Hey! I'm Adam and I've been planning to build my very own mkb. Its' been a dream of mine since I got into this rabbit hole early 2015. I remember having my first post here asking 'How do I build my own keyboard?' Didn't know by then how crazy, difficult and expensive it is to build one.
) I was introduced by a member with the diy kb kits instead. Since then I have owned different types of keyboards. A B.87, HHKB, VE.A, p0k3r, Octagon V2, Novatouch, and a Whitefox. Total of 7 boards.
http://imgur.com/a/MPh19. Since I pretty much had all the different layouts already, I've decided to start working on my own keyboard, putting all together the things that I liked. So here's Project COSMOS -- 1 of 1 custom built mechanical keyboard.
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Design wise, it is about 70% done. There are so much more to add/fix on this one which means that the rendered images above isn't the final design, but this is how I see it as the final product. Main goal of this project is to have a space themed keyboard hence the project name. I am actually free styling the design of this. I had no drawings or any kind to base of the design of this board and at the same time learning how to use CAD app since it is my first try using it. Sorry for crappy rendered images too, it is my first time to use rendering app as well. I will keep this thread updated with all the updates for this project. I must mention now too that this will take months to finish due to my sched/work and budget.
Btw, I am open to any suggestions. Let me know.
Details/Specs:
- Cnc'd Anodized Aluminum body✔
- Polycarbonate Logo Inserts(Top)(Backlit)✔
- Polycarbonate Mid Diffuser✔
- Gold Plated Logo(Back)✔
Brass/Stainless Steel Engraved Weight InsertsGold Plated Stainless Steel Weight Insert✔- HHKB Layout (1-1.5-6-1.5-1 bottom)- ✔
- Black Blank PBT Keycaps - ✔
- Gold Plated Custom Shiny Stainless Steel Plate - ✔
- B.face RGB PCB - ✔
- Hotswappable switch mod -✔
- Nixdorf linear switches✔
- Custom usb cable. ✔
- Clear/Gold stabilizers✔
- A set of 'gamer set' artisan blanks✔
- Budget - RIP
last updated: 12/23/16
*✔ = acquired / finished /in production
[UPDATE] 11/27/16 - pcb, holtite, pbt keyset, prototypingMore
[UPDATE] 12/7/16 - New rendersMore
[UPDATE] 12/16/16 - Final colors of CosmosMore
[UPDATE] 12/21/16 - Aluminum Case Prototype and Polycarbonate PiecesMore
[UPDATE] 12/23/16 - Raw smooth finished prototype caseMore
[UPDATE] 12/24/16 - Aluminum Case Prototype just arrivedMore
aluminum case prototype just arrived.
Can't believe what I am seeing. It looks freaking cool. Plate and switches needs to be here asap.
Here's some pics:
[UPDATE] 12/27/16 - Nixdorf switchesMore
Harvesting this switches over the weekend. Plate is already at my state. Should arrive anytime this week!
[UPDATE] 12/29/16 - SS Plate is here!More
[update]
[update]
Plate is here!
The weight insert and logo are in production now. I cannot wait to see the complete case on its final form and color.
Missing a hole for one screw, but that will be an easy fix for me
) Too kbottom pic of it as well which is badly scratched, my bad
[UPDATE] 01/09/17 - Polished Weight insert and logoMore
[Update]
Polished stainless steel weight insert and logo was shipped today. It should be here tmo. They're looking good in these photos, but I will still take some more photos of them on the board. I just sent the anodizing shop another email, hoping to get a response this time. I really want the board anodized asap. I will be working next on the cherry profile blanks once I find some free time.
[UPDATE] 01/09/17 - Blank Keycap making!More
[Update]
Just want to share this pic of my Cherry profile blanks. Theses are Fns. It is a test run. Not so sure if they are okay at the bottom or not. I will have to redo the other molds for other keycap rows. I think it is looking great at this point. The colorway for the Cosmos is def a surprise.
[UPDATE] 01/11/17 - Polished Weight insert and logo arrived - Test fitMore
[UPDATE] 01/21/17 - Cosmos 90% finished - blanks colorway revealedMore