Building my first keyboard: iris / gateron white / plover

[zapp]

Hi everyone,

I've been typing on an Ergodox EZ with Cherry MX Brown switches. I love the Ergodox key layout, but I want a keyboard with lighter switches.

I want a split keyboard (or at least angled) with straight columns and light keyswitches. I also want flat keycaps for Plover (see below).  I couldn't find any ready-made keyboard that exactly matches what I want, so I thought I'd try to build one. This would be the first time I build a keyboard, so I need some help choosing the right parts.

I was thinking of buying the Iris PCB (split keyboard with Ergodox-like stagger) from keeb.io as well as the listed items that are needed for the build (including a case). I want to use Gateron White (35g linear) switches, because these are the lightest switches I know of.

Iris PCB: https://keeb.io/products/iris-keyboard-split-ergonomic-keyboard?variant=2650673709086
Iris build guide: https://docs.keeb.io/iris-build-guide

Will the Gateron switches fit on the Iris PCB?

Where can I buy Gateron White switches? And do I need to buy PCM-mounted or plate-mounted switches?

I also want to try out Plover (stenographic typing, supported by the QMK firmware) on this keyboard, in addition to using it as my everyday regular Qwerty keyboard. Plover requires pressing two adjacent keys (on the same column) with a single finger, meaning I need flat keycaps so there isn't a gap or a "valley" between the keys.

Open Steno Project / Plover: http://www.openstenoproject.org/
Plover wiki: Supported hardware: https://github.com/openstenoproject/plover/wiki/Supported-Hardware

The "Supported hardware page" in Plover's wiki mentions the G20 keycaps. They are lower than regular keycaps - does it mean the top surface of the keys will be lower? Will they fit on a regular Gateron stem?

G20 Blank keysets: https://pimpmykeyboard.com/g20-blank-keysets/

I also found someone who built a Planck for Plover. They say they're using Signature relegendables keycaps, I'm guessing it's the DSA family which looks flat, but I'm not sure.

Image of Plack with Plover: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/F9cxJ3or54uSJ3jZr45LsZStoYK6ACaTrSJ2XMI_nUAiDs0y2s2pKz5AIB788eUc6XkKwhhl7LendmBVbeTGszwLTT59PXNAXXcfSWBVbqfadmT_cQP3OaxRYRHcljpSxqkJMWQokeOdYJ268gbG9_loz5aALVoOBe0bw6Yl6Na3yd4QhKvWyYmDR-9MGJslvxtE3QO1tj9bbwlFbBSU2dvW8fGc281Jvoad94zZo3ucXkPTM6Oeuw9aIX_GlECZmLtVT1sgeuyuWbde2P6E2M43znLZMP6_nZGqnjGgaDO0xKG3EHa8-l6lsAIfX6C7SGQ1ox2QGySm4hHJNTvVGZtXgqvPyI7XNsgeZktTCJ7kP6VM_eLH_KbBnUutd7lFi_WID9VOyNqQiymost1uA8OLa6ebRLy_TRo-SsFg99whjgI87cn7dOS_sgFfFjOpSTJLF5hT0ukoWdoPRgob96KXrpxxIsw3l0I5PAQTDXICVyODE-vD9q_dlZYYq9XAYENqLjbxqPNxW9k94zojhTyxyImr96QSMqokQgODfXu7XSiqJiPwfl6b-RLk0s-mZQunBQ=w2640-h1484-no

Reddit thread for Planck with Plover: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4fhy8s/174_wpm_10ff_on_a_planck_with_plover/

What flat keycaps would you recommend?

What else do I need for building my first keyboard?

Thanks for your help!

[TalkingTree]

Hello and welcome.

Will the Gateron switches fit on the Iris PCB?

Gateron KS-3 are Cherry MX clones so any board made for the latter will work with your switches. Although know that the Iris PCB comes in two version and one of them is made exclusively for the Kailh PG1350 series which are low profile and have a different pins position than MX-like switches. In short, double-check what PCB you're buying.

Where can I buy Gateron White switches?

They are actually clear (or translucent), rather than white. If you can wait weeks to deliver, you can rely on Aliexpress.

do I need to buy PCB-mounted or plate-mounted switches?

The PCB supports both and, if you're using a plate, either will work. On the contrary, if you're not buying a plate, you should use PCB mounted (5 pins) switches.

I have no experience with Plovers or flat keycaps so I'm leaving those questions to more experienced gentlemen.

[_haru]

KBDFans.cn is another great source for keyboard parts.

G20 will work fine on any MX or MX-compatible clone switch (and then some).

G20 is frequently used for Plover. They are basically the only easily acquirable flat MX caps. The closest alternative would be XDA, I think, which should be considerably cheaper.

[zapp]

do I need to buy PCB-mounted or plate-mounted switches?

The PCB supports both and, if you're using a plate, either will work. On the contrary, if you're not buying a plate, you should use PCB mounted (5 pins) switches.

I think I'll buy one of the plates from https://keeb.io/products/iris-keyboard-case-plates?variant=6689512914974, which I understand are one flat plate on the top and one at the bottom, connected with screws. Does this mean I can use either 3-pin or 5-pin switches? Will the 5-pin switches be easier to place correctly, or is there no difference when using a plate?

I think I'll also use one 2u PCB mount MX stabilizer for each side for the 2u key.

[zapp]

KBDFans.cn is another great source for keyboard parts.

G20 will work fine on any MX or MX-compatible clone switch (and then some).

G20 is frequently used for Plover. They are basically the only easily acquirable flat MX caps. The closest alternative would be XDA, I think, which should be considerably cheaper.

I think I'll go with G20. Thanks for your response.

[TalkingTree]

I think I'll buy one of the plates from https://keeb.io/products/iris-keyboard-case-plates?variant=6689512914974, which I understand are one flat plate on the top and one at the bottom, connected with screws.

Correct, it's a so called sandwich case.

Does this mean I can use either 3-pin or 5-pin switches?

Yes.

Will the 5-pin switches be easier to place correctly, or is there no difference when using a plate?

Depends on how accurate the cutouts on the plates are. Being that a commercial product I would expect no flaws.

I think I'll also use one 2u PCB mount MX stabilizer for each side for the 2u key.

That's surely better, just make sure you don't buy the acrylic plate for it doesn't support stabilizer cutouts.