How would you go about creating this dream keyboard

[rhizo]

Hey, I haven't been on here for a while, but I've got a question that I can't seem to answer by myself.

So what I'm looking for is basically this exact layout:



With this spacebar design in the place of the above:



It would also need to be programmable, as the left space key would end up being a sort of hold to switch layer key (or just a normal switch layer key), so you could do left space + j for a different key for example. There are a ton of DIY kits and stuff out there, but I was wondering if this is possible to even get close to without too much effort. Even that first layout I showed would be good enough to be honest, but I can't find it anywhere. I'm from the UK, if that makes sourcing any more difficult.

Thanks,

[TalkingTree]

I'm not entirely sure, for I don't own the board but I believe the DZ60 should cover your layout.

[tp4tissue]

Unless you want to drill and file the slots for the switch and stabilizer.

The only other way is to get a custom cut plate.

you don't need a custom pcb,  you can just drill holes  in an existing pcb and wire it up manually.



Again, manual drilllng/filing is an option if you're confident in your own dexterity.

[rhizo]

I'm not entirely sure, for I don't own the board but I believe the DZ60 should cover your layout.

Ah that gets pretty much as close as I've seen.

Unless you want to drill and file the slots for the switch and stabilizer.

The only other way is to get a custom cut plate.

you don't need a custom pcb,  you can just drill holes  in an existing pcb and wire it up manually.



Again, manual drilllng/filing is an option if you're confident in your own dexterity.

Not sure if I'm up for that, seems a bit beyond me. Even soldering the switches I'm not too sure about. I'm assuming you'd recommend against using something like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DZ60-Custom-mechanical-keyboard-PCB-60-keyboard-support-arrow-key/32824638057.html , they seem to have an assembly service too.

[tp4tissue]

I'm not entirely sure, for I don't own the board but I believe the DZ60 should cover your layout.

Ah that gets pretty much as close as I've seen.

Unless you want to drill and file the slots for the switch and stabilizer.

The only other way is to get a custom cut plate.

you don't need a custom pcb,  you can just drill holes  in an existing pcb and wire it up manually.



Again, manual drilllng/filing is an option if you're confident in your own dexterity.

Not sure if I'm up for that, seems a bit beyond me. Even soldering the switches I'm not too sure about. I'm assuming you'd recommend against using something like https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DZ60-Custom-mechanical-keyboard-PCB-60-keyboard-support-arrow-key/32824638057.html , they seem to have an assembly service too.

You can buy those boards..

But doing THAT many switches is a PITA if you're not really -into it- hahahaha..

It's a valid option..


Watch some soldering videos,  it's not hard,

[rhizo]

You can buy those boards..

But doing THAT many switches is a PITA if you're not really -into it- hahahaha..

It's a valid option..


Watch some soldering videos,  it's not hard,

Yeah, I can actually solder reasonably well but I can't be bothered really. I'm thinking about perhaps this board and just dealing with the ansi layout. Not really the best but it fills all my other criteria.

http://groupbuys.mechboards.co.uk/shop/z62-kit-group-buy/