Is there a "PC Parts Picker" for mechanical keyboards? - Reddithttps://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/vhr4kq/is_there_a_pc_parts_picker_for_mechanical/
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Your Guide to Custom Mechanical Keyboard Parts from ...https://custom-mechanical-keyboard-parts.pages.dev/blog/your-guide-to-custom-mechanical-keyboard-parts-from-kbdfans
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Question: Which component retailers publish reliable compatibility matrices for custom keyboard PCBs plates cases stabilizers and mounting styles?
If by “reliable compatibility matrices” you mean retailers that explicitly document PCB ↔ plate ↔ case ↔ stabilizer ↔ mounting-style compatibility, rather than merely saying “60%” or “65%,” I’d prioritize these:
Retailer
Compatibility documentation
Particularly useful for
KBDfans
Strong — product pages often list exact compatible PCBs, plates, layouts, stab types, and mounting systems; some pages provide plate CAD files
Cases, PCBs, plates, complete custom ecosystems
KeebDepot
Strong and unusually systematic — has a build configurator plus separate compatibility guidance for mounting and stabilizers
Good on individual plates — often specifies exact board revisions, layouts, case styles, and stabilizer requirements
Replacement/aftermarket plates
NovelKeys
Generally good when dealing with its own boards/kits, but less of a universal cross-vendor matrix
NK boards and associated parts
Divinikey
Good product-level specifications, especially switches/stabilizers/PCB-related parts; less comprehensive as a universal case/PCB matrix
Stabilizers, switches, PCBs and enthusiast components
Mekibo
Good for detailed enthusiast product listings, particularly when the parts belong to a specific board ecosystem
Custom kits and replacement components
My strongest picks
1. KBDfans — best for case/PCB/plate ecosystems
KBDfans is particularly useful because its listings can get down to the actual interface, rather than just keyboard size. For example, its GT-60 documentation names compatible PCBs and mounting configurations and specifies whether a plate expects PCB- or plate-mounted stabilizers. It even supplies different plate files for different stab configurations.
That kind of documentation is what I'd trust when mixing parts.
2. KeebDepot — best if you want a compatibility-oriented shopping workflow
KeebDepot has an explicit build tool that combines case, PCB, plate, switches, keycaps and stabilizers and displays compatibility notes.
It also documents the distinctions between screw-in, clip-in and plate-mounted stabilizers and, importantly, calls out 1.2 mm vs. 1.6 mm PCB thickness—a detail that can easily be missed when buying stabs separately.
3. KeyboardMousePro — useful for aftermarket plates
Its individual plate listings can contain surprisingly specific compatibility information. For example, one Waffling60/Bakeneko-style plate listing specifies the board revision needed for particular layouts and explicitly states the stabilizer mounting arrangement.
One important caveat
I wouldn't treat any retailer's percentage-size label as a compatibility matrix. “60% PCB,” “65% case,” etc. aren't sufficient specifications. The interfaces that actually matter are:
PCB ↔ case: outline, mounting-hole locations, standoffs, USB/daughterboard position
KeyboardMousePro — good detailed plate compatibility
Divinikey / NovelKeys / Mekibo — good component specifications, but verify cross-vendor fit yourself
And when there is a conflict, the PCB/case designer's mechanical drawing or explicit compatibility list beats the retailer's generic compatibility claim.
That kind of documentation is what I'd trust when mixing parts.
2. KeebDepot — best if you want a compatibility-oriented shopping workflow
KeebDepot has an explicit build tool that combines case, PCB, plate, switches, keycaps and stabilizers and displays compatibility notes.
It also documents the distinctions between screw-in, clip-in and plate-mounted stabilizers and, importantly, calls out 1.2 mm vs. 1.6 mm PCB thickness—a detail that can easily be missed when buying stabs separately.
3. KeyboardMousePro — useful for aftermarket plates
Its individual plate listings can contain surprisingly specific compatibility information. For example, one Waffling60/Bakeneko-style plate listing specifies the board revision needed for particular layouts and explicitly states the stabilizer mounting arrangement.
If by “reliable” you mean the retailer explicitly documents PCB ↔ plate ↔ case ↔ stabilizer ↔ mounting-style compatibility, rather than simply listing compatible-looking parts, there are a few standouts.
Retailer / resource
Compatibility documentation
Particularly useful for
CannonKeys
Excellent
PCB/plate/case combinations, mount systems, stabilizers, build-specific requirements
Stabilizers, switches, PCBs and individual components
KBD Lab
Very useful as a cross-reference
Comparing stabilizer mounting types and vendors
1. CannonKeys — probably the strongest for case/PCB/plate relationships
CannonKeys' documentation is unusually engineering-oriented. Its resource pages provide actual PCB models and plate files, including form-factor-specific PCB resources, rather than relying solely on product descriptions. It explicitly says its PCB STEP models are provided so other designers can make compatible products.
Its build guides are also excellent for catching non-obvious constraints. For example, the Bakeneko documentation explicitly specifies clip-in stabilizers and warns that screw-in stabilizers interfere with its O-ring mounting system.
That's exactly the kind of information I would trust when assembling a mix-and-match build.
2. KBDfans — strongest for detailed product-level compatibility
KBDfans has some of the clearest specifications I've found for individual components. Their listings commonly identify:
PCB thickness and type
supported layouts
plate materials
mounting style
stabilizer mounting
special layout restrictions
which PCB/plate combinations are actually supported
For example, their Wooting 60HE V2 plate explicitly states Wooting 60HE V1/V2, ANSI 60%, Hall-effect switches, and plate-mount stabilizers, while specifically saying PCB-mount stabilizers aren't compatible.
Their Tofu60 Redux V2 documentation goes further, distinguishing standard/non-O-ring PCBs from O-ring-compatible PCBs, and identifying which mounting mechanisms each supports. It even calls out that split-spacebar PCBs only support tray mount.
Their current technical guide is also useful for understanding why these relationships matter: tray, top, gasket, O-ring and PCB-gasket mounting aren't interchangeable mechanically.
3. NovelKeys — good when buying a complete ecosystem
NovelKeys is particularly useful when you're looking at a keyboard kit where the retailer has designed the components as a system. Its current TOFULL listing, for example, exposes the case, PCB, plate and mounting configuration together and specifies that the board supports top mount and PCB silicone gasket configurations, with particular PCB and plate choices.
That's less of a universal compatibility database and more of a "these are the components that actually belong together" approach.
Two boards can both be advertised as “60%” and still be incompatible. Even within the same case family, an O-ring PCB can have a different perimeter geometry from a conventional PCB, and a plate-mount-stabilizer plate can be incompatible with a PCB-mount arrangement.
So for a DIY mix-and-match build, I'd use CannonKeys + KBDfans as the primary technical references, then use KBD Lab/retailer listings to verify the stabilizers.
If you're trying to build a database/spreadsheet of interchangeable PCBs, plates, cases and stabilizers, I can also give you a schema for the compatibility matrix—including the fields that are usually omitted by retailers but are critical for determining actual fit.
In the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, there is no universal "PCPartPicker"-style dynamic compatibility engine for internal components (PCBs, plates, cases, and mounting styles). This is because unlike desktop PCs—where ATX, mATX, and PCIe create strict standardized form factors—custom keyboard internals are proprietary to each manufacturer and model design. A 65% PCB from Brand A will almost never fit a 65% case from Brand B.
However, several prominent component retailers and ecosystem curators provide reliable, granular compatibility lists, structured product pages, or cross-reference matrices for their specific product lineups:
KBDfans : The gold standard for standardized 60% and modular parts. They explicitly detail layout support, compatible case models (e.g., Tofu60 Redux vs. Holy60), designated plate materials, and stabilizer constraints directly inside individual product descriptions and accessory tabs.[2]
CannonKeys : Known for clear, structured spec sheets on their in-house board designs (the Bakeneko, Brutal series, etc.). Their product pages meticulously document compatible solder/hotswap PCBs, plate options (FR4, POM, Aluminum), and gasket/o-ring mounting requirements.
NovelKeys : Excellent at providing transparent specifications and supporting documents for their managed projects and group buys, frequently detailing exact plate files (CAD/DXF for DIY cutting), PCB dimensions, and layout compatibility.
Mode Designs : While restricted to their proprietary ecosystem, their configurator and product architecture pages act as a visual and technical matrix, showing how top-case, bottom-case, plate material, and mounting styles (stack mount, isolate gasket mount) interconnect per model.
Keyboard Part Picker : A community-driven effort attempting to map out parts, though it functions more as a reference/build planner rather than a foolproof automated matrix for proprietary layout geometries.
If you are planning a specific build, let me know:
What form factor (60%, 65%, TKL) or specific case/PCB you are looking at
Whether you prefer tray, gasket, or top mount
I can help you verify if those components will safely work together.
In the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, formal, automated universal compatibility matrices that cross-reference every third-party PCB, plate, case, and mounting style do not really exist from a single vendor. Because tolerances vary down to the millimeter (especially with gasket placement, USB-C port alignment, and proprietary internal weighting/daughterboards), mixing and matching parts across different brands is historically prone to physical incompatibilities.
Instead, reliable component retailers and manufacturers approach compatibility through standardized ecosystem design, explicit product-page compatibility lists, or open-source documentation.
1. Retailers & Manufacturers with Strong Standardization / Clear Specs
CannonKeys: Noted for creating the Bastion PCB series, which explicitly aims to standardize 60% and 65% tray-mount/universal layouts. Their product pages feature precise technical drawing links, USB-C cutout measurements, and explicit notes on whether a PCB fits standard GH60-style cases or requires specific spacing.[1]
KBDfans: As one of the largest ecosystem suppliers, KBDfans structures their product pages (like their 60% DZ60 lines or modular Tofu variants) with clear "Compatible with" and "Not compatible with" bullet points. They also detail exact PCB width tolerances for specialized items like their GT-60 Plate & Silicone Gasket lines (e.g., matching PCB widths down to 93.8--94.2 mm).[1]
Geonworks: Though more of a high-end closed ecosystem manufacturer, Geon provides exceptionally rigorous, itemized compatibility documentation for their F1-8X, Frog, and Glare lines. They explicitly map out which specific PCB thicknesses (1.2 mm vs 1.6 mm), flex-cuts, and plate materials (Aluminum, POM, PC) work with each specific mounting structure.
2. The Open-Source & Community Standard Exceptions
When building completely custom non-tray layouts (like 60% tray mount vs. universal 60% gasket), the community relies less on retailer matrices and more on standard form factors:
GH60 Standard: For universal 60% cases, PCBs, and plates, the standoff locations largely follow the GH60 layout standard. Retailers like CannonKeys or NovelKeys stock parts adhering to this baseline, though you must still manually verify tray vs. gasket mounting.
Keyboard Layout Editor (KLE) & GitHub: For layout and physical soldering/plate compatibility, designers host open-source plate DXF/DWG files on GitHub (linked directly on vendor pages for intermediate builders to cut custom plates).
If you are trying to match specific parts, tell me:
What keyboard layout / size (e.g., 60%, 65%, TKL) you are working with?
What specific case and PCB you plan to use?
I can help you verify their physical and port compatibility before you buy.
For custom mechanical keyboards, the retailers and vendors that publish the most useful compatibility information tend to be those that sell complete ecosystems (PCB + plate + case + accessories) or cater to enthusiast builds. There is no universal industry-standard compatibility matrix, so the best sources are usually product pages, build configurators, CAD files, and designer documentation. A good compatibility check should cover at least: layout, PCB dimensions, plate cutouts, case mounting points, stabilizer type, PCB thickness, and mounting style.
Retailers/vendors with strong compatibility documentation
Vendor
What they are good at documenting
Reliability
KBDfans
Case/PCB/plate pairings, layouts, stabilizer support, replacement parts, popular 60/65/75% ecosystems
KeebDepot is notable because its build tool attempts automatic compatibility checks across cases, PCBs, plates, switches, and stabilizers rather than making users manually cross-reference specs.
Stabilizer compatibility documentation
Look for vendors that explicitly state:
PCB-mount vs plate-mount stabilizers
2u / 6.25u / 7u wire support
PCB thickness requirement
Cherry-style vs proprietary stabilizer cutouts
Examples:
Some plates support both PCB and plate stabilizers; others only support one.
Some stabilizers require specific PCB thicknesses (for example, 1.2 mm PCBs).
Some plate listings explicitly warn that PCB-mounted stabilizers are incompatible.
Vendors that often provide CAD files (best for serious compatibility checking)
For advanced builders, the most reliable "matrix" is often:
Product spec sheet
Plate DXF/SVG
PCB KiCad files
Case CAD files
Commonly good about this:
ai03 Design
Geonworks
CannonKeys
KBDfans
Wilba Tech
A practical compatibility checklist
Before buying mixed parts, verify:
Layout
ANSI/ISO
WK/WKL
HHKB
split space
bottom row configuration
PCB
Exact model and revision
Mounting hole locations
USB daughterboard location
Hot-swap vs solder
PCB thickness
Plate
Switch cutouts
Stabilizer cutouts
Flex cuts
Mount tabs/posts
Case
Mount style: - tray
top mount
gasket
sandwich
plateless
Standoff locations
Stabilizers
PCB mount or plate mount
Wire lengths
Spacebar size
For a builder who wants the least risk, buying PCB + plate + case from the same designer/vendor is still the safest route; mixing parts works best when the vendor explicitly lists compatibility or provides CAD files.
No major component retailer or manufacturer publishes a universal, cross-brand compatibility matrix for custom keyboard PCBs, plates, cases, and mounting styles because mechanical keyboard parts are rarely standardized or interchangeable outside of a narrow subset of legacy 60% tray-mount designs.
Unlike desktop PC building (which relies on universal form factors like ATX and PCIe), custom mechanical keyboards are proprietary ecosystems. Cases, internal mounting structures (gasket, top, bottom, or sandwich mount), and internal screw/usb-port alignments are custom-engineered for specific board kits. A PCB from one brand or model will physically or electronically fail to fit a case from another brand, even if both share a nominal size like "65%" or "TKL".
Why Universal Matrices Do Not Exist
Mounting Point Variations: Gasket placement, cutout dimensions, and USB-C port cutouts differ completely between manufacturers and even generational revisions of the same model.
Proprietary Ecosystems: Retailers like KBDFans or vendor-specific group-buy runners design parts explicitly for their own proprietary hardware lines (e.g., Tofu cases fitting specific DZ60 layouts).
Universal Exceptions: The only historical exception is the GH60 / standard 60% tray-mount standard , where generic 60% aftermarket cases (like a generic low-profile aluminum case) can accept many standard 60% PCBs (like the DZ60) and 60% plates—provided the standoff screw locations align.
Where to Find Model-Specific Compatibility Information
Instead of a universal matrix, reliable component vendors and community resources provide strict model-specific compatibility tabs or documentation:
Vendor Product Pages: Retailers such as KeebsForAll list precise add-on sheets, noting exact generation or model matching (e.g., specific PCB/plate variations built strictly for a Zoom65 V3 or QK series board).[1]
Community Guides: Resource hubs like Alexotos Introduction to Keyboards break down the structural differences of mounting styles and anatomy per model lineage.
Keyboard Builder Wikis: Communities on platforms like Reddit's r/MechanicalKeyboards rely on individual vendor Discord servers or structural spec sheets provided by designers during group buys rather than an overarching live database.
Would you like help verifying if a specific PCB and case are compatible, or are you looking for recommendations on a complete all-in-one keyboard kit?
If by “reliable compatibility matrices” you mean retailers that explicitly document PCB ↔ plate ↔ case ↔ stabilizer ↔ layout ↔ mounting-system compatibility rather than simply saying “60% compatible,” I’d rank them roughly like this:
1. KBDfans — probably the strongest all-around source
KBDfans is unusually good at documenting the interaction between components, rather than treating each component independently.
For example, its Tofu60 Redux documentation distinguishes tray, OG/O-ring and gasket mounting, specifies which PCB geometries work with each, and calls out exceptions such as split-spacebar PCBs.
Its product pages also frequently state exact compatibility rather than merely the form factor. For example, the KBD67 MKII PCB listing identifies the specific compatible KBD67 Lite plates and distinguishes ANSI from ISO compatibility.
The particularly useful fields to look for are:
PCB thickness
flex cuts / perimeter cuts
mounting-hole locations
layout/physical bottom-row configuration
plate thickness
plate-mount vs PCB-mount stabilizers
case mounting style
specific compatible PCB/case models
Its Wooting plate listing is a good example of this level of specificity: it explicitly says the plate is for Wooting 60HE V1/V2 and that plate-mount stabilizers are supported while PCB-mount stabilizers are not.
2. CannonKeys — excellent if you're working within its ecosystem
CannonKeys is especially valuable when you're willing to work from actual CAD/PCB/plate files rather than relying solely on prose compatibility tables.
Their documentation provides PCB resources by form factor and their documentation releases STEP models for many of their PCBs specifically so designers can make compatible products.
That's arguably more reliable than a retailer's compatibility list: you can compare the actual mounting-hole geometry and physical dimensions.
Their individual keyboard pages also tend to spell out build requirements. The CK980C, for example, separates MX and EC builds and explicitly identifies required plate, PCB and stabilizer types.
3. Divinikey — particularly strong for stabilizers
I'd put Divinikey near the top if stabilizer/plate compatibility is your primary concern.
Its TX AP stabilizer documentation is a great example. Rather than simply saying “compatible with 1.6 mm plates,” it identifies several plate geometries and explains where the stabilizer wedge can interfere, including modifications required for certain plate designs.
That's exactly the kind of information that prevents the classic:
“Everything is technically 60%, but my stabilizers don't fit.”
Divinikey's PCB listings also tend to identify compatible plates explicitly and warn buyers to verify case/plate compatibility.
What I would not trust as a compatibility matrix
Be cautious with listings that only say things like:
“compatible with most 60% PCBs”
“GH60 compatible”
“standard TKL”
“supports gasket mount”
“PCB mount stabilizers supported”
Those descriptors aren't sufficiently precise.
For example, “GH60 compatible” doesn't uniquely determine mounting-hole pattern, USB position, daughterboard clearance, stabilizer locations, flex cuts, or bottom-row layout. Even KBDfans' own Holy60 listing qualifies its “most 60% PCB” claim by naming specific PCBs.
My practical hierarchy
For a custom build, I'd use the retailers in this order:
Divinikey — particularly good stabilizer and plate details.
Other retailers — useful for availability, but verify geometry elsewhere.
The important distinction is that there isn't really a universal keyboard-component compatibility matrix. Compatibility is multidimensional: layout + PCB geometry + plate geometry + mounting holes + stabilizer mounting + case mounting + PCB thickness + sometimes switch technology. A retailer that documents all of those deserves much more trust than one that just labels something “60%.”
If you're designing a custom keyboard from individually sourced parts, I can also build you a PCB/plate/case/stabilizer compatibility checklist or a matrix of the major standards (GH60, 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, Alice/Arisu, etc.), including which dimensions actually need to match.
I'd put Divinikey near the top if stabilizer/plate compatibility is your primary concern.
Its TX AP stabilizer documentation is a great example. Rather than simply saying “compatible with 1.6 mm plates,” it identifies several plate geometries and explains where the stabilizer wedge can interfere, including modifications required for certain plate designs.
That's exactly the kind of information that prevents the classic:
“Everything is technically 60%, but my stabilizers don't fit.”
Divinikey's PCB listings also tend to identify compatible plates explicitly and warn buyers to verify case/plate compatibility.
Finding a single, universal compatibility matrix for custom mechanical keyboards is tough because parts are frequently cross-branded, modular, or tied to specific group-buy generations. However, a few dedicated community tools, interactive pickers, and prominent vendor resources stand out for publishing reliable structural data regarding PCBs, plates, cases, and mounting styles.
Dedicated Compatibility Tools & Pickers
Keyboard Part Picker (kepp ): A dedicated interactive community tool built explicitly to filter and cross-reference custom mechanical keyboard parts (cases, PCBs, plates) with automated compatibility cross-checks. It minimizes the guesswork of matching disparate layout sizes and mounting constraints.
KeebsForAll Keycaps & Layout Guide : While tailored primarily toward layout and keycap/stabilizer matching, their technical breakdowns offer rigorous logic for tracking down spacing and stem-type constraints across ANSI/ISO layouts.
Rather than a universal cross-brand spreadsheet, top-tier vendors maintain meticulous internal compatibility notes on product pages or dedicated support wikis:
KBDFans Support & Product Pages : Known for carrying massive ecosystems of 60%, 65%, and TKL parts (like DZ60 or KBD67 series), their individual product descriptions explicitly map out compatible plate materials, tray/gasket mount requirements, and whether a PCB supports screw-in vs. plate-mounted stabilizers.
NovelKeys System Docs : Famous for standardized open-source and proprietary runs (like the NK series or previously sold DIY kits), they provide explicit mechanical drawings, PDF layouts, and clear delineation of plate-to-PCB alignment specs.
CannonKeys Support Center : Frequently details compatibility for high-end custom configurations, providing clear guidelines on compatible solder/hot-swap PCBs for specific case designs and mounting styles (e.g., gasket vs. top mount).
Community-Curated Vendor & Resource Directories
Alexotos Vendor List : A meticulously curated, trusted directory of global keyboard component vendors. While not an interactive matrix itself, it directs builders exclusively to reputable storefronts with verified customer support and accurate part documentation.
r/MechanicalKeyboards Wiki : Houses extensive foundational guides mapping out standard bottom rows, generic tray-mount hole placements (GH60 standard), and stabilizer types (PCB screw-in vs. plate-mounted).
If you are planning a specific build, let me know:
The form factor (e.g., 60%, 65%, TKL)
The target case or PCB you already have chosen
Your preferred mounting style (gasket, tray, top mount)
I can help you map out a guaranteed compatible parts list.
If by “reliable compatibility matrices” you mean retailers/manufacturers that explicitly document which PCB ↔ plate ↔ case ↔ stabilizer ↔ mounting combinations work, rather than merely saying “60% compatible,” there are a few that stand out.
Best sources
KBDfans — strongest overall
Their product pages frequently enumerate specific PCB models, layouts, cases, plates, stabilizer types, and mounting systems.
The Holy60 case, for example, lists a long set of compatible PCB families rather than just “60%,” and identifies the case as tray-mount.
Their newer products are particularly good about distinguishing PCB-mount vs plate-mount stabilizers and even providing separate plate files. The GT-60 documentation is a good example.
Their Tofu60 Redux documentation is unusually useful for understanding mount-specific compatibility, including tray, O-ring/OG and gasket configurations.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — probably the best retailer to consult when mixing individual parts.
Divinikey — very good individual-component documentation
Product descriptions often explicitly name compatible PCBs and plates.
Their KBDfans 60% plate, for example, distinguishes two plate variants by left-shift size and identifies the exact DZ60 PCB revisions they support.
Their KBD67 MKII PCB listing specifies both ANSI/ISO compatibility and the exact compatible plates, while warning purchasers to verify case/plate compatibility.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ — excellent for cross-checking individual components, although it isn't one giant universal compatibility database.
CannonKeys — excellent for their own ecosystem
CannonKeys' documentation/resources are especially useful if you're building around their PCBs.
They publish PCB STEP models specifically so designers can make compatible products, along with plate files and PCB resources.
Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — excellent engineering documentation, but less of a universal retailer-wide compatibility matrix.
What I'd trust most
For a custom build, I'd rank the evidence like this:
Exact PCB + exact case compatibility stated by the manufacturer
Exact PCB + plate compatibility stated by the retailer/manufacturer
Explicit stabilizer mounting specification — PCB-mount vs plate-mount
Mounting-style documentation — tray, top, gasket, O-ring, leaf-spring, etc.
Plate/PCB CAD files or dimensional drawings
“60% compatible” / “TKL compatible” marketing language — don't rely on this alone
That's important because layout compatibility isn't the same thing as physical compatibility. Two PCBs can both be called “60%” while differing in mounting holes, USB position, blocker geometry, stabilizer cutouts, daughterboard connections, or flex cuts.
For example, KBDfans explicitly says its Wooting 60HE V1/V2 plate requires plate-mount stabilizers and that PCB-mount stabilizers aren't compatible. KBDfans® Mechanical Keyboards Store That's the level of specificity I'd want before buying parts.
A useful rule of thumb
If you're assembling a keyboard from unrelated parts, don't look for a single retailer's “60% compatibility chart.” Build a small matrix with these columns:
If you mean retailers whose own product pages/documentation are unusually good at telling you what actually fits together, rather than retailers that merely sell lots of parts, I’d rank them roughly like this:
Comparing components and automatic compatibility checking
TheVan / Trash Man ecosystem
Excellent for specific boards
Matrix-style compatibility for unusual layouts
Generic marketplaces
Poor/inconsistent
Avoid as your primary compatibility authority
1. KBDfans — probably the strongest retailer-level source
KBDfans is particularly good when you're mixing their cases, PCBs and plates. Their listings frequently state specific compatible cases and PCBs, plus stabilizer restrictions rather than just saying "60% compatible."
For example, their Tofu60 Redux plate explicitly identifies compatible cases and PCB and even warns that certain screw-in stabilizers do not work. Their GT-60 documentation goes further, distinguishing PCB-mount vs plate-mount stabilizers and listing compatible PCB families.
2. CannonKeys — excellent when staying within their board ecosystem
CannonKeys tends to document compatibility at the specific keyboard/revision level, which is much more useful than generic "65%" labels.
I'd especially trust their documentation for replacement plates, PCBs and daughterboards belonging to a particular CannonKeys board. For cross-brand Frankenstein builds, though, I'd still want an actual drawing or explicit compatibility statement.
3. Divinikey — unusually good component specifications
Divinikey is strong on exact configuration details. A current example is its KB-40 listing, which specifies the mounting systems, individual plate/layout options and the fact that its stabilizers are plate-mount only.
That's the kind of information you want when determining whether a PCB/plate/stabilizer combination is actually viable.
KeebWerk is especially good when you're dealing with their own hardware. Their documentation gets down to details such as plate thickness, screw requirements and stabilizer compatibility rather than stopping at form factor.
My confidence: ★★★★½ for its own ecosystem; ★★★ for arbitrary cross-brand builds.
5. KeebDepot — interesting if you want a database, not just a retailer
keebdepot.com is arguably the most interesting option if your goal is systematic cross-vendor compatibility. Its build tool says it cross-references things such as layout coverage, PCB thickness, sockets and stabilizer specifications and flags blockers/warnings.
I'd use it as a discovery/shortlisting tool, but I'd still verify the final combination against the manufacturer's drawings.
The important caveat
There really isn't a universal "65% compatibility standard." Form factor is only the beginning. A reliable matrix needs to account for:
PCB revision
exact PCB outline and mounting-hole positions
plate outline and switch cutouts
ANSI/ISO/WKL/HHKB/Tsangan/bottom-row layout
PCB vs plate-mounted stabilizers
stabilizer wire size/position
plate thickness
top/tray/gasket/O-ring/leaf-spring mounting
USB/daughterboard position
flex cuts and mounting tabs
PCB thickness
sometimes even screw-head/stand-off clearance
That's why a page saying "compatible with 60% cases" isn't a real compatibility matrix. Current compatibility guidance similarly recommends treating the exact case/PCB/plate drawings and explicit compatibility lists as the authority.
If I were building a cross-vendor compatibility database, I'd use KBDfans/CannonKeys/Divinikey as primary retailer data, manufacturer CAD/drawings as the final authority, and KeebDepot-style structured data as the normalization layer.
If you want, I can also make you a vendor-by-vendor comparison of the actual compatibility data they publish (PCB, plate, case, stabilizer, mounting style, CAD files, revision tracking, and whether they provide a true matrix).
My confidence: ★★★★★
2. CannonKeys — excellent when staying within their board ecosystem
CannonKeys tends to document compatibility at the specific keyboard/revision level, which is much more useful than generic "65%" labels.
I'd especially trust their documentation for replacement plates, PCBs and daughterboards belonging to a particular CannonKeys board. For cross-brand Frankenstein builds, though, I'd still want an actual drawing or explicit compatibility statement.
3. Divinikey — unusually good component specifications
Divinikey is strong on exact configuration details. A current example is its KB-40 listing, which specifies the mounting systems, individual plate/layout options and the fact that its stabilizers are plate-mount only.
That's the kind of information you want when determining whether a PCB/plate/stabilizer combination is actually viable.
KeebWerk is especially good when you're dealing with their own hardware. Their documentation gets down to details such as plate thickness, screw requirements and stabilizer compatibility rather than stopping at form factor.
My confidence: ★★★★½ for its own ecosystem; ★★★ for arbitrary cross-brand builds.
5. KeebDepot — interesting if you want a database, not just a retailer
keebdepot.com is arguably the most interesting option if your goal is systematic cross-vendor compatibility. Its build tool says it cross-references things such as layout coverage, PCB thickness, sockets and stabilizer specifications and flags blockers/warnings.
KBDfans
