Essential Mechanical Keyboard Tools in 2025

Every mechanical keyboard enthusiast needs an appropriate set of tools for keyboard upgrades and customization. Here are ten essential mechanical keyboard tools, ideal for maintaining your mech board or building your own DIY mechanical keyboard from scratch.

Keycap Puller

Keycap pullers are used to remove mechanical keyboard keycaps for cleaning and replacement purposes. Keycap pullers are often packaged with new mechanical keyboards and custom keycap sets in the box.

Switch Tester

Switch testers come with an array of mechanical keyboard switches for users to test the feel and sound of mechanical keyboard switches.

O-Rings

O-Rings, also known as switch dampeners, are small rubber rings that are designed to fit on the stem of the keyswitch, to create a sound dampening effect, thus reducing the sound level of the mechanical keystrokes. Silent keyboards and switches often come with o-rings as standard.

Hot-Swappable Keyboard

Whilst not strictly a keyboard tool, the hot-swappable mechanical keyboard is a powerful testing bench for all kinds of switches.

Switch Pullers

Switch pullers are used for removing switches on hot-swappable keyboards, providing a little extra pull, when compared to keycap pullers.

Switch Openers

Switch openers are used to open keyswitches with minimal effort and damage, allowing for switch lubrication or the application of custom springs.

TL;DR - Essential Mechanical Keyboard Tools