Similar to: Vortex PC66 Barebone

Top Picks

Vortex Keyboard Model M 65
Top Pick

Best compact base for enthusiasts building a personalized retro mechanical keyboard.

This retro-styled kit brings the classic aesthetic into the modern era with the flexibility of a 65% layout and triple-mode wireless. You sacrifice the convenience of a pre-built board, but you gain total control over your typing feel and sound profile.

Customizable Build

Hot-Swappable

Triple-Mode

VIA Programmable

SENSY SMOKE65 Keyboard Kit
Runner-Up

Best premium kit for enthusiasts seeking deep acoustic and aesthetic customization.

This kit leans into acoustic experimentation by pairing a rigid aluminum frame with a unique PEI mid-section. It offers deep customization for enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their typing feel, though the long pre-order window demands serious patience from anyone looking for an immediate upgrade.

Customizable Colors

PCB Choice

Sound Tuning

Aesthetic Badges

Best compact wireless keyboard for enthusiasts seeking deep customization and performance.

This compact board balances high-end customization with the convenience of triple-mode wireless connectivity. While you sacrifice the dedicated function row for a smaller footprint, the VIA-compatible programming and hotswap flexibility make it a powerhouse for those who value a clean, personalized desk setup.

3-Way Connectivity

VIA Programmable

Hotswap Sockets

Sound Dampening

Best tactile typing setup for design-conscious professionals and writers.

Best premium mechanical keyboard for enthusiasts seeking compact design and durability.