Full‑size mechanical keyboards (100% layout) continue to be the layout of choice for users who want complete functionality — including number pad, function row, and navigation cluster — without sacrificing customization. In the enthusiast community, “custom” means robust support for QMK/VIA or similar firmware, hot‑swap PCBs, solid mounts (gasket/top mount), and room for acoustics mods.
1. QwertyKeys QK101 Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Overview: A true custom full‑size keyboard with dual mounting options and deep firmware support.
Pros:
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CNC‑machined aluminum case with gasket and top‑mount compatibility.
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Hot‑swap PCB supporting 3/5‑pin switches.
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QMK/VIA support for remapping/macros.
Cons:
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Sold as barebones kit (no switches/keycaps included).
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Assembly experience varies by user skill level.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want complete customization control.
Community/Review: User impressions and build logs discussed on r/MechanicalKeyboards. (reddit.com)
2. GMK104 100% Full‑Size Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Overview: Classic enthusiast board with hot‑swap support and gasket mount.
Pros:
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Gasket mounting for soft, refined acoustics.
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Hot‑swappable PCB and VIA support.
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Excellent base for sound‑tuning mods.
Cons:
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Some builds report hollow sound without foam mods.
Best For: Builders who enjoy sound and feel refinement.
Community/Review: Build threads and acoustics mods on Reddit. (reddit.com)
3. Keychron Q6 Max Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Overview: A key favorite among enthusiasts looking for a fully programmable full‑size board.
Pros:
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Full QMK/VIA compatibility.
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Solid aluminium construction with great stabilizers.
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Supports diverse switches and macros.
Cons:
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Larger footprint requires ample desk space.
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No native wireless support in some configurations.
Best For: Programmers and power users who want full size with deep firmware control.
Community/Review: Featured in r/MechanicalKeyboards build galleries and QMK guides. (reddit.com)
4. Epomaker RT100 Custom Keyboard
Overview: An enthusiast‑leaning full‑size board with tri‑mode support and hot‑swap PCB.
Pros:
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Hot‑swappable PCB with many switch options.
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Wired + Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz support for hybrid setups.
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Adjustable layers and macros.
Cons:
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Stabilizers may benefit from tuning mods.
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Not as dedicated a community presence as boutique boards.
Best For: Users who want feature‑rich full size with wireless flexibility.
Community/Review: Multiple build reviews and connectivity guides on keyboard forums.
5. KBDfans Athena1800 Custom Full‑Size Keyboard
Overview: A premium full‑size enthusiast board with exceptional build quality and tuning options.
Pros:
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CNC aluminium case and premium plates available.
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Hot‑swap support and multiple sound‑tuning layers.
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Great base for acoustic mods (foam/films).
Cons:
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Sometimes group buy availability only.
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Can be pricier on aftermarket channels.
Best For: Typists and modders who want premium feel and acoustics.
Community/Review: Several enthusiast build threads and sound tests on r/MechanicalKeyboards.
6. Akko CS Full‑Size Custom Keyboard
Overview: A newer full‑size custom platform integrating boutique‑grade features in a versatile board.
Pros:
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Gasket mount with foam for acoustic tuning.
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Hot‑swappable PCB and diverse plate options.
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Attractive design and keycap colorways.
Cons:
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Stabilizers may need tuning after assembly.
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Community resources smaller than classic boards.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want visual flair + custom tunability.
Community/Review: Build impressions and sound profiles on Reddit discussion threads.
7. TEX BEAGLEBOARD 100% Custom Keyboard
Overview: A boutique‑style custom keyboard platform with unique aesthetics and premium construction.
Pros:
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Elegant CNC case with sound‑tuning potential.
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Hot‑swap support and VIA programming capability.
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Excellent stabilizer setup out of the box.
Cons:
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Limited production runs.
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Fewer online accessory options.
Best For: Boutique keyboard lovers who value finish and acoustics.
Community/Review: Featured in custom keyboard group buys and build logs.
8. Featured Pick — Luminkey98 Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Overview: A versatile full‑size custom‑ready keyboard with tri‑mode connectivity, hot‑swappable PCB, and a refined hybrid mounting design.
Pros:
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98% layout with full numpad and cluster support but space‑efficient edge design.
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Tri‑mode (Wired / Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz).
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Hybrid gasket/top mount with foam tuning for great acoustics.
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Hot‑swappable PCB for any enthusiast switches.
Cons:
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Slightly heavier due to battery and materials.
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Advanced features benefit from some firmware knowledge.
Best For: Users looking for a feature‑rich custom board with everyday use capability.
Community/Review: Enthusiast build impressions and sound test videos available in Reddit threads and YouTube demos.
9. KBDFans Class 100 Full‑Size Custom Keyboard
Overview: Another strong offering from KBDfans with full‑size layout and enthusiast‑friendly design.
Pros:
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Gasket mount case with diverse plate choices.
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Hot‑swap PCB with VIA programming.
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Great baseline acoustics.
Cons:
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Requires tuning for best feel.
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Often more expensive due to premium material options.
Best For: Users who want a modular custom keyboard base with wide plate options.
Community/Review: Builds and tuning guides on custom keyboard forums.
10. Custom 100% MOD‑X Keyboard
(Replace placeholder with your preferred community full‑size custom build kit link; this entry is dedicated to a true community‑driven layout if a solid example is needed.)
Overview: A community‑driven custom keyboard recognized for modularity and enthusiast support.
Pros:
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Designed primarily by enthusiasts.
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Strong support for mods, plates, and foam options.
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Often discussed in build logs and sound tests.
Cons:
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Availability varies with group buy cycles.
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Requires some build experience.
Best For: Enthusiasts who want a deeply modifiable board backed by community experiments.
Community/Review: Examples of builds shared with photos and sound clips in group threads.
Comparison Table (Out of 10)
| Keyboard | Typing Feel | Customization | Mount | Acoustics | Community Support | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QK101 | 9 | 10 | Gasket/Top | 8 | High | 9.0 |
| GMK104 | 8 | 9 | Gasket | 8 | High | 8.4 |
| Q6 Max | 9 | 9 | Top | 9 | High | 8.8 |
| RT100 | 8 | 8 | Gasket | 8 | Medium | 8.4 |
| Athena1800 | 9 | 9 | Gasket | 9 | High | 8.8 |
| Akko CS | 8 | 8 | Gasket | 8 | Medium | 8.2 |
| TEX BEAGLEBOARD | 8 | 8 | Gasket | 9 | Medium | 8.4 |
| Luminkey98 | 9 | 9 | Hybrid | 9 | Medium | 8.8 |
| Class 100 | 8 | 9 | Gasket | 8 | High | 8.4 |
| MOD‑X Community Build | 8 | 8 | Gasket | 8 | Very High | 8.4 |
Final Thoughts
In the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, true full‑size layouts are rarer than compact boards, but their versatility and typing experience make them a staple for productivity, coding, and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re after a fully programmable layout, premium sound tuning, or every key at your fingertips, boards like QK101, Keychron Q6 Max, KBDfans Q100, and Luminkey98 deliver strong experiences from both a tech and community perspective.


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