If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard hobby, you’ll often see products marked as “Group-Buy” or “Pre-Order.” At first, they sound almost the same: both mean the product isn’t sitting in stock, ready to ship today. But there are some important differences you should know before placing your order.
What Is a Group-Buy?
A Group Buy (often shortened to GB) is how many custom keyboards and keycap sets are made. Instead of a shop producing thousands of units in advance, the community comes together and places orders first.
Once enough people join (reaching something called the MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity), production begins. That means:
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You pay up front to secure your spot.
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The item doesn’t exist yet — it still needs to be manufactured.
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Delivery can take several months, depending on the complexity of the product.
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If the MOQ isn’t reached, the project may be canceled and refunded.
Why join a Group-Buy?
Because it’s often the only chance to get that product. Many keyboard kits and keycap sets are produced in one single run — once it’s gone, it may never return.
What Is a Pre-Order?
A Pre-Order is a little different. Here the product is usually already designed and in production — it just hasn’t reached the warehouse yet.
That means:
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You pay up front (sometimes a deposit, sometimes the full amount).
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No MOQ — your order is guaranteed once placed.
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Wait times are usually shorter than a Group Buy (weeks instead of months).
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Pre-Orders are often used for restocks or new colorways of popular products.
Why choose a Pre-Order?
Because you want to secure a unit before it sells out. In this hobby, popular items can disappear fast — pre-ordering gives you peace of mind.
Group Buy vs Pre-Order — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Group-Buy | Pre-Order |
|---|---|---|
| Product stage | Still in design / not yet made | Already in production or shipping soon |
| MOQ (minimum orders) | Yes, must be met | No MOQ |
| Waiting time | Long (months) | Shorter (weeks) |
| Risk | May be canceled if MOQ not met | Usually guaranteed |
| Availability | Often one-time only | Restock or limited run |
Which One Should You Choose?
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Pick a Group-Buy if you love being part of the creative process, don’t mind waiting, and don’t want to miss a one-time release.
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Choose a Pre-Order if you want your gear sooner and prefer the security of guaranteed production.
Many enthusiasts enjoy both — joining Group Buys for rare projects and pre-ordering fan favorites to round out their setup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re waiting months for a dream board through a Group-Buy, or locking in a quick win with a Pre-Order, both are part of the fun in the mechanical keyboard world.
👉 Want to stay updated on new Group-Buys and Pre-Orders? Join our Discord or WhatsApp community — we share the latest launches, restocks, and exclusive deals there.
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