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Author Topic: What do I need to build a mechanical keyboard?  (Read 1478 times)

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Offline _haru

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What do I need to build a mechanical keyboard?
« on: Tue, 12 April 2016, 07:11:32 »
Hello people,

I'm new to this forum, so please excuse me if I am posting this in the wrong place.

I would like to build my own mechanical keyboard, namely a 60% one. I will be using the Gateron Clear MX-Compatible switch, and the FaceW 60% SPRiT PCB.

Here are the parts, can you please tell me if they are compatible? Please also tell me if there's a part I have missed.

Switch: Gateron Clear MX-Compatible Switch: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/gateron-switches

Case: 60% Acrylic Frosted Case: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1410

PCB: FaceW 60% SPRiT PCB: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1351

Keycaps: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1445

So, here are my questions:

1. Are all the parts compatible?

2. If I'm not going to be using a plate, should I get PCB mount or Plate mount switches (I'm guessing PCB)?

3. How do I program the keyboard?

4. Are there any parts I'm missing?

5. Do the diodes for the PCB come pre-soldered to it?

Thanks for your help in advance.
« Last Edit: Tue, 12 April 2016, 07:22:03 by linuxfanatic »
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Offline rowdy

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Re: What do I need to build a mechanical keyboard?
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 13 April 2016, 06:15:48 »
Welcome to Geekhack!

1. Yes.

2. Yes (PCB-mount switches have extra plastic legs that hold the switch steady against the PCB).

3. There's some links in SPRiT's thread: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=60887.0

4. Looks like all the SMDs are already there.  A cable, perhaps?

5. Looks like it, based on the picture and description at MK site.
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"Because keyboards are accessories to PC makers, they focus on minimizing the manufacturing costs. But that’s incorrect. It’s in HHKB’s slogan, but when America’s cowboys were in the middle of a trip and their horse died, they would leave the horse there. But even if they were in the middle of a desert, they would take their saddle with them. The horse was a consumable good, but the saddle was an interface that their bodies had gotten used to. In the same vein, PCs are consumable goods, while keyboards are important interfaces." - Eiiti Wada

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Offline Moistgun

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Re: What do I need to build a mechanical keyboard?
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 13 April 2016, 08:35:15 »
Make sure you have a solder sucker or wick to desolder.
You don't know if you will make any errors so be prepared.

Use leaded solder as its much easier to work with.

You'll need a little patience and perseverance.

Anything else, Rowdy has got it covered ^^^
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Offline iLLucionist

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Re: What do I need to build a mechanical keyboard?
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 13 April 2016, 08:44:50 »
Super cool. Could you keep us updated on your progress with pics and notes/observations? I want to build one myself as well but don't have the balls to buy the equipment and do it... yet.
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