geekhack Community > Keyboards
Building my first custom keyboard – looking for advice (65%)
bdube30:
--- Quote from: thunk on Fri, 19 December 2025, 02:24:59 ---These days there are a lot of fantastic custom builds on the second hand market that are extrtemely cheap for what they're offering. [...]
--- End quote ---
That's a good point, I will look for that
--- Quote from: nescio on Fri, 19 December 2025, 03:46:52 ---I would just copy some tutorial for the your first custom keyboard and only add changes when you are confident with the basics. I watched a guy on YouTube building a custom keyboard and it was already quite a big project. It's very easy to underestimate projects and overestimate your abilities. [...]
So, objectively, building a keyboard should be seen as a hobby, a way to learn a bit about PCBs, microcontrollers, etc. Expecting a keyboard to be better, might be too optimistic.
--- End quote ---
I Have look youtube videos, and will continue to do it.
For the second part of your message, when I say custom, I did not plan to design the PCB, etc. I was hoping to buy a base would have manage the PCB, microcontroller, etc. and that I would then just buy switches and keycap to go on top of it.
nescio:
That sounds like a plan that will likely not result in disappointment.
bdube30:
--- Quote from: nescio on Fri, 19 December 2025, 09:13:24 ---That sounds like a plan that will likely not result in disappointment.
--- End quote ---
I have sometimes difficulty to detect sarcasm in english (not my main language). Does your message is sarcastic? Or you think that is it realistic to get a barebone/case that will fit my need of then choosing my switches and keycap?
(I'm sorry if I misread you message, trying my best)
Avenyx:
Sounds like a great project! For switches, if you’re looking for something silent and tactile, Gateron Silent Browns could be a good choice. As for cases, options like the Keychron Q7 or GMMK2 are solid starting points. Good luck with your build! :thumb:
nescio:
--- Quote from: bdube30 on Fri, 19 December 2025, 09:37:01 ---
--- Quote from: nescio on Fri, 19 December 2025, 09:13:24 ---That sounds like a plan that will likely not result in disappointment.
--- End quote ---
I have sometimes difficulty to detect sarcasm in english (not my main language). Does your message is sarcastic? Or you think that is it realistic to get a barebone/case that will fit my need of then choosing my switches and keycap?
(I'm sorry if I misread you message, trying my best)
--- End quote ---
You can ask ChatGPT whether or not it is sarcasm too, but this is not sarcasm.
I think it is a realistic plan with a defined scope.
You can reduce project risk by first clarifying your exact requirements. From what I have seen, if I were buying/building a new board, I would get those new inductive keyswitches, because they seem to be technologically better, but there is no doubt in my mind that someone with actual experience with them might disagree. Ultimately, it's sort of a gamble as to what you buy, because the only way to know it's not a gamble, is if you actually buy multiple and compare.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version