Parts

A case, PCB and plate sold together, usually with stabilizers. The simplest way to start.

Sets the size, the weight and how the insides are mounted, and shapes a lot of the sound.

The circuit board. It decides hot-swap or solder, which layouts you can use, and the firmware.

Holds the switches in line. Brass and aluminium feel firm; polycarbonate and FR4 flex more.

How every key feels and much of how it sounds: linear, tactile or clicky.

Profile, material and legends. Check the set covers your layout, especially ISO.

Keep the long keys (space, Shift, Enter, Backspace) level and stop them rattling.

Case and PCB foam to take out hollowness and ping.

USB-C cables: coiled, aviator or plain.

Switch pullers, openers, lube and brushes.