Author Topic: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log  (Read 9194 times)

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Offline WhiteRice

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Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
« on: Tue, 29 July 2014, 13:12:27 »
Looking for review and suggestions. I've assembled a ErgoDox with SMD diodes before, but I have zero CAD experience. Thank in advance!

Open Questions:

Design:

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/81d001663a377fbcbd7a2a30d0d7409a

Layout:

http://ne0.cc/laygenV2#H6gC3

Parts:

Key switches:
68 x Cherry MX Brown Key Switches ✓

Other Hardware:
1 x Teensy 2 Controller ✓
68 x 1N4148 diodes ✓
Copper Wire ✓
Male Headers for Teensy

Key caps(WASD OEM Profile):
Row 4:
15 x 1 ✓
Row 3:
2 x 1.5 ✓
12 x 1 ✓
Row 2:
1 x 1.75 ✓
1 x 2.25 ✓
19 x 1 ✓
2 x 1 (Homing bump) ✓
Row 1:
2 x 2.25 ✓
2 x 2.75 ✓
10 x 1 ✓
8 x 1.5 ✓
Stabilizers:
3 x 2.25 ✓
2 x 2.75 ✓
10 x Stabilizer mounts ✓

Mounting Plate:
- Custom cut acrylic ✓

Case:
- Custom cut acrylic layers ✓

PCB:
- Reserved for 2.0

1.0 Plan
    • Design Layout ✓
    • Design Key cap color✓
    • Design Plate and Case
    • Source Hardware ✓
    • Program Teensy ✓
    • Assemble prototype ✓
    • Combine case and prototype
    • Wrap-up & Review

    Resources:
    http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/
    http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/building-a-custom-keyboard-from-the-ground-up-t5761.html
    http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-build-your-very-own-keyboard-firmware-t7177.html
    http://ne0.cc/laygenV2/#XOocS
    http://deskthority.net/wiki/Utilities

    Acknowledgements:
    matt30
    ne0phtye
    ijprest
    jdcarpe
    MOZ
    dorkvader
    Ooby
    desktopauthority
    geekhack
    /r/MechanicalKeyboards[/list]
    « Last Edit: Sun, 17 August 2014, 09:59:33 by WhiteRice »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #1 on: Thu, 31 July 2014, 14:20:08 »
    Bump, open questions on main post updated.

    Offline dorkvader

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #2 on: Thu, 31 July 2014, 14:38:59 »
    Do you plan to use a plate and direct wire? or are you making a PCB?

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #3 on: Thu, 31 July 2014, 14:43:46 »
    Do you plan to use a plate and direct wire? or are you making a PCB?

    I would prefer plate and wire for the first iteration. Would it be easier to modify the GH60 PCB for my purpose? I'm really out of my element and I'm trying to make progress in any direction.

    I stared at the .dxf file in directsight for a bit last night. I'm pretty sure I just need to add holes and widen the boarder. Is that correct?

    Offline dorkvader

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #4 on: Thu, 31 July 2014, 17:26:54 »
    I don't think modifying a GH60 will work. I wasn't much involved with the project (and still don't have one myself) but as I recall, most of the controller was under the spacebar. You'd likely end up needing to drill holes in the microcontroller to get a switch to fit there, but I could be wrong.

    To make a plate, you'll need to add switch holes, stab holes (I recommend costar: very easy to make plate holes for that: they're just rectangles) and a border (for standoffs or to bend down like the upcoming massdrop stuff, ron's GH75, or the original dox prototype). If you don't have a PCB, then just square holes for the switches is fine 'cause stem swapping likely won't happen, and it's easy to pop them out of the plate if you really need.

    The only issue I see is (step 7) that mounting the plate to a case may be hard. You might want to have the edge of the plate "extend" to the edge of the case, (so it sits on top rather than "in" the case) and then add screws and/or washers to hold it in place to the mounting holes in the case. What was your plan on this?

    I must say, I really like the bottom row layout you have here.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #5 on: Thu, 31 July 2014, 19:46:24 »
    I don't think modifying a GH60 will work. I wasn't much involved with the project (and still don't have one myself) but as I recall, most of the controller was under the spacebar. You'd likely end up needing to drill holes in the microcontroller to get a switch to fit there, but I could be wrong.

    To make a plate, you'll need to add switch holes, stab holes (I recommend costar: very easy to make plate holes for that: they're just rectangles) and a border (for standoffs or to bend down like the upcoming massdrop stuff, ron's GH75, or the original dox prototype). If you don't have a PCB, then just square holes for the switches is fine 'cause stem swapping likely won't happen, and it's easy to pop them out of the plate if you really need.

    The only issue I see is (step 7) that mounting the plate to a case may be hard. You might want to have the edge of the plate "extend" to the edge of the case, (so it sits on top rather than "in" the case) and then add screws and/or washers to hold it in place to the mounting holes in the case. What was your plan on this?

    I must say, I really like the bottom row layout you have here.

    Thanks!



    I'm going to measure my poker now. I'll see how far I get. I will try to keep all my files here for easy access!

    Edit: Poker PCB measurements added:
    « Last Edit: Thu, 31 July 2014, 21:02:52 by WhiteRice »

    Offline Oobly

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #6 on: Fri, 01 August 2014, 07:51:37 »
    The Poker mounts the PCB to the case, so if you're going plate and hand wire without PCB, you'll have to add some standoffs to mount the plate at the right height to the case.

    You can probably mount the Teensy 2.0 straight to the case with some epoxy.

    It's a nice layout, although I'm not a fan of your arrow key placement.
    Buying more keycaps,
    it really hacks my wallet,
    but I must have them.


    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #8 on: Sat, 02 August 2014, 11:48:15 »
    So that link provided me with a really great template to work from.

    I was hoping someone could quickly review my plate.



    Edit: Will I need an extra layer for controller clearance due to my space layout?
    « Last Edit: Sat, 02 August 2014, 12:06:07 by WhiteRice »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute 1.0 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #9 on: Mon, 04 August 2014, 15:01:35 »
    So I found a place by me that only does acrylic, $70 for plate and case. Does that sound reasonable?

    Offline dorkvader

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #10 on: Mon, 04 August 2014, 15:48:35 »
    So I found a place by me that only does acrylic, $70 for plate and case. Does that sound reasonable?
    It sounds reasonable to me: the plate in particular has a very complicated shape.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #11 on: Mon, 04 August 2014, 15:50:35 »
    Thanks! Plate in acrylic should be fine right? I never had any issues with my dox and that has an acrylic plate.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #12 on: Mon, 04 August 2014, 21:40:39 »
    So I've been fooling around enough to finish the drawings for my original idea.



    Thoughts and suggestions are always appreciated.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #13 on: Tue, 05 August 2014, 17:07:32 »
    I should be invoiced for case cutting and materials tomorrow, total is $119.49

    Time to source the other materials.

    Edit: corrected invoice amount
    « Last Edit: Wed, 06 August 2014, 12:41:57 by WhiteRice »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #14 on: Tue, 05 August 2014, 17:39:20 »


    Is this wiring diagram correct? 20 + 1 Led means I'll need 21 pins. Teensy 2.0 should be adequate?

    Edits: Changed my wiring a few times

    Added Pins



    What kind of wire should I be using?
    « Last Edit: Tue, 05 August 2014, 20:10:56 by WhiteRice »

    Offline Oobly

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #15 on: Wed, 06 August 2014, 04:41:30 »
    I used solid core insulated silvered copper wire for mine and it worked out very well. It bends nicely and stays in place so you can route it where you like and it will stay there. I find magnet wire a bit fiddly and messy to work with, but it'll do the job, too. Any wire will work, really, since there's very little current going through the switches.
    Buying more keycaps,
    it really hacks my wallet,
    but I must have them.

    Offline WhiteRice

    • Thread Starter
    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #16 on: Wed, 06 August 2014, 08:57:48 »
    I used solid core insulated silvered copper wire for mine and it worked out very well. It bends nicely and stays in place so you can route it where you like and it will stay there. I find magnet wire a bit fiddly and messy to work with, but it'll do the job, too. Any wire will work, really, since there's very little current going through the switches.

    http://www.amazon.com/Jonard-R30BLK-0100-Insulated-Insulation-Diameter/dp/B006C4AGMU

    Correct?

    Offline kapish

    • Posts: 5
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #17 on: Fri, 08 August 2014, 14:00:31 »
    http://www.amazon.com/Jonard-R30BLK-0100-Insulated-Insulation-Diameter/dp/B006C4AGMU

    Correct?

    Yeah, kynar wire. If you have spare network cable (rj45 or rj11), you can harvest from that.
    « Last Edit: Fri, 08 August 2014, 14:04:32 by kapish »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #18 on: Fri, 08 August 2014, 14:34:46 »
    http://www.amazon.com/Jonard-R30BLK-0100-Insulated-Insulation-Diameter/dp/B006C4AGMU

    Correct?

    Yeah, kynar wire. If you have spare network cable (rj45 or rj11), you can harvest from that.

    Thank you for the response! Welcome to Geekhack!

    Offline WhiteRice

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    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #19 on: Sat, 09 August 2014, 23:37:00 »


    Waiting for switches. I don't think my acrylic plate is going to work :(

    Offline kapish

    • Posts: 5
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #20 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 02:56:11 »
    Thank you for the warm welcome, although I've been more of silent reader for almost a year here  :))

    What's the thickness of your acrylic plate, and I assume this wont use any pcb right? I use 5mm thickness on my first one, and it was solid enough, but the switches doesnt sit really well especially when pulling keycap due to thickness of plate mount. Opted for 1.5mm aluminium plate on second build, and works much better.

    Edit: Problem with 5mm plate, is mounting the stabilizer, since none fit, had to do some hack job.
    « Last Edit: Sun, 10 August 2014, 05:50:28 by kapish »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #21 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 08:29:01 »
    Thank you for the warm welcome, although I've been more of silent reader for almost a year here  :))

    What's the thickness of your acrylic plate, and I assume this wont use any pcb right? I use 5mm thickness on my first one, and it was solid enough, but the switches doesnt sit really well especially when pulling keycap due to thickness of plate mount. Opted for 1.5mm aluminium plate on second build, and works much better.

    Edit: Problem with 5mm plate, is mounting the stabilizer, since none fit, had to do some hack job.

    1.5mm acrylic for the mounting plate. I'll just order an aluminum plate.

    Offline abjr

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #22 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 11:26:56 »
    I don't think my acrylic plate is going to work :(

    Why do you say that? Are you concerned that 1.5mm is to thin and the plate will flex too much? Or that the switches won't lock in nicely? Or something else?
    CM QFR | magicforce 68 (Gateron) | magicforce 68 (Outemu) | Acros 6311-K

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #23 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 11:35:24 »
    I don't think my acrylic plate is going to work :(

    Why do you say that? Are you concerned that 1.5mm is to thin and the plate will flex too much? Or that the switches won't lock in nicely? Or something else?

    I'm concerned about the flex.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #24 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 13:37:59 »
    Are m3 screws the correct ones to be using? Any have a good source?

    Looking at these,

    http://www.teamassociated.com/parts/details/91477/
    http://www.teamassociated.com/parts/details/2308/
    « Last Edit: Sun, 10 August 2014, 13:51:26 by WhiteRice »

    Offline dorkvader

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #25 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 20:58:20 »
    Thank you for the warm welcome, although I've been more of silent reader for almost a year here  :))

    What's the thickness of your acrylic plate, and I assume this wont use any pcb right? I use 5mm thickness on my first one, and it was solid enough, but the switches doesnt sit really well especially when pulling keycap due to thickness of plate mount. Opted for 1.5mm aluminium plate on second build, and works much better.

    Edit: Problem with 5mm plate, is mounting the stabilizer, since none fit, had to do some hack job.

    1.5mm acrylic for the mounting plate. I'll just order an aluminum plate.


    See if you can get stainless steel for not too much more: I find them to be significantly better than aluminium plates.
    About screws: KMAC uses M2.5 I believe. M3 are pretty big, not sure if they'll fit in the case you have, you might want to do M2 even. (lightsaver uses M2)
    « Last Edit: Sun, 10 August 2014, 20:59:54 by dorkvader »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #26 on: Sun, 10 August 2014, 21:21:25 »
    Thank you for the warm welcome, although I've been more of silent reader for almost a year here  :))

    What's the thickness of your acrylic plate, and I assume this wont use any pcb right? I use 5mm thickness on my first one, and it was solid enough, but the switches doesnt sit really well especially when pulling keycap due to thickness of plate mount. Opted for 1.5mm aluminium plate on second build, and works much better.

    Edit: Problem with 5mm plate, is mounting the stabilizer, since none fit, had to do some hack job.

    1.5mm acrylic for the mounting plate. I'll just order an aluminum plate.


    See if you can get stainless steel for not too much more: I find them to be significantly better than aluminium plates.
    About screws: KMAC uses M2.5 I believe. M3 are pretty big, not sure if they'll fit in the case you have, you might want to do M2 even. (lightsaver uses M2)

    Measuring the drawing gives a diameter of 2.7mm. m2.5 then?

    Offline kapish

    • Posts: 5
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #27 on: Tue, 12 August 2014, 04:36:40 »
    Thank you for the warm welcome, although I've been more of silent reader for almost a year here  :))

    What's the thickness of your acrylic plate, and I assume this wont use any pcb right? I use 5mm thickness on my first one, and it was solid enough, but the switches doesnt sit really well especially when pulling keycap due to thickness of plate mount. Opted for 1.5mm aluminium plate on second build, and works much better.

    Edit: Problem with 5mm plate, is mounting the stabilizer, since none fit, had to do some hack job.

    1.5mm acrylic for the mounting plate. I'll just order an aluminum plate.


    See if you can get stainless steel for not too much more: I find them to be significantly better than aluminium plates.
    About screws: KMAC uses M2.5 I believe. M3 are pretty big, not sure if they'll fit in the case you have, you might want to do M2 even. (lightsaver uses M2)

    Measuring the drawing gives a diameter of 2.7mm. m2.5 then?
    That 2.7mm hole is designed for m3 screw. A good nice tight fit for m3  :-*. And check the screw height with you case height, give it extra 3-4mm for the nut

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #28 on: Wed, 13 August 2014, 16:42:47 »
    Can I call it a keyboard yet?


    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #29 on: Wed, 13 August 2014, 19:09:34 »
    I AM BENDER INSERT DIODE


    Offline dorkvader

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #30 on: Wed, 13 August 2014, 20:44:41 »
    Wow looks awesome!

    One of these days I'm going to direct-wire a keyboard.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #31 on: Thu, 14 August 2014, 09:50:34 »
    Could I run the leads to the controller from the bottom of each coloumn?

    Opposite of this,


    * pictured is from matt3o's bianca keyboard.

    I'm thinking yes, but I want to be sure.
    « Last Edit: Thu, 14 August 2014, 15:48:51 by WhiteRice »


    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #33 on: Fri, 15 August 2014, 18:20:26 »
    Time for more soldering


    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #34 on: Fri, 15 August 2014, 19:17:27 »
    Soldered

    « Last Edit: Fri, 15 August 2014, 19:19:24 by WhiteRice »

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #35 on: Fri, 15 August 2014, 20:50:49 »
    Tying up some loose ends,


    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #36 on: Sun, 17 August 2014, 00:41:50 »
    After a lengthy delivery it's official.

    1:36 AM ET

    Minute Mark 1 Came to Life,



    P.S.
    Make sure to set your LED pin to something other than your matrix pins.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #37 on: Sun, 17 August 2014, 13:02:27 »
    Assembling the case,




    Just waiting for keycaps.

    Offline WhiteRice

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    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #38 on: Mon, 18 August 2014, 19:49:53 »
    Can I call it a keyboard yet?




    Offline hydrospell

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      • octobrain
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #39 on: Wed, 20 August 2014, 11:45:56 »
    Excellent layout. The symmetry strokes my mind...

    May I know what material the case is made of?

    ⌨ Filco MJ2 MX Blues / M0116 Orange Alps / Homemade 60% MX Reds / M0110

    Cherry MX art prints 20/50 still available!

    Offline WhiteRice

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    • Posts: 850
    Re: Minute Mark 1 Mechanical Keyboard Build Log
    « Reply #40 on: Wed, 20 August 2014, 17:00:36 »
    Excellent layout. The symmetry strokes my mind...

    May I know what material the case is made of?



    Thanks! Acrylic.