If you’re new to mechanical keyboards, this video is my full beginner guide on how to choose the right keyboard for you—because your current keyboard might not be “bad,” it just might not fit what you actually do. I’ve tested a lot of boards (and built a few customs), so I break this down in a way that’s easy: pre-built vs custom, how much you should spend, what size makes sense, what features actually matter, and how to pick switches without wasting money. I go over my budget tiers (under $50, $50–$100, and $100+), plus examples in each range like the RK61/K530 for budget, TH80/Akko 3061 for mid-range, and boards like the Ducky One 3 Mini or GMMK Pro when you’re spending more. Then I explain keyboard sizes from 60% up to full size, and why for gaming I usually recommend 65% or 75% as the sweet spot. After that, I cover must-have features (hot-swap is huge), the three main switch types (linear, tactile, clicky), and simple mods like lubing switches/stabs and adding foam to improve sound and feel. I also touch on accessories like custom cables and wrist rests to finish the setup.