Custom 60% or smaller PCBs?

[thebornotaku]

Hi all,

I recently ordered a buttload of switches from the Gateron group buy and I figure what better to do than build a custom keyboard, of course?

I've always liked the look of a 60%, and really liked that 40% keyboard that somebody made. I want to build myself a little miniature board like that to find a place on my desk in lieu of one of my three(!) full-sized keyboards.

My only issue is that seeing all these build threads of people wiring up switches individually with diodes and a Teensy looks pretty daunting, and I'd rather try my hand at using a pre-designed PCB beforehand. I asked over on Reddit but there didn't seem to be too much information regarding custom PCBs. I saw the Phantom TKL but I'm really interested in a 60% or smaller.

So does anybody know where I can get such a thing? Preferrably a normally available part and not something as part of a group buy, but if it is part of a GB I understand.

Thanks,
Mike

[regack]

A few one-offs and small sets make it now and then.  I have a couple of things I'm toying with, the 40% is almost too small, so I designed something just a little bit bigger, I'm just working through some backlighting options.

The big problem is smaller not-a-group-buy builds is cost.  Still, I rather like a good PCB

[plegnic]

The Planck is getting a PCB soon.

You can also check out Gon Boards. Specifically the NerD 60.

[leandre.north]

I am looking for the same

[thebornotaku]

A few one-offs and small sets make it now and then.  I have a couple of things I'm toying with, the 40% is almost too small, so I designed something just a little bit bigger, I'm just working through some backlighting options.

The big problem is smaller not-a-group-buy builds is cost.  Still, I rather like a good PCB

Yeah I definitely understand the cost of small-run, custom or one-off stuff. I just want the reliability, cleanliness and all that that comes with a PCB, but in a smaller package.

40% is indeed very small, almost not useful, but would be fine for actually most of the stuff I do at home. A function layer with number keys instead of having a numpad would be fine and I mostly just type and play video games, very little actual needing of other function keys and such.

Work though, that's the realm of full sized keyboards.


I guess I could always scour the classifieds but it would be nice to find somewhere that I'm not gonna get sniped or sharked for parts that I want in between paychecks or something.

[mashby]

Off the top of my head...

1. Infinity keyboard on MassDrop
2. 7bit has some custom PCBs he's making over on DT
3. Take a chance on one of Sprit's PCBs
4. Samwisekoi has a PCB here that's not released yet.

[vindaon]

^ Zeal has some in stock too. http://zealpc.net/products/gb

Limited options though

[jdcarpe]

You can PM BunnyLake if you would like to order a JD40 kit.

(the [CTRL]ALT store is temporarily down)

[heedpantsnow]

If it's your first time maybe a GON would be best?

[regack]

If it's your first time maybe a GON would be best?

ok, I will only ever be able to read your username in a that crazy scottish accent.

[heedpantsnow]

If it's your first time maybe a GON would be best?

ok, I will only ever be able to read your username in a that crazy scottish accent.

Lol yep I had some crazy hair in college

[thebornotaku]

^ Zeal has some in stock too. http://zealpc.net/products/gb

Limited options though

Sadly a lot of that content is blocked through my work's internet filter, I'll check that out when I get home.

Off the top of my head...

1. Infinity keyboard on MassDrop
2. 7bit has some custom PCBs he's making over on DT
3. Take a chance on one of Sprit's PCBs
4. Samwisekoi has a PCB here that's not released yet.

I missed the Infinity on Massdrop but was also debating it because I'm not going to need switches. Still, I'll probably buy one the next time it comes around because it was a pretty good deal, and I love the look of it's case.

If it's your first time maybe a GON would be best?

I have switches coming from the Gateron GB, and have plenty of keycaps already. The take-offs from my MX Blue Das, a SP DSA Dolch full set, and two full set of the Massdrop Granite doubleshots.

Plus $330 for a kit is pretty steep, for that much money I'd rather just buy a Novatouch or maybe three Pokers or something else. I know building my own isn't the most budget-friendly option but I'd rather spend that much money over time and only what I actually want (read: don't have already) versus a complete kit.

Now if they offered a kit with just PCB, case, stabs and controller, maybe. But I didn't see one.

You can PM BunnyLake if you would like to order a JD40 kit.

(the [CTRL]ALT store is temporarily down)

I will do that! The JD40 is one of the keyboards that I've seen and taken a definite interest in, I'd love to have something that minimalistic and beautiful gracing my desk.

[mashby]

I missed the Infinity on Massdrop but was also debating it because I'm not going to need switches. Still, I'll probably buy one the next time it comes around because it was a pretty good deal, and I love the look of it's case.

I don't think You have to buy switches in the group buy. At least I didn't have to in the first round. I highly recommend the PCB if you like the HHKB style layout.

[thebornotaku]

I missed the Infinity on Massdrop but was also debating it because I'm not going to need switches. Still, I'll probably buy one the next time it comes around because it was a pretty good deal, and I love the look of it's case.

I don't think You have to buy switches in the group buy. At least I didn't have to in the first round. I highly recommend the PCB if you like the HHKB style layout.

Well I would say it could benefit me to look but since the drop is over I suppose it's irrelevant now.

I have noticed that DIY kits / PCBs / Cases / etc. pop up on Massdrop from time to time, maybe it's time that my relationship with keyboards gets serious enough that I can reach the "hoarding" stage.


I've never used an HHKB, I have a Lite2 but it's P/S2 and I don't have an adapter. I'd actually like to get an adapter so I can see how much I like the HHKB style layout, even if the Lite2 is a rubber dome non-Topre board.

[heedpantsnow]

Get a GON PCB from GON or Ctrlalt.io (might be out of stock now) for $50
Buy 65 gaterons from someone: $15-20
Used case on classifieds (or from me): $50-$100
Stabs (look around and keep your eyes open): $10
Caps of your choice: $20-$150

You could do a 60 for pretty cheap. Maybe less than $130 of you shop around for a while.

[ideus]

The Nerd-60, diodes, resistors, and stabilizers is under $90 USD at Gon's site.

[thebornotaku]

Get a GON PCB from GON or Ctrlalt.io (might be out of stock now) for $50
Buy 65 gaterons from someone: $15-20
Used case on classifieds (or from me): $50-$100
Stabs (look around and keep your eyes open): $10
Caps of your choice: $20-$150

You could do a 60 for pretty cheap. Maybe less than $130 of you shop around for a while.

I've already got Gaterons coming as well as two more sets of ABS doubleshots from Massdrop, so I don't need those.

The Nerd-60, diodes, resistors, and stabilizers is under $90 USD at Gon's site.

I completely missed those. Derp. Thanks for the suggestion! Diggin the NerD 40%. I'll definitely have to do more reading though.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Now I've got a whole lump of things to try. 

[nubbinator]

Off the top of my head...

2. 7bit has some custom PCBs he's making over on DT

Do you have a link for that one?  I don't hit up DT too much since it moves so slowly.

[regack]

I imagine it's these: http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/hypermicro-and-hypermini-keyboard-t4185.html


There's also this that Matt3o seems to be working on, but I honestly haven't read through the whole thread to see what's going on.
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/group-build-prototyping-phase-t7474.html

[metafour]

The Nerd-60, diodes, resistors, and stabilizers is under $90 USD at Gon's site.

Any idea how long it takes GON to ship parts only orders at this time?

[mashby]

I imagine it's these: http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/hypermicro-and-hypermini-keyboard-t4185.html


There's also this that Matt3o seems to be working on, but I honestly haven't read through the whole thread to see what's going on.
http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/group-build-prototyping-phase-t7474.html

Thanks reghack, that's the thread I was thinking of.