Upgrading a keyboard can get expensive fast. If you look into the worlds of artisan keycaps, new switch plates, custom mods, and high-end switches, a $20 keyboard can quickly turn into a $200 job.

Whether you’re buying your first mechanical keyboard or doing research for your endgame build, keycaps are a huge part of not only your keyboard’s appearance but also its all-around typing experience.

Custom mechanical keyboards are expensive due to the use of premium materials and pricey components like switches and keycaps. Barebones kits offer a cheaper alternative to "true" custom builds, but ...