Essential Keyboard Accessories

You’ve got your mechanical keyboard, and now you’re wondering what else you need. The good news? You don’t need much to start. This guide helps you prioritize spending on accessories that actually add value to your keyboard experience.

Start With the Essentials

These are the must-have tools that every mechanical keyboard owner should get immediately. They’re inexpensive and solve real problems.

Keycap Puller

What It Does: Safely removes keycaps without damaging them or the switches underneath.

Why You Need It: Cleaning your keyboard requires removing keycaps. Without the proper tool, you risk breaking the keycap stems or damaging your switches. Most keyboards include a basic wire puller, but quality matters.

Types:

• Wire pullers (Most common, included with many keyboards) - Simple, effective for most keycaps
• Ring pullers (Better for larger keys) - Distributes pressure more evenly

Cost: $3-8 for a good wire puller

What to Look For:

• Smooth wire with no burrs or rough edges
• Comfortable grip
• Even tension on both sides

Buying Tip: If your keyboard came with one, you’re set. If not, spend $5 on a quality wire puller rather than using makeshift tools.

Switch Puller (Hot-Swap Keyboards Only)

What It Does: Removes switches from hot-swap sockets without damage.

Why You Need It: If you have hot-swappable switches, you’ll eventually want to try different switches or replace a faulty one. Trying to remove switches without the proper tool can damage the socket or switch pins.

Cost: $3-6

What to Look For:

• IC extractor style (two prongs) works best
• Comfortable grip
• Sturdy metal construction

Skip If: Your keyboard has soldered switches - you won’t need this.

Desk Mat

What It Does: Protects your desk, dampens keyboard sound, and provides a comfortable surface.

Why You Need It: A desk mat reduces the noise your keyboard makes (especially on hard desk surfaces), protects your desk from wear, and gives you a smooth surface for mouse movement.

Cost: $15-30 for quality mats

Size Guide:

• Small (15” x 30”) - Just keyboard area
• Medium (18” x 36”) - Keyboard plus some mouse space
• Large (35” x 16”) - Full desk coverage for keyboard and mouse

Material Types:

• Cloth - Most common, comfortable, easy to clean, absorbs sound well
• Leather/PU - Premium feel, easy to wipe clean, less sound dampening
• Rubber - Best grip, most durable, can be sticky in heat

Buying Tip: Start with a medium cloth mat. It’s the best balance of coverage, cost, and functionality.

Nice-to-Have Accessories

These accessories improve your experience but aren’t strictly necessary. Add them as your budget allows.

Carrying Case

What It Does: Protects your keyboard during transport or storage.

Get If:

• You travel with your keyboard
• You attend LAN parties or gaming events
• You’re building multiple keyboards and need storage
• You want to protect an expensive custom build

Skip If: Your keyboard stays on your desk permanently.

Cost: $20-60 depending on size and protection level

Types:

• Soft sleeves ($20-30) - Basic protection for backpacks
• Hard cases ($40-60) - Maximum protection for travel

Size Considerations: Make sure the case fits your keyboard size. A 60% keyboard case won’t fit a TKL board.

Dust Cover

What It Does: Keeps dust, pet hair, and debris off your keyboard when not in use.

Get If:

• You have pets that shed
• Your workspace gets dusty
• You want to reduce cleaning frequency
• Your keyboard has RGB lighting you want to protect

Skip If: You use your keyboard daily and don’t mind occasional dusting.

Cost: $10-20

Material Options:

• Acrylic - Clear, lets you see the keyboard, rigid protection
• Fabric - Soft, easy to store, protects from dust but not impacts

Cable Management

What It Does: Organizes your cable routing for a cleaner desk setup.

Get If:

• You hate cable clutter
• You’re building a clean desk aesthetic
• You have multiple devices and cables

Skip If: Your cable naturally stays out of the way.

Cost: $5-15 for good solutions

Options:

• Cable clips ($5) - Adhesive clips that route cables along desk edges
• Cable sleeves ($10) - Fabric tubes that bundle multiple cables
• Cable trays ($15) - Under-desk trays that hide all cables

Bonus: Custom coiled cables ($40-80) look great but are purely aesthetic. They don’t improve function.

Wrist Rest

What It Does: Supports your wrists during long typing sessions.

Get If:

• You experience wrist discomfort
• You type for extended periods (4+ hours daily)
• Your keyboard is thick/tall

Skip If: You don’t have wrist discomfort or prefer floating wrists while typing.

Cost: $15-40

Material Types:

• Foam ($15-25) - Soft, comfortable, affordable, can compress over time
• Wood ($30-40) - Firm support, premium look, heavier
• Gel ($20-30) - Cooling effect, firm but cushioned

Important: Ergonomic typing technique suggests hovering wrists, not resting them constantly. Use a wrist rest as a place to rest between typing, not while actively typing.

Size Matching: Get a wrist rest that matches your keyboard size (60%, TKL, full-size, etc.)

Modding Tools (For Enthusiasts)

If you’re planning to mod your keyboard, these tools make the process easier and more professional.

Lube and Brushes

What They Do: Lubing switches creates a smoother, quieter typing experience by reducing friction.

Get If:

• You want the smoothest possible typing feel
• You’re building a custom keyboard
• Your switches feel scratchy or have spring ping

Skip If: You’re happy with your stock keyboard sound and feel.

Cost: $15-30 for a complete lubing kit

What You Need:

• Lubricant - Krytox 205g0 (linear switches) or Tribosys 3203 (tactile switches)
• Brush - Size 00 or 000 fine detail brush
• Container - Small jar to hold lube (often included)

Time Investment: Expect 2-4 hours to lube a full keyboard (60-100 switches).

Learning Curve: Moderate. Practice on 10-20 spare switches first.

Switch Opener

What It Does: Opens switch housings for lubing or component replacement.

Get If: You’re planning to lube switches or replace springs/stems.

Skip If: Your switches are pre-lubed and you’re not modding.

Cost: $8-15

Types:

• Switch-specific openers - Designed for Cherry MX, Kailh, etc.
• Universal openers - Work with multiple switch types (most versatile)

Buying Tip: Get a universal opener unless you only use one switch brand.

Stabilizer Tools and Supplies

What They Do: Improve the feel and sound of larger keys (spacebar, shift, enter).

Get If:

• Your stabilizers rattle or tick
• You’re building a custom keyboard
• You want to eliminate spacebar rattle

Skip If: Your stock stabilizers sound fine.

Cost: $10-25

What You Need:

• Thick lube (Krytox 205g0 or dielectric grease) for stabilizer housings
• Bandaids or stabilizer pads for the Holee mod
• Wire tuning tools (tweezers and small pliers)

Difficulty: Moderate. Requires partial keyboard disassembly.

Impact: High. Properly modded stabilizers transform the feel of larger keys.

Switch Films

What They Do: Reduce switch wobble and improve sound consistency.

Get If:

• Your switches feel wobbly
• You’re lubing switches anyway (films are installed during lubing)
• You want the tightest possible tolerances

Skip If: Your switches already feel tight with minimal wobble.

Cost: $5-10 for 110 films (enough for one keyboard)

Types:

• 0.15mm - Standard thickness, works for most switches
• 0.125mm - Thinner, for switches with tighter tolerances

Buying Tip: Only needed if you notice switch wobble. Many modern switches don’t require films.

Storage and Organization

Keep your growing collection of switches, keycaps, and accessories organized.

Switch Storage

What It Does: Organizes spare switches and keeps pins protected.

Get If:

• You have multiple switch types
• You’re collecting switches to try
• You buy switches in bulk

Skip If: You only have one set of switches currently installed.

Cost: $5-15

Options:

• Switch trays - Stackable plastic trays that hold 10-35 switches each
• Small containers - Compartmented boxes from craft stores work well
• Original packaging - Keep switches in their original boxes if you have space

Capacity Planning: Get storage for 50-100 switches if you plan to experiment.

Keycap Storage

What It Does: Stores spare keycap sets without scratching or damaging them.

Get If:

• You have multiple keycap sets
• You swap keycaps seasonally or for different looks
• You’re collecting artisan keycaps

Skip If: You only have the keycaps currently on your keyboard.

Cost: $10-30

Options:

• Keycap trays - Clear plastic trays with individual slots
• Original packaging - Many premium keycap sets come in storage trays
• Fishing tackle boxes - Cheap alternative with multiple compartments

Protection Tip: Store keycaps away from direct sunlight to prevent yellowing (especially white and light-colored caps).

Cable Organization

What It Does: Stores spare cables and keeps them from tangling.

Get If:

• You have multiple cables (different colors/lengths)
• You swap cables for different aesthetics
• Your cables tangle in drawers

Skip If: You only have one cable that stays plugged in.

Cost: $5-10

Solutions:

• Velcro cable ties - Cheap and effective
• Cable bags - Small pouches for individual cables
• Drawer dividers - Organize multiple cables in a desk drawer

Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies

Regular cleaning extends keyboard life and keeps it looking new. See our detailed Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for full instructions.

Must-Have Cleaning Supplies

Compressed Air or Electric Duster

• Purpose: Removes dust and debris from between keys
• Cost: $8-15 for compressed air cans, $30-60 for electric dusters
• Frequency: Weekly quick cleaning
• Electric duster advantage: Reusable, more powerful, better for environment

Microfiber Cloths

• Purpose: Wipes down keycaps and case without scratching
• Cost: $5-10 for a pack of 3-5
• Frequency: Daily wipe-down
• Buying tip: Get at least 3 so you can rotate while washing

Soft Brush

• Purpose: Removes debris from hard-to-reach spots
• Cost: $3-8
• Options: Dedicated keyboard brush or clean makeup brush
• Frequency: Weekly between-key cleaning

Optional Cleaning Supplies

Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)

• Purpose: Disinfects and removes stubborn grime
• Cost: $5-8
• Application: Apply to cloth, never directly to keyboard
• Best for: Deep cleaning sessions

Keycap Cleaning Kit

• Purpose: Deep clean keycaps during full disassembly
• Cost: $10-15
• Includes: Bowl, brush, mild soap
• Frequency: Every 3-6 months

What You Don’t Actually Need

The keyboard hobby has plenty of marketed accessories that sound useful but rarely deliver value for beginners.

Switch Testers (Usually)

The Pitch: Try multiple switches before committing.

The Reality: Switch testers don’t replicate typing on a full board. Single keypresses feel different than sustained typing.

Skip Unless: You’re genuinely torn between two specific switch types and can’t decide from descriptions.

Better Alternative: Buy a hot-swap keyboard and a few switch packs. Trying switches in context is far more valuable.

Expensive Custom Cables (At First)

The Pitch: Premium coiled cables elevate your aesthetic.

The Reality: A $60 custom cable doesn’t improve typing feel, sound, or function. It’s purely cosmetic.

Skip Unless: You’ve optimized everything else and want the final aesthetic touch.

Better Alternative: Use the stock cable until you’re sure about your keyboard setup, then invest in a custom cable that matches your theme.

O-Rings

The Pitch: Reduce key travel and dampen sound.

The Reality: O-rings make keyboards mushy and don’t significantly reduce sound. Modern sound-dampening mods (foam, tape mod) work better without compromising feel.

Skip Unless: You specifically want reduced key travel for some reason.

Better Alternative: Use case foam and a desk mat for sound reduction without affecting feel.

Palm Rejection Pads

The Pitch: Prevent accidental key presses.

The Reality: Not an issue with mechanical keyboards since they require deliberate activation force.

Skip It: This is solving a problem that doesn’t exist for mechanical keyboards.

Artisan Keycaps (Initially)

The Pitch: Unique, handcrafted keycap art.

The Reality: Artisan keycaps cost $30-100+ each and are aesthetic only. They often interfere with typing on frequently-used keys.

Skip Unless: You’re deep into the hobby and want to support artists or collect decorative pieces.

Better Alternative: Invest in a full set of quality keycaps that improve your entire keyboard, not just one key.

Essential vs Optional: Quick Reference

Use this table to prioritize your accessory purchases based on immediate value.

Accessory	Priority	Cost	Value Delivered
Keycap puller	Essential	$5	Enables cleaning and customization
Switch puller (hot-swap)	Essential	$5	Required for switch changes
Desk mat	Essential	$20	Sound dampening, desk protection, comfort
Microfiber cloths	High	$8	Daily maintenance, preserves appearance
Compressed air	High	$10	Weekly cleaning, prevents buildup
Wrist rest	Medium	$25	Comfort during long sessions
Carrying case	Medium	$40	Protection if you travel
Lube & brushes	Low	$25	Modding only, optional enhancement
Dust cover	Low	$15	Preventive care, aesthetic
Cable management	Low	$10	Aesthetic improvement only
Custom cable	Skip initially	$60	Pure aesthetics, no functional benefit
Artisan keycaps	Skip initially	$50+	Decorative, doesn’t improve typing

Budget Recommendations by Priority

Here’s how to allocate your accessory budget effectively at different spending levels.

Starter Budget: $30-40

Get first:

1. Keycap puller ($5)
2. Switch puller if hot-swap ($5)
3. Desk mat ($20)
4. Basic cleaning supplies ($10)

Rationale: Covers all essential maintenance and protection needs without overspending.

Comfort Budget: $75-100

Add to starter: 5. Wrist rest ($25) 6. Dust cover ($15) 7. Electric duster ($35)

Rationale: Improves daily comfort and long-term maintenance without unnecessary extras.

Enthusiast Budget: $150-200

Add to comfort: 8. Carrying case ($40) 9. Switch lubing kit ($25) 10. Storage solutions ($20) 11. Cable management ($15)

Rationale: Supports modding experimentation and organization for growing collections.

Collector Budget: $250+

Add to enthusiast: 12. Premium desk mat ($50) 13. Multiple switch sets to try ($50) 14. Custom cable ($60) 15. Additional storage ($30)

Rationale: Full customization capability with aesthetic upgrades and room for experimentation.

Where Accessories Fit in Your Journey

Understanding when to buy accessories helps you invest smartly as your interest grows.

Month 1: Getting Started

Focus: Essential tools only (pullers, desk mat, cleaning supplies) Why: Learn to maintain and enjoy your keyboard before investing further Spend: $30-40

Months 2-3: Settling In

Focus: Comfort accessories (wrist rest, dust cover) Why: You know your usage patterns and comfort needs now Spend: $40-60 additional

Months 4-6: Exploring

Focus: Modding tools if interested, or storage if collecting Why: You’ve identified what you want to customize or expand Spend: $50-100 additional

6+ Months: Deep Hobby

Focus: Aesthetic upgrades, premium versions of basics Why: You’re committed long-term and know exactly what adds value for you Spend: Variable based on specific interests

Making Smart Accessory Purchases

Before buying any accessory, ask yourself:

1. Does this solve a problem I actually have? (Not a theoretical future problem)
2. Will this improve function, comfort, or necessary maintenance? (Aesthetics are optional)
3. Can I accomplish the same thing with what I already own? (DIY alternatives)
4. Am I buying this because everyone else has it? (Resist peer pressure)
5. If I wait 2 weeks, will I still want this? (Avoid impulse purchases)

Red Flags for Unnecessary Purchases

• “I might need this someday” (Buy when you need it, not before)
• “It’s on sale” (Only matters if you already planned to buy it)
• “Everyone in the community has one” (Your needs may differ)
• “It’s cheap, why not?” (Cheap items accumulate into clutter and wasted money)

Green Lights for Smart Purchases

• “This solves a specific problem I’m experiencing now”
• “I’ve researched and this is the right solution for my situation”
• “This will protect my investment” (case, cleaning supplies)
• “This enables an upgrade I’ve been planning” (lube for modding project)

Final Thoughts

The keyboard hobby can become expensive quickly if you buy everything marketed to enthusiasts. Start with essentials, add comfort items as needed, and only invest in modding/aesthetic accessories once you’re certain about your preferences.

Your first $40 should go to:

• Keycap puller
• Switch puller (if hot-swap)
• Desk mat
• Basic cleaning supplies

Everything else can wait until you’ve used your keyboard long enough to know what you actually want.

The best accessories are the ones that solve problems you’re experiencing, not problems you think you might have. Build your collection thoughtfully, and your setup will grow with your needs rather than cluttering your space with unused gear.

Related Guides:

• Introduction to Modding - Learn what those modding tools can do
• Cleaning and Maintenance - Detailed cleaning procedures
• Building Your First Custom Keyboard - Understand what tools builders need

Ready to Buy? Check our Accessories Section for quality cleaning supplies, modding tools, and desk mats to enhance your keyboard experience.