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barebones keyboard

11 Best Barebones Keyboards in 2024

If you’re in search of a barebones keyboard then you’ve come to the right place.

Devoid of any switches or keycaps, a barebones chassis is one of the more economic solutions for keyboard enthusiasts who already have their own parts.

Generally, most include a set of stock stabs, but they’ll probably need replacing down the line, too…

Below, we will cover the best mechanical keyboards that are stripped right down for customization.


What is the best barebones keyboard?

11. Pulsar Gaming Gears – PCMK

USB: Left-center
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Pulsar Custom Mechanical Keyboard (PCMK) Barebones is a fully customizable, entry-level keyboard that offers great value. It has a TKL, ANSI layout with 87 Keys. Additionally, it features a hot-swappable PCB, RGB backlighting, and its own intuitive native software.

The board consists of an aluminum top plate and a matt plastic bottom. Aesthetically, the bottom case has a large bevel, which gives the keyboard a slim impression. Moreover, while the case sides are cloudy, the bottom of the case is completely translucent. As a result, the PCB is clearly visible.

Stuck/ molded into the bottom of the case are four rubber comer pads and a pair of flip-out feet. The feet have two levels of adjustment, however during use; we found the default angle of the case to be just right. Then, on the back (towards the left-center) is a USB Type-C port.

Although this is a budget board, the quality is quite impressive. The top plate has a lovely diamond cut edge and the overall build feels solid. Moreover, thanks to the silicone dampener between the plate and the PCB (and the pre-clipped/ lubed stabs); you can expect a quiet typing experience.

The PCB itself has north-facing LEDs and supports both three/ 5-pin switches. In addition to having per-key LEDs above each socket, there are a few more LEDs underneath the Pulsar logo (above the arrows), too. With both the keys and Pulsar logo illuminated, the RGB backlighting looks beautiful.

Finally, you’ll be glad to know that the backlighting is controllable with (or without) the Fusion software. The software is user-friendly and full of customization options. Besides the backlighting, it gives you control over the macros, key assignments, and more through the various side tabs.

Overall, the PCMK is an amazing gateway into custom mechanical keyboards.

Pros
  • Great build quality
  • Internal sound dampening
  • Beautiful RGB backlighting
  • Easy to use software
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Plastic base is easy to scratch
  • Smallish Type-C port

10. Glorious GMMK Full-size Barebones

USB: Left-center
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The GMMK Full-size Barebones is a 108-socket mechanical keyboard chassis with a sleek and minimalistic design. Upon its original release, it made a name for itself as the world’s first RGB, hot-swappable board and has since then became a best seller in the gaming community.

Built with a strong, sandblasted aluminum faceplate, the GMMK lacks no quality. Running around the edge of the faceplate is a thin, polished bevel that adds to the aesthetics of the board. Apart from this, you will notice three LEDs indicators for the caps lock, scroll lock, and num lock.

Although the top half of the chassis is entirely aluminum, this clips into a plastic bottom shell. The shell has four rubber feet, plus two adjustable flip-up feet. In addition to the feet, there’s housing for a free keycap puller as well as a USB cable routing channel that runs along the back edge.

Sandwiched between both parts is the boards hot-swappable PCB. This is compatible with plate-mounted switches (3-pin) and features north-facing SMD LEDs. While the LEDs are quite bright, the lighting they produce is not comparable to Drop keyboards, which we will cover further in this list.

All RGB backlighting is controllable on board or with the downloadable GMMK software. Using the software, you can adjust the per-key RGB lighting and assign macros to any key. Personally, we think the software is a little bit unintuitive, though the onboard controls are clearly written in the manual.

All in all, it’s a fantastic entry-level, full-size barebones keyboard.

Pros
  • Aluminum frame
  • Highly customizable RGB
  • Software is easy to use
  • Long, braided cable
  • Flip-up feet
Cons
  • Software only works with Windows
  • 3-pin switches only
  • Noisy stabilizers

9. GMMK Compact Barebones

USB: Left
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The GMMK Compact Barebones is a versatile and satisfying 60% mechanical keyboard. By having a sturdy aluminum faceplate with sleek bevels and no visual branding; it follows the same minimalist design as the larger full-size model. Similarly, it works with any three-pin switch under the sun.

In terms of the build, the aluminum top frame attaches to a plastic bottom shell. Even so, the board is sturdy, does not flex, or produce any squeaky plastic noises. On the bottom of the shell are four rubber feet, a key-cap puller, and a pair of height-adjustable feet with one level of adjustment.

Just like the full-size, the Compact is hot-swappable with 3-pin mechanical switches and features north-facing LEDs. Being able to hot-swap between the switches without having to do any soldering is a game-changer. Unfortunately, though, it does mean you’ll have to clip any 5-pin switches.

Thanks to the PCBs per-key LED lighting, RGB backlighting is another standout feature. The backlighting provides up to 16.8 million color combinations and is nice and bright. All brightness options, lighting effects, and colorways are all fully controllable onboard or with the native software.

Lastly, you’ll appreciate the extra accessories you get in the box. Besides the key-cap puller, the board comes with a few replacement feet and a nice, thick braided USB cable. The cable is six feet in length, which should be more than long enough for the majority of people.

Overall, with the GMMK Compact you can expect a superb, 60% chassis that’s easy to tailor.

Pros
  • Aluminum frame
  • Highly customizable RGB
  • Software is easy to use
  • Long, braided cable
  • Flip-up feet
Cons
  • Software only works with Windows
  • Hot-swap with 3-pin switches only
  • Noisy stabilizers
  • Micro USB

8. Drop ALT Barebones

USB: Left and Right
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Drop ALT Barebones is one of the best 65% mechanical keyboard chassis on the market right now. As a streamlined version of the CTRL model, it packs 67 keys into a tight, compact space. This includes a full set of arrow keys and numerals that so many gamers prefer.

Apart from the noticeable size difference, the design of the ALT is almost identical to the CTRL. The build features the same solid aluminum construction with curved rounded edges and an acrylic diffuser wedged between the middle. Underneath are four rubber feet, plus two magnetic raisers.

Just like the CTRL, the frame also acts as a built-in switch plate. This supports the majority of 3-pin mechanical switches as well as the plate-mounted stabilizers that come with the deal. Due to using the same set of Cherry-style stabs, the stabilizers are however one area that may need fixing up.

Thanks to the light pipes that ring around the sides and LEDs beneath each switch, the RGB looks magical. Both sets of LEDs are incredibly vibrant, syncs together beautifully, and produce an excessive amount of light. Until you see it with your own eyes, you won’t realize how nice it really is.

All RGB effects are controllable onboard or via the software. The onboard controls let you perform quick and simple actions like changing the brightness or customizing the colors. Alternatively, more complex customizations can be programmed using the QMK software.

Pros
  • Solid construction
  • Bright RGB backlighting
  • Easy to disassemble
  • Two USB Type-C on both sides
  • Magnetic feet
Cons
  • Little documentation
  • Pricey

7. Glorious GMMK TKL Barebones

USB: Left-center
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The GMMK TKL is the tenkeyless version of the popular full-size Glorious GMMK. This board stands out for its minimalistic, raised key-cap design with almost no visible branding. It also happens to be one of the best hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that money can buy.

Similar to the GMMK full-size, the GMMK TKLs construction is in two parts: a gorgeous, sandblasted aluminum frame and a plastic bottom shell. The frame acts as the top plate and covers the sides, while the bottom plastic shell has four rubber feet and a pair of height-adjustable feet.

The large, steady, frame provides a superb modding platform. All 87 sockets are fully modular, which makes it easy to drop in and install a selection of 3-pin switches into the PCB. For stock switches, it comes with Gaterons; however, you can also use Kailh’s, Cherry MX’s, and clones.

While the board is nice and solid, you might want to perform a few mods out of the box. For starters, the stabilizers are quite rattly, so you’ll probably want to replace them with a quality set of GMK plates or genuine Cherry stabs. Furthermore, the stock keycaps only use thin ABS plastic.

With a high polling rate, anti-ghosting, and a 16.8 million-color RGB backlight, the GMMK features everything you would expect with a premium product. Customizing the RGB backlight is possible onboard or via the software. The software is super basic but still good enough to get the job done.

To sum up, the TKL is an all-round, outstanding barebones keyboard.

Pros
  • Aluminum frame
  • Highly customizable RGB
  • Software is easy to use
  • Long, braided cable
  • Flip-up feet
Cons
  • Software only works with Windows

6. Akko MOD007

USB: Left
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The MOD007 is an entry-level, 75% gasket-mounted barebones keyboard from Chinese manufacturer Akko. Taking inspiration from GMMK Pro (and Keychron Q1), it has a virtually identical aluminum chassis design that incorporates a rotary knob and a hot-swappable RGB PCB.

Unlike the GMMK Pro, the MOD007 is available in four charming color options. These include Ocean Blue, Sakura Pink, and Space Grey. You might also like that the chassis has larger bezels on the north and south sides. This gives the overall aesthetic a simpler, more playful look.

As for the build quality, the 007 has its pros and cons. On the plus side, the gasket implementation is less stiff (than the GMMK Pro) but not quite as flexible as the Keychron Q1. A negative though, is that the aluminum case sounds more pingy and hollow, even with its stock 4mm layer of foam.

Nevertheless, there’s still the potential to fix this with some mods. For instance, inserting a thicker layer of foam or adding some tape between the top/ bottom case. After we did this, it considerably dampened the sound and improved the overall typing experience of this barebones keyboard.

In addition to its aluminum plate, the MOD007 comes with an FR4 plate. Both plates support plate mount and PCB mount stabs, however, the deal only includes a set of plate mount ones. Surprisingly, these sound really good out of the box so it’s not entirely necessary to replace them.

Overall, if you’re searching for a budget alternative to the GMMK Pro and Keychron Q1, the MOD007 is a top choice. Like its name, you’ll probably going to want to mod it to get it sounding spot-on.

Akko MOD007 barebones keyboard
(Image Credit: Akko)
Pros
  • Four case color options
  • Comes with an additional FR4 plate
  • Gasket mount design
  • Supports both plate/ PCB mount stabs
  • Cheaper than GMMK Pro and Q1
Cons
  • No QMK or VIA support (must use Akko Cloud)
  • Rotary knob feels a little wobbly
  • Aluminum case pings
  • North facing LEDs

5. Drop CTRL Barebones

USB: Left and Right
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Drop CTRL Barebones is a premium mechanical keyboard chassis that simply has it all. As a scaled-down version of a full-size board, it packs 87 keys into a compact TKL design. Even so, it still has room for a full set of function keys, arrow keys, and navigation keys.

When compared to the Drop Shift, the sleek, low-profile design of the CTRL is practically the same. This consists of an aluminum top and bottom frame that has plenty of strength and rigidity. Wedged in between is an acrylic diffuser that provides LED illumination from all four sides of the board.

Underneath are six rubber feet that allow the CTRL to sit completely flat. If you want to give the board a slight inclination (or decline), a nice little bonus is that it also includes two magnetic rubber feet. These simply clip into the holes in the bottom and provide a 6-degree typing angle.

Similar to the Drop Shift, the aluminum frame also acts as a built-in switch plate for the PCB. The PCB is completely hot-swappable and can house a large selection of plate-mounted (3-pin) switches. Although the switches aren’t included, you do get a “mediocre” set of Cherry-style stabs.

Lastly, RGB backlighting is another standout feature of the CTRL. Each switch on the PCB has an individual LED and LEDs run evenly along the diffuser sides. Together they produce a beautiful rainbow effect that shines evenly in and around the case and throughout the floating keycaps.

To sum up, the CTRL Barebones is an awesome mechanical keyboard that comes in one of the most popular form factors.

Pros
  • Solid construction
  • Bright RGB backlighting
  • Easy to dissemble
  • Dual USB Type-C ports
  • Magnetic feet
Cons
  • Little documentation
  • Pricey

4. GMMK Pro Barebones

USB: Center
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The GMMK Pro is a luxurious, 75% barebones kit that’s ideal for custom keyboard builds. It features a fully modular, 83 key layout (including a clickable media control knob), 16.8 million per-key RGB, and two acrylic panels on the sides of the case for some signature accent lighting.

Built from aluminum, the quality of the Pro is second to none. With rounded bezels and an engraved Glorious logo on the back, you can tell that no manufacturing costs were cut. This attention to detail follows through into the interior of the case where you will find two foam dampeners inside.

To further reduce vibration and naturally dampen keystrokes, the GMMK Pro goes for a gasket-mounted plate design. Essentially, this is where two strips of silicon sit on either side of the plate to prevent it from contacting the case. This results in an even more cushioned and quieter clamp.

The south-facing PCB is hot-swappable and supports both plate mount and PCB mounted switches. In addition to this, it supports both clip-In or screw-In stabs. You’ll be glad to know that the board comes with its own “GOAT” screw-in stabilizers that are factory pre-clipped and pre-lubed.

For software, the GMMK Pro gives you a few different choices. It’s compatible with its own native “Glorious Core”, or QMK and VIA open-source firmware. VIA is a configurator app that allows you to tweak the keymap in real-time so you can quickly program any keyboard keys via the QMK firmware.

Pros
  • Aluminum case
  • Rotatory knob
  • Side RGB accent lighting
  • Gasket mount design
  • Dampening foam
Cons
  • Non-GOAT stabilizers may not fit well
  • Gaskets are very tightly compressed
  • Need to update the firmware

3. Drop Shift Barebones

USB: Left and Right
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Drop Shift Barebones is a modern and inventive mechanical keyboard. Significantly shorter than a traditional full-size board, it goes for a space-efficient 1800 layout with 99 keys. This results in the home-key cluster moving above the Numpad for a similar form factor to that of a TKL.

Constructed with a CNC anodized aluminum frame, the build quality is solid and there isn’t any flex. Besides providing plenty of strength, the frame also acts as a built-in switch plate for the PCB. The PCB is entirely hot-swappable and can house a selection of 3-pin mechanical switches.

As this is a barebones board, you will need to purchase your own switches and keycaps, however, a set of plate-mounted Cherry-style stabilizers do come with the deal. The stabs are somewhat decent but can be prone to rattling on some of the larger keys. As a result, you may want to replace them.

RGB backlighting is another prominent feature of the Drop Shift. A diffused light bar wraps around the entire case and north-facing LEDs are soldered into the PCB. Together, they produce a beautiful lightbox effect that shines evenly in and around the case and throughout the floating keycaps.

Using the QMK firmware, all of the backlighting and keys are fully programmable. The configurator allows you to program macros, customize key re-mappings, and set the RGB lighting just as you like. Although we found the software to be a little primitive, it does perform enough functionalities.

Overall, the Shift is a beautiful keyboard for anyone looking to add some flair to their desktop.

Pros
  • Solid construction
  • Bright RGB backlighting
  • Easy to disassemble
  • Two USB Type-C on both sides
  • Magnetic feet
Cons
  • Little documentation
  • Pricey

2. Keychron Q1 Barebones

USB: Left
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Keychron Q1 Barebones is a highly customizable mechanical keyboard chassis that closely rivals the GMMK Pro. Similarly, it features a 75% layout with 83 keys (including a vacant socket for a rotary knob), a gasket mount design, and is fully programmable via QMK and VIA.

Made from CNC aluminum, the board is solid and has plenty of strength. Underneath are four rubber feet that help to raise the case just above the ground. Moreover, on the back left of the case is a USB Type-C port as well as a toggle switch for swapping between a Windows and macOS layout.

Due to having a gasket mount design, the plate provides up to 2.5mm of generous flex. This makes it considerably more flexible than the GMMK Pro, which has a reputation for being quite stiff. As a result, you can expect an even softer typing experience with a slightly more satisfying sound.

The hot-swap PCB is compatible with 5-pin mechanical switches and has south-facing RGB LEDs. As this is a barebones board, no switches are included but you do get a nice pair of screw-in stabs. These are silver-plated Gateron stabilizers that are factory lubed and sound decent out of the box.

In contrast to the GMMK Pro (that can also be used with Glorious Core), the Keychron Q1 relies solely on QMK and VIA support. Nevertheless, this still allows you to program/ remap each key and configure the backlighting with ease – so it’s not really a deciding factor.

When it comes to choosing between the two 75% barebones keyboards, personally, we think the Keychron Q1 is the one to go for. This is due to having a slightly cheaper entry price and a better-implemented gasket mount.

Keychron Q1 Barebone Version Unboxing
Pros
  • Aluminum case
  • Optional rotatory knob
  • Gasket mount design
  • Screw-in stabilizers
  • Dampening foam
Cons
  • No wireless connectivity
  • Case has a slight pinging sound
  • No height or angle adjustment

1. Keychron Q2 Barebones

USB: Left
Backlighting: RGB
Hot-swappable: ✓
Wireless: X
Software: ✓

The Keychron Q2 Barebones is the 65% variant of the Keychron Q1. Similarly, it has a highly customizable layout and comes packed with premium features. These include a gasket mount design, a hot-swappable PCB, and programmability via QMK and VIA.

Much like the Q1, the Q2 is built from a solid CNC aluminum case. Apart from the obvious difference in form factor and weight, the case is pretty much identical. Underneath are four rubber feet. Moreover, on the back is a USB-C port, plus a switch for toggling between system layouts.

One way in which the Q2 does differ from the Q1 is with its innovative double gasket design. In addition to the gaskets on the plates, Keychron has added silicone pads between the top and bottom cases. As a result, it has less ping and marginally more bounce in the overall structure.

Another minor upgrade is that Q2 now uses its own screw-in stabs instead of the silver-plated Gateron stabilizers on the Q1. You’ll be glad to know that these are lubed, clipped, and feel extra stable and smooth. They screw into the same PCB that is compatible with both 3/5 pin switches.

Finally, as mentioned, the Q2 is programmable via QMK and VIA. Here you can program/ remap each key, and configure the backlighting with ease. We also like the ability to re-assign the functionality of the knob controller. For example, zooming in/out, adjusting screen brightness, brush size, etc.

Overall, the Keychron Q2 is a real solid board that makes some great refinements to its larger brother. If you’re in search of a 65% form factor, this is one of the best barebones keyboards around.

Pros
  • Aluminum case
  • Optional rotatory knob
  • Double gasket mount
  • Less case ping
  • QMK/ VIA programmable
Cons
  • No wireless connectivity
  • No height or angle adjustment
  • Can’t hot-swap knob

What is a Barebones Keyboard?

A barebones keyboard is a semi-made mechanical keyboard that ships without any switches or keycaps. Although they are required to complete the keyboard, they are not included in the deal. This lowers the cost of the unit and allows the user to complete the build the way they like.

A barebones keyboard lets you create a build that matches your preferences with little expertise or effort on your part. Barebones keyboards arrive without switches and keycaps, which may seem like a downside, but this prevents you from ending up with components you don’t like.

Barebones in general refers to a system with as few components as needed. While you still need switches and keycaps for the keyboard to function, a barebones keyboard offers the skeletal work needed before you can flesh out your build.

The focus of a barebones keyboard is your ability to customize the build. You pay for a higher quality chassis and PCB and purchase the switches and keycaps separately. The manufacturer focuses on creating a great foundation for your keyboard so you can source the other parts that work best for you.

Some manufacturers give you the option to purchase a barebones keyboard in a customizable kit with switches and keycaps, but for some people this is unnecessary. Due to retailing at a cheaper cost, we recommended purchasing a Barebones board over a pre-assembled keyboard when possible.


What Are the Advantages of Buying a Barebones Keyboard?

These keyboards offer you more flexibility for keyboard and switch options. Most serious users outgrow a pre-built keyboard in no time at all, even when just starting out. A barebones keyboard anticipates this issue and lets you create a keyboard that fits your needs with greater ease.

Because most of the assembly for a barebones keyboard happens in the factory, all you need to do is find switches and keycaps that look and feel good to you and install them.

Most barebones keyboards feature a hot-swappable PCB, and it is much easier to swap out switches and keys as you like. Pre-built keyboards, especially cheaper ones, don’t worry about ease of assembly or maintenance, but a barebones keyboard lets you ensure these processes are as easy as you want.

With a barebones kit, you also are not stuck assembling the basic parts right out of the box. Instead, you can start installing switches and keycaps as soon as you have everything together.

A barebones keyboard does not leave you with pointless parts, like cheap ABS keycaps or switches that don’t feel right to you.


How to Choose a Barebones Keyboard

Most users won’t go wrong with a barebones keyboard, but you need to make sure you choose the right features to build on.

Size/ Layout

Before you can‌ choose any other details for your barebones keyboard, you need to choose a size that works best for you.

A standard full-sized keyboard has 104 or 108 keys, including all functions and the number pad. You can drop ‌to a 96% compact version of this or fall further to a tenkeyless or smaller size (if you’re willing to forgo the number pad).

Keep in mind that it is more difficult to find keycaps for compact and smaller sizes.

Build Quality

Most barebones keyboards have higher build quality than pre-assembled keyboards, but you cannot always count on this.

Find a barebones keyboard in materials that feel good to you, ranging from polycarbonate to aluminum and many others in between.

Purchase barebones keyboards from reputable sellers with good reviews. That way you can research prior to purchase about the build quality of a board.

Hot-Swappable or Not

Pay attention to the hot-swappable capability of a barebones keyboard. This lets you swap out keyboard switches with greater ease, allowing easier installation and customization.

A barebones keyboard that is not hot-swappable requires the use of a soldering tool to attach switches, and you’ll need it again to swap them out.

Connectivity Options

Do you prefer a wired or wireless experience from your barebones keyboard?

Wired keyboards run into fewer issues (usually), but wireless options like IR technology, radiofrequency, and Bluetooth provide a cleaner look.

Connectivity affects the portability of your barebones keyboard.

Features

Some sellers of barebones keyboards allow you to create your own kit with compatible switches and keys, taking some of the stress and guesswork from you.

Other features to consider include a control dial (rotary encoder), special lighting, and ergonomic and aesthetic features.

Software

The software needed to remap keys and monitor your keyboard varies depending on the manufacturer.

QMK is a popular open-source software, and the manufacturer outlines the process to use the software in any included instructions.

Another popular option is VIA, which is based on QMK. This program offers more control and updates your keyboard in real-time.


Frequently Asked Questions

What does a barebones keyboard mean?

A barebones keyboard ships without any switches or keycaps. Instead of receiving the whole package, the buyer will just recieve the case (with the PCB), the stabilizers, and any accessories. This allows the buyer to customize the build just as they like.

Does GMMK barebones come with stabilizers?

Yes, all GMMK barebones boards come with pre-lubed stabilizers. The GMMK Full-size, TKL, and Compact boards feature plate-mounted stabs while the GMMK Pro uses PCB mounted, screw-in stabs.



We hope you found a barebones keyboard on this list.

Click here for the 21 best Mechanical Keyboard Kits!

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