There are a couple of reasons you may want to build your own keyboard. The first is simple aesthetics, and building your own means you can give it whatever color scheme you like. The other reason is the feel of the keyboard, and this will give you the freedom to use whatever key switches you prefer. For instance, you could use heavier switches on your WASD keys for gaming. If you want to build your own, Datulab Tech has a great 3D-printable design and tutorial.This design is for a 68-key mechanical keyboard, and it's very compact. You probably wo not want to use this in place of your full-size keyboard at home, but it would be great for traveling. It runs on an Arduino Pro Micro, which appears as a USB HID device when you connect it to a computer, and has Cherry MX switches. If you want, there are provisions for adding NeoPixel-style individually-addressable RGB LEDs so you can have some nifty light effects. To build this, you will need to order the PCB, and you can contact Datulab Tech to get that. You will also need whatever key switches you want to use. The frame of the keyboard is 3D-printed, and you can either purchase or print the key caps. Assembling the PCB does require SMD soldering for the small LED modules, so that will take some experience to do. But, the final result is a compact keyboard that is customized to fit your needs
Best Gaming Desks Under $200 - Reviews, FAQs, and Guide
Since gaming equipment has a lot of range, gaming desks are no different. Their price can vary from 100$ to 2000$, and hence we shall be looking at the few of the best gaming desk under $200 so that you can enjoy the gameplay at an affordable price. The AuAg gaming desk boasts a large playing surface with a footprint of roughly 55 x26. It is large enough to house even ultra-wide monitors with ease as well as two 27 monitors. The spacious setup provides gamers with the comfort of placing all their peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, etc. Another cool feature for the gamers is the three millimeters thick gaming pad that runs across the length of the gaming desk. The gaming pad also is waterproof so that you can enjoy your gaming conquests to the fullest. The gaming desk features hexagonal steel leg construction to improve the durability; meanwhile, the four-foot leveling system provides the utmost stability to the whole desk and keeps it horizontal at all times. The cable management on this gaming desk is efficient and well thought of as it boasts two separate cutouts for managing all the system's wires. The cutouts are large enough to house all the cables, and also offers a concealed power strip box so that you can neatly tuck away all the wires. Other features include a cup holder, a hook for your gaming headphones, and adjustable leg pads for maximum utility. These additional features provide a clutter-free space to enjoy your gaming as well as peace-of-mind with the durable and sturdy construction of the gaming desk. The AuAg 55 gaming desk is a marvel for all gamers, and that at an affordable price. However, there are small things that would go on to make this even better, such as the headphone holder present on the other side of the desk. Most users find this configuration a little inconvenient. Similar is the lack of an RGB gaming desk, as most gamers would love to see a bit of lighting to the environment. Overall, the AuAG 55 is well worth your money with its brilliant carbon-fiber sleek texture that provides you a top surface for gaming. Additional features such as holders and excellent cable management add to the appeal of this gaming desk. The Foxemart computer desk is one of the more traditional desks on this list of best gaming desks. The sturdy design and a no-nonsense approach make the Foxemart computer desk ideal for gamers who do not look for many additional features. The 55 by 24 computer desk provides ample real-estate for all your system peripherals, including ultra-wide monitors or a dual monitor system. The desk also comes with an easy to assemble philosophy, which hardly takes a quarter of an hour. The construction of this MDF computer desk is a thing to marvel; it provides sleek durability that most other desks fail at. The leg pads can be adjusted as per requirements, the steel brackets with a triangularly designed junction offer the utmost security for your items placed on the desk. This secure structure also lets the desk withstand considerable weights. The MDF constructed panel on the frame of the desk represents a state of the art construction that boasts qualities such as water-resistance, anti-collision, and being waterproof amongst others. MDF is a versatile material that is lightweight yet gives a traditional wooden feel. The desk has a minimalistic design that makes it a perfect bet for carrying out diverse functions around the house. So if you do not require the desk for gaming purposes, it can be efficiently utilized elsewhere. The Foxemart does not have the underpinnings of a gaming desk that most avid gamers would be looking for due to a simple design. It lacks any particular features or extra storage option or cable management options. What the Foxemart computer desk lacks in features, it more than makes up in the durability and simplicity department. You can rest assured of the longevity that this desk can provide if you use it as your gaming desk. With little fuss and maximum ease, this gaming desk is one for the minimalists. Gaming systems typically have a large footprint and hence require full-size gaming desks. Horizontal desks can fulfill the requirements, but nothing fits the bill more than the L-shaped gaming desks, which conveniently provide ample space for all things gaming. The GreenForest l-shaped gaming desk features precisely the same functionality along with a chic design. The desk is the fusion of a contemporary artistic look with a touch of metallic durability in the shape of a black curved metal frame to give the most pleasing aesthetics. The construction of the desk panel is another win-win as it boasts P2 particleboard construction that is considered more eco-friendly than the typical MDF constructed boards. The particleboards provide a water-resistant and scratch-resistant surface for all gamers to ply their gaming skills with the utmost ease. The curved metal frame also provides a beautiful and simple look along with the durability of peel-resistant paint. The sturdy l-shaped gaming desk can easily withstand high loads with the capability of housing multiple monitors on it at a time. The three pieces of this ensemble can be easily rearranged for better orientation as per the gamer's requirements. Even more so, a gaming chair and a new desk attached can transform the desk into an able U-shaped desk meant for even higher gaming stakes. The gaming desk that boasts simplicity and sleekness does not possess features such as RGB lighting, extra storage compartments, or even a mouse gaming pad. Despite the traditional nature of the GreenForest gaming desk, it still provides a suitable platform for gamers to enjoy their gaming adventures and use the 3-piece desk in a versatile manner without having to worry about the durability. If you are short on space and require a sturdy option for your gaming desk, then the Coleshome computer desk may fit the bill. The 55x24 desk provides ample space for placing your gaming system and its allied accessories. The ample space means you have some to spare for your audio device and other related peripherals. Space will no longer be a problem with this elegantly designed gaming desk. The desk structure is minimalistic, with a steel frame powder-coated to enhance the durability. The panel's MDF construction ensures a myriad of benefits; durability, scratch resistance, and waterproofing. The desk is easy to install and super easy to clean, giving you a clutter-free environment to enjoy your gaming exploits to the maximum. The MDF panel provides a sleek look with teak color and adds to the grace of the desk. There are multiple variants available for this model, and depending upon the gamer's needs and space limitations, they can opt for a smaller one. The gaming desk can withstand loads of up to 150 Kgs that makes it durable enough to be loved by all gamers out there. Moreover, the adjustable metal leg pads add to the stability of the desk with fine adjustments possible. The traditional look of the desk may appeal to the minimalists but not to some gamers who want a bit of flare from their desks. The usual accessories linked with a gaming panel such as RGB lighting, hooks and extras storage, and full panel mousepads are missing. The Coleshome desk provides you with excellent aesthetics for your space with an easy to maintain gaming desk. It may not have the flare, but it sure does possess a rustic traditional look which individual gamers would love. The Coleshome l-shaped gaming desk is another excellent desk from the house of Coleshome. The gaming desk speaks of elegance, grace, and simplicity with three pieces of desks that can be arranged in different ways to meet each user's individual needs. The two variants, African walnut, and White add to the beauty of the gaming desk. All modern gamers will specifically enjoy these colors as they provide a contemporary look when combined with the sleek, black metallic frame. Moreover, the frame is made of sturdy metal that can hold multiple components of your gaming system with ease. At the bottom, extra metal brackets add to the stability of the desk's design and give more grace. The panel is constructed from MDF, which ensures an anti-scratch and waterproof surface for gamers to enjoy playing games. Furthermore, the smooth surface is effortless to clean and maintain, thereby giving a clutter-free environment. The ease of use is paramount with this gaming desk; the spacious underside provides ample leg space when playing games. The installation is easy, with a manual aiding you in that respect. The smaller desk contains a small tray-shelf for extra storage. Contemporary and minimalist touches inspire the desk, thereby it lacks the additional features that the gamers may be accustomed to, such as RGB lighting, hooks for cups and headphones, and gaming mouse pad surfaces. Apart from the apparent additional features that may make you look away from this gaming desk, it provides ample desk area for all your gaming needs, and that too with an elegant aesthetic. The SHW l-shaped gaming desk can be a good budget edition to anyone looking for a space-saving option that gives a traditional desk look. The particleboard construction with an espresso finish does just that. The desk has a practical design with a neat look so that you can easily use it in a living room or a bedroom. The multiple shelves on the desk provide storage options to remove clutter from the desktop and organize them efficiently. Overall, the desk provides a nice setup for all gamers who want to house multiple monitors, gaming mouse, keyboard, and speakers. The cable management is achieved through two cutouts on the opposite end of the larger desk. The lower part of the desk also has a particle board running across the length and can provide good leg-support. Moreover, the desk is super easy to assemble and hardly takes more than twenty minutes for assembly. Apart from the apparent spacious design, the desk lacks any additional features to lure gamers towards itself. Moreover, particleboard construction can sometimes look less sturdy. Another flaw in the design is the plastic pieces that join to complete the arrangement; they lack the desired stability. This l-shaped gaming desk is an affordable option with some extra storage, then the SWL desk may be the one for you. Its espresso finish lures the traditionalists in, and the efficient space management achieved by the l-shape is enough for gamers to buy the desk. The Walker Edison l-shaped gaming desk is one of the most elegant desks available on the market. The glass panels give the desk a highly contemporary and chic look. The glass panels are well built and bordered with a steel frame to provide the requisite ruggedness to the setup. The steel frame, though, quite thin, provides enough sturdiness to hold over 100 lbs. The desk is sure to excite gamers who are looking to efficiently utilize small spaces while maintaining a certain panache about the setup. It is a gaming computer desk for multiple monitors, and it holds up quite well with spacious width to accommodate such a setup. Moreover, the desiccate CPU stand underneath provides a convenient way to house your PC away from other peripherals. The three pieces of the desk can be arranged in multiple ways allowing users some diversity in usage. The two larger desks can be placed side by side or in the more traditional L-shaped design to cater to individual needs. The glass desk is certainly a sleek addition to any user's gaming cave; however, being a glass panel desk, it is prone to scratches and marks. Also, the keyboard tray is not large enough to house larger gaming keyboards, and most users do not find it very useful. Moreover, the simple design provides no cable management options; hence, users are advised to invest in some zip ties to manage their cables around the desk. Overall, the walker Edison desk provides a particularly chic style to gamers and a neat look at their gaming setup. Apart from the obvious flaws, it may just prove to be an excellent addition for avid gamers who are looking for a budget gaming desk for a small space. The Cubiker Modern L-shaped desk is modern by name and modern by style. The simple architectural frame provides a neat and elegant look; meanwhile, high-quality MDF construction ensures durability. The l-shaped gaming desks are in fashion due to their high efficiency in the utilization of space in small rooms. The steel frame is sleek yet sturdy and provides enough stability for you to put loads of about 100lbs, onto the desk. The desk can comfortably house more than two monitors and even a gaming laptop on the separate monitor shelf. This separate monitor shelf can either act as extra storage for your documents, put the laptop on it, and work in a standing position. The MDF constructed desk panels provide a traditional look with the qualities of durability, scratch-resistance, and moisture resistance. The desk is easy to assemble, and the curved design of the small desk accentuates the aesthetics of any corner space. The Cubiker modern desk can be a great addition to any small space; however, like some other budget l-shaped gaming desks, it does not possess cable management options and has average load-bearing capacities. Overall, the desk provides ample room for any gaming venture that most ardent gamers would want to accomplish. The desk combines a neat and contemporary design to achieve a minimalistic yet efficient design for gaming fans. Since this guide is limited to the gaming desks within a budget of 200$, it is safe to assume we will be talking about those desks only. If you do not have this limitation, there are many guides, that will cater to gaming desks of different price ranges. We may have a restricted budget here, but in all practicality, the first step when buying anything and, in this case, a gaming desk, is to set aside a budget for yourself. It will undoubtedly pinpoint the options that you can get within this price range. It will also enable you to prioritize a few things, such as size and shape, over aesthetics. The Surface Area of the Desk Gaming desks come in a lot of variety and indeed many shapes and sizes. The L-shaped gaming desks are a common sight for gamers as they utilize the space more efficiently while providing a considerable surface for all the peripherals to be placed. There is also consideration towards the monitors' setup that the gamers use; this is important as most opt for gaming computer desk for multiple monitors. In this case, the surface area becomes crucial. Moreover, the table's width should be enough for large ultra-wide monitors to be placed with ease. The weight carrying capacity of the gaming desk must match that of your requirements. It is paramount that gaming desks are made of sturdy construction to hold maximum weight as gaming systems evolve with time, and gamers look to add peripherals to their ensemble. A decent gaming desk carries enough weight to support your gaming peripherals and makes for a great gaming experience. The material of construction is another thing that you must keep in mind before buying a gaming desk. The desk needs to be of sturdy material hence opt for a metal frame structure that can resist hefty loads. Other materials include wood, plastic, and sometimes glass. Wood is also a sturdy option, as well as providing a traditional look to your desk. Glass desktops may be in fashion, but they require a lot of attention as they are challenging to clean. Avoiding plastic materials should be a must for gamers as they can be a bit flimsy.