Monsgeek M1W Review: Custom Mechanical Keyboard Build Guide

Monsgeek M1W Keyboard Customization Review

The Monsgeek M1W is a 75% layout mechanical keyboard featuring an aluminum housing and a hot-swappable PCB. Its gasket-mount design provides a soft typing experience, and it offers high versatility with support for Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired connectivity.

Having become deeply immersed in mechanical keyboard customization and building the first-generation full-aluminum Monsgeek M1W five times, I would like to share the charm of this keyboard and my customization know-how. While it is an excellent product out of the box, it holds the potential to be upgraded in every aspect—including typing feel, sound, and design—through customization.

Customization Process: Creating Your Own Monsgeek M1W

1. Tape Modding: The Foundation of Sound Tuning

Tape modding is a simple yet effective technique; by applying tape to the back of the PCB, you can make the typing sound deeper and smoother. Since the sound varies depending on the tape’s thickness and material, feel free to adjust it to your preference.

2. Force Break Mod: Eliminating Echo and Enhancing Stability

The Force Break mod reduces resonance within the housing and improves the connection between the top and bottom cases. Simply apply stickers or masking tape around the screw holes of the top and bottom cases. After this modification, the typing sound became cleaner, and unnecessary echoes disappeared, which helped improve my focus.

3. Silicone Gasket Adjustment: A Softer Cushion

I removed some of the silicone gaskets on the edges of the PC plate and attached foam stickers to add extra cushioning. As a result of this adjustment, I felt a noticeable improvement in shock absorption while typing.

4. Switch Replacement: The MMD Holy Panda Experience

MMD Holy Panda switches provide intense tactile feedback and a crisp typing sound. The initial bump feels strong yet pushes the finger back smoothly, and you can feel a satisfying, chewy elasticity when the switch bottoms out. The sound profile has a low, clear pitch while remaining lively.

5. MAC-Style PBT Keycaps: Balancing Design and Durability

MAC-style PBT keycaps offer a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic. Made of double-shot PBT material, they provide excellent durability and resist shine over long-term use. Various color combinations allow you to create a clean and modern look.

6. Glorious Volume Knob Upgrade: A Touch of Detail

The Glorious volume knob offers a weighted, smooth rotation, adding a sense of luxury to the keyboard’s design. Since the original knob lacks lighting, replacing it improved the visual appeal when used in conjunction with the RGB LEDs.

Pros and Cons of Customizing the Monsgeek M1W

Pros

• Customization Options: You can create your own style through switches, keycaps, and mods.
• Value for Money: The improvements gained relative to the effort are quite significant.

Cons

• Complexity for Beginners: The process may feel daunting for those new to keyboard customization.
• Diminishing Returns: Some modifications may not produce a night-and-day difference.

Conclusion: Creating Your Perfect Monsgeek M1W

One thing I realized after building the Monsgeek M1W five times is that “customization has no end.” Each build allowed me to realize different styles and functionalities, leading to new levels of satisfaction. I encourage you to create your own special keyboard!

What are your customization ideas? Please leave your experiences or questions in the comments!

Let’s share ideas and create better builds together!