Saw the Matias switches on Massdrop, have some questions about building a board

[Willyc277]

I've been thinking about building my own board and using a niche switch would make it even cooler. Are there parts readily available for building a board using these switches from scratch? Here is the link on Massdrop https://www.massdrop.com/buy/matias-switches

Thanks!

[geniekid]

I've been thinking about building my own board and using a niche switch would make it even cooler. Are there parts readily available for building a board using these switches from scratch? Here is the link on Massdrop https://www.massdrop.com/buy/matias-switches

Thanks!

Matias is running an interest check for a special 60% keyboard here.  Also, since Matias switches are essential Alps switches, you might also consider trying to get a Kingsaver from Elton here.

[jacobolus]

Are there parts readily available for building a board using these switches from scratch?

Depends how “from scratch” you want to go. If you can order some laser-cut acrylic/wood or water-jet aluminum/steel (or have your own access to such machinery), you can make a plate that accepts Alps (and Matias) switches. Alternately, you can buy old Alps keyboards on eBay to swap switches into / harvest parts from for your own mods.

I’ve been CNC cutting case/plates out of wood, and plan to hand wire the switches, so the only parts needed are generic wire, solder, diodes, wood, and a microcontroller board (e.g. Teensy). That may be more “from scratch” than you’re looking to go though.

More conventionally... as mentioned, Matias is going to run a group buy for a 60% keyboard kit (including optional assembly). And there are some other upcoming commercial keyboard projects from various vendors using Matias switches. Sprit was going to have an Alps-compatible kit at some point, but I’m not sure if that’s happening yet http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50580.0.

What exactly are you looking for? What kind of board do you want to build?

[Matias]

Are there parts readily available for building a board using these switches from scratch?

Depends how “from scratch” you want to go. If you can order some laser-cut acrylic/wood or water-jet aluminum/steel (or have your own access to such machinery), you can make a plate that accepts Alps (and Matias) switches.

PCBs are also very good for making plates from, especially in small quantities.

Just provide them with the dieline for cutting, and you have a nice strong plate with zero effort on your part.  Some even offer a choice of colours.

[tuananh_bkk]

I've been thinking about building my own board and using a niche switch would make it even cooler. Are there parts readily available for building a board using these switches from scratch? Here is the link on Massdrop https://www.massdrop.com/buy/matias-switches

Thanks!

i saw someone sold a keyboard (Duck Mini ) with matias switches before on DA.

[CPTBadAss]

The Duck mini, viper, and eagle can all accept Matias and Alps switches.

What caps would fit in the alps ergodox though?