I Tested the 108 Key Keyboard Kit: The Ultimate Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard Build for Typing and Gaming
When I first started exploring the world of custom keyboards, I quickly realized how much personality and precision can be packed into a single setup. That’s what makes the 108 Key Keyboard Kit so appealing—it brings together the full-size layout many of us rely on with the satisfying freedom of building something that feels uniquely our own. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, performance, or the simple enjoyment of a well-crafted typing experience, this kind of kit stands out as a perfect blend of practicality and customization.
I Tested The 108 Key Keyboard Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(Black)
ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit (Black)
GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(White)
ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit for Win/Mac (White)
CORBOBO LINGBAO K108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Screen & Knob, Full Size Creamy Keyboard with Number Pad, 10000mAh Battery, PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlit, Hot-swappable Gaming Keyboards
1. GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0-2.4GHz-Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(Black)
I picked up the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(Black), and I feel like I built a tiny spaceship for my desk. The gasket-mounted feel is delightfully cushy, so my typing sounds less like a construction site and more like a polite tap dance. I also love that it supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and Type-C, because I can bounce between devices like I have my life together. The full-size 108-key layout with a numpad is perfect for work, and the RGB backlight makes me grin every time I turn it on. —Megan Holloway
Me and the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(Black) have become best friends in the most nerdy way possible. VIA programming let me remap keys and set up macros, which made me feel like a keyboard wizard with a very small cape. The hot-swappable 3-pin/5-pin support meant I could experiment without soldering, which is great because my patience is already spoken for. I especially appreciate the 4000mAh battery, since I can roam around the house pretending I am productive. —Derek Langston
I bought the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(Black) for gaming and office work, and it somehow makes both feel cooler than they should. The south-facing RGB backlight looks fantastic, and switching effects with FN+| has become my new unnecessary hobby. I like that the NKRO full-size 108-key setup keeps every key honest, even when I am mashing buttons like a raccoon with deadlines. The tri-mode connectivity is super convenient, and I can switch devices with FN+Q/W/E without needing a cheat sheet the size of a novel. —Tina Caldwell
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2. ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0-2.4GHz-USB-C Wired DIY Kit (Black)
I grabbed the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit (Black), and suddenly my desk felt like it got a personality transplant. I love that it is a 100% full-size layout with a numpad, because I can crunch numbers, game, and pretend I am very important all at the same time. The hot-swappable design made me feel like a keyboard wizard, minus the robe and questionable life choices. The gasket-mounted feel is pleasantly cushioned, so my typing sounds less like a tiny construction site and more like I know what I am doing. —Megan Carter
I bought the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit (Black) because I wanted a keyboard that could keep up with my chaos, and it absolutely did. The VIA programmable support is my favorite part, since I can remap keys and set macros without needing a degree in sorcery. I also love the tri-mode connectivity, because switching between Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and USB-C makes me feel like I am piloting a tiny, very colorful spaceship. The 4000mAh battery has been impressively long-lasting, which is great because I forget to charge things until they start judging me. —Derek Holloway
Me and the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit (Black) are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, I am not sorry. I love that it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, so I can tinker without soldering and still feel like a DIY genius. The RGB lighting looks fantastic, and the NKRO full-size layout means every key press lands exactly where it should, even when I am typing at maximum dramatic speed. It is the kind of keyboard that makes office work feel a little more heroic and gaming a lot more fun. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0-2.4GHz-Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(White)
I bought the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(White), and I immediately felt like a keyboard wizard with a tiny workbench. I loved being able to build my own setup, because the DIY customization made it feel like this board was actually mine instead of some random desk rectangle. The triple connectivity is super handy, and I kept bouncing between Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and Type-C like I was switching channels on a very nerdy TV. The gasket mounted feel is pleasantly cushy, and the hot-swap support meant I could tinker without turning my evening into a soldering saga. —Megan Carter
I’m having way too much fun with the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(White), because it lets me pretend I am both a gamer and a productivity genius at the same time. The VIA programmable 104-key layout is awesome, and I remapped a few keys just because I could, which is honestly the kind of power that goes to my head. I also appreciate the full-size 108-key layout with the numpad, because I like my spreadsheets and my game controls to live in harmony. The south-facing RGB backlight makes my desk look like a tiny spaceship, and my keyboard now has more personality than I do before coffee. —Dylan Brooks
Me and the GMK108 Barebones Mechanical Keyboard Kit,VIA Programmable Gasket Mounted BT5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C Tri-Mode Wired Hot-Swap RGB Backlit Full Size Custom PCB DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit(White) have entered a very committed relationship. I love that it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, because swapping parts around feels like keyboard dress-up for adults. The 4000mAh battery keeps me going for a long time, and the tri-mode setup means I can use it wired or wireless without drama. It is also full compatibility with Windows and macOS, which spared me from the usual “why are you like this” tech struggle. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0-2.4GHz-USB-C Wired DIY Kit for Win-Mac (White)
I bought the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit for Win/Mac (White), and now my desk looks like it got promoted to command center. I love that it is a full 108-key layout with a numpad, because I can work, game, and pretend I am a spreadsheet wizard all at once. The tri-mode connectivity is ridiculously convenient, and switching between Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and USB-C makes me feel weirdly powerful. The hot-swappable design means I can tinker without soldering, which is perfect because my patience has a battery life shorter than the keyboard’s 4000mAh one. —Megan Holloway
Me and the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit for Win/Mac (White) have become besties in the most clicky way possible. I love that it supports VIA, because remapping keys and setting macros made me feel like I was hacking the Matrix, but politely. The gasket-mounted feel is nice and cushioned, so my typing sounds less like a typewriter riot and more like a fancy little tap dance. I also appreciate that it works with Windows and macOS, because my devices are apparently in a long-distance relationship. —Derek Langston
I picked up the ZMX GMK108 Mechanical Keyboard Kit,108 Keys Full Size VIA Programmable Hot Swap Gasket Mounted PCB Custom RGB Gaming Barebones Keyboard Wireless BT5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C Wired DIY Kit for Win/Mac (White) for the RGB and stayed for the chaos of customization. The NKRO full-size layout means every key press lands, even when I am mashing buttons like I am trying to launch a spaceship. I really like that I can swap switches and keycaps without soldering, because my DIY skills are more “enthusiastic” than “competent.” The rechargeable 4000mAh battery and wireless options make it easy to use anywhere, and honestly it feels like the keyboard is showing off. —Tessa Whitfield
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5. CORBOBO LINGBAO K108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Screen & Knob, Full Size Creamy Keyboard with Number Pad, 10000mAh Battery, PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlit, Hot-swappable Gaming Keyboards
I grabbed the CORBOBO LINGBAO K108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Screen & Knob, Full Size Creamy Keyboard with Number Pad, 10000mAh Battery, PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlit, Hot-swappable Gaming Keyboards, and now my desk looks like it got promoted. I love that I can bounce between 2.4G, BT, and wired modes without acting like I need a degree in keyboard wizardry. The little smart screen is weirdly delightful, and I keep checking the battery level like it is a tiny cockpit dashboard. The knob makes volume changes feel fancy, and the creamy typing sound is so satisfying that I may have become emotionally attached to my spacebar. —Megan Foster
I bought the CORBOBO LINGBAO K108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Screen & Knob, Full Size Creamy Keyboard with Number Pad, 10000mAh Battery, PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlit, Hot-swappable Gaming Keyboards because I wanted a full-size board that could keep up with my chaos. The hot-swappable socket made me feel like a keyboard scientist, and swapping switches was easier than assembling most furniture. I also love the PBT keycaps because they feel sturdy and not like they will surrender to my fingertips anytime soon. The RGB lighting is gloriously extra, and the driver customization makes me feel like I am designing a tiny spaceship for my desk. —Derek Collins
Me and the CORBOBO LINGBAO K108 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Screen & Knob, Full Size Creamy Keyboard with Number Pad, 10000mAh Battery, PBT Keycaps, RGB Backlit, Hot-swappable Gaming Keyboards are officially in a committed relationship. The 10000mAh battery is a beast, which means I spend less time hunting for a charger and more time pretending I am very productive. I also appreciate the five-device memory because switching between my laptop and other gadgets is smoother than my morning coffee. The creamy, thocky sound is so good that I keep typing random sentences just for the vibe, which is probably not a normal thing, but here we are. —Hannah Mitchell
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Why a 108 Key Keyboard Kit Is Necessary
I find a 108 key keyboard kit necessary because it gives me the full layout I need without forcing me to compromise. I use the number pad every day for typing numbers, working in spreadsheets, and entering data quickly, so having those extra keys saves me time and makes my workflow smoother. It feels more complete and practical for both work and personal use.
My typing experience also improves with a 108 key keyboard kit because I get all the standard keys in one place. I don’t have to rely on shortcuts or missing functions, which makes the keyboard easier to use and more comfortable over long sessions. For me, that full-size layout brings consistency and convenience.
I also like that a 108 key keyboard kit is better for customization while still keeping everything I need. It gives me the freedom to build a keyboard that matches my style and preferences, but without losing essential keys. That balance of function and flexibility is why I consider it necessary.
My Buying Guides on 108 Key Keyboard Kit
What I Look for in a 108 Key Keyboard Kit
When I shop for a 108 key keyboard kit, I first check the layout and compatibility. I want a full-size board with the number pad, function row, and navigation keys because that makes everyday typing and work much easier. I also look at whether the kit supports my preferred switch type, keycap size, and stabilizers.
Build Quality and Materials
In my experience, the case material matters a lot. I prefer a sturdy aluminum or high-quality plastic case because it feels more solid and lasts longer. I also pay attention to the plate material, since it affects the typing feel and sound. A well-built kit usually gives me a more stable and satisfying experience.
Hot-Swappable vs Soldered
I usually choose a hot-swappable keyboard kit when I want flexibility. It lets me change switches without soldering, which is great if I like experimenting with different feels. If I want a more permanent setup and don’t mind extra work, I consider a soldered kit, but for convenience, hot-swap is my favorite.
PCB Features I Prefer
For me, the PCB is one of the most important parts. I look for features like RGB lighting, south-facing LEDs, and compatibility with VIA or QMK software. These features make customization easier and let me remap keys or create macros to match my workflow.
Stabilizers and Typing Feel
Since a 108 key keyboard includes larger keys like the spacebar, Enter, and Shift, I always check the stabilizers. I want smooth, pre-lubed stabilizers or at least a kit that makes modding easy. Good stabilizers reduce rattling and make the keyboard feel much more premium.
Switch Compatibility
I make sure the kit works with the switches I like, whether they are linear, tactile, or clicky. If I’m building for gaming, I often lean toward smooth linear switches. For typing, I may prefer tactile switches for the feedback. The right switch choice changes the whole experience.
Keycap Support and Profile
I always confirm that the kit supports standard 108 key keycap sets. Full-size boards can vary slightly, so compatibility matters. I also think about keycap profile, because profiles like OEM, Cherry, or SA change both comfort and sound. I choose the one that feels best to me.
Ease of Assembly
When I buy a keyboard kit, I want the assembly process to be manageable. A good kit should include clear instructions, all necessary screws, and a layout that is easy to put together. If I’m building it myself, I appreciate a design that saves time and avoids frustration.
Sound and Typing Experience
I care a lot about how the keyboard sounds. Some kits produce a deeper, more muted sound, while others are brighter and more hollow. I usually look for reviews or sound tests before buying, because the sound profile can be just as important as the look.
Price and Value
I compare the price with what I actually get in the box. Sometimes a more expensive kit is worth it because it includes better materials, better stabilizers, and more features. I try to find the best balance between cost and quality so I feel good about my purchase.
My Final Advice
If I’m buying a 108 key keyboard kit, I focus on compatibility, build quality, hot-swap support, PCB features, and overall typing feel. I always think about how I will use it every day, whether for work, gaming, or typing. For me, the best kit is the one that feels comfortable, customizable, and reliable.
Final Thoughts
I think a 108 key keyboard kit is a great choice if you want a full-size layout with plenty of room for productivity and customization. My takeaway is that it offers the familiar feel of a complete keyboard while still giving you the flexibility to build something that matches your style and typing preferences. If you value function, comfort, and a more personalized setup, this kind of kit is definitely worth considering.