To maintain structured and thorough coverage, our research workflow is divided into core mechanical keyboard domains led by dedicated editors:

• Julian Vance (Barebone Kits & PCB Architecture Editor): Analyzes barebone DIY kits, mounting styles, hot-swap socket layouts, microcontroller architectures, and open-source firmware compatibility.
• Clara Solis (Switch Mechanics & Materials Editor): Examines actuation force curves, bottom-out travel metrics, spring weights, and stem and housing polymer choices such as polycarbonate, nylon, and POM.
• Marcus Sterling (Keycap Profiles & Fitment Editor): Reviews keycap profile geometry, row sculpts, spacebar stem spacing, and PBT versus ABS polymer density specifications.

Specification Verification Workflow

Because our evaluations do not rely on hands-on testing, our credibility rests entirely on thorough verification and multi-source research. Before publishing any guide, our team cross-references technical details to prevent errors:

• Cross-referencing manufacturer technical blueprints against verified merchant listings to identify silent hardware revisions or layout changes.
• Confirming programmable firmware support by auditing public repositories, QMK databases, and VIA configuration support tables.
• Verifying physical switch pin configurations, plate thickness tolerances, and stabilizer compatibility guidelines against current vendor documentation.

Independence and Conflict of Interest

Custom Mechanical Keyboards maintains complete autonomy over all published content. We operate as an affiliate-supported publication, meaning we may earn a referral commission if you complete a purchase through links on our site. These merchant links never influence which products we feature or how we assess published technical merits.

We do not accept paid placement, paid rankings, or sponsored inclusions. Hardware manufacturers and retailers have no access to editorial drafts prior to publication, nor can they dictate editorial opinions, product inclusions, or ranking criteria.

Update Schedule and Corrections

Keyboard components evolve rapidly, with frequent changes in factory lubrication formulas, mold revisions, and firmware updates. Our editors perform routine quarterly audits on established guides to verify pricing ranges, merchant availability, and discontinued component statuses.

We are committed to prompt corrections whenever a factual error, altered manufacturer spec, or mismatched fitment note is identified. Our team reviews feedback submitted through our dedicated contact page, evaluates the claim against official source documentation, and issues transparent updates to the affected page immediately upon verification.