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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sebi707 on Sat, 23 January 2021, 17:05:21

Title: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: sebi707 on Sat, 23 January 2021, 17:05:21
I've recently started this hobby and will probably purchase my first custom keyboard case soon. I’ve noticed that often you can buy a second PCB with it and I’m wondering what the reasons for getting a second PCB are. I’m familiar with electronics so I’m not afraid of soldering the switches or breaking the PCB. Or is this more like a long term backup if the PCB dies in 10 years from now?
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: ReverbSlush on Sat, 23 January 2021, 17:29:15
I’ve bought more than one pcb/plate for a variety of reasons before -

Different layouts (split space or not)
Different color plate
Those switches I used went out of style (not really this but lol)
Fear of having a super nice case and not being able to replace the pcb if it breaks

So yeah those are some reasons. There are probably more...
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: powwu on Sat, 23 January 2021, 22:49:32
Long term backup, your PCB will probably die to something stupid and youll want a backup.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: yqqdrasil on Sat, 23 January 2021, 23:19:01
Well I don't own one, but I would assume when you're spending anywhere from $400-1k+ on a custom keyboard, spending another $50 bucks on an extra PCB is pretty marginal.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: S61 on Sat, 23 January 2021, 23:24:36
maybe  want to try some different switches,Sometimes like  a  loud clicking,or silent.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: sebi707 on Sun, 24 January 2021, 04:55:35
I don't think trying different switches/layouts is a valid point for me, because I probably won't be experimenting that much. I also would need an additional plate for this. If I really want to change the switches I could desolder them. So I guess it comes down to a backup board if the other one dies for some reason.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: Sup on Sun, 24 January 2021, 08:16:56
Quote from: sebi707 on Sun, 24 January 2021, 04:55:35
I don't think trying different switches/layouts is a valid point for me, because I probably won't be experimenting that much. I also would need an additional plate for this. If I really want to change the switches I could desolder them. So I guess it comes down to a backup board if the other one dies for some reason.

If its a custom always buy a backup PCB. Something may just randomly happen and you may end up with a brick of steel. Better be safe then not.  If its a keyboard with standard parts you can easily get i would say yeah 1 pcb is enough if something happens you can just buy a new one.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: icrchi on Tue, 09 February 2021, 03:32:46
Another reason could be that the stock pcb doesn't have the features that the builder wants.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: xudongz on Tue, 09 February 2021, 14:19:07
As others have said, there's less of a benefit if the PCB will be still available for purchase.

Even if the PCB doesn't stop working on its own, a backup PCB can be helpful against something as simple as an accidental spill.
Title: Re: Why get a second PCB for custom keyboard?
Post by: Kyle_Kun on Tue, 09 February 2021, 15:42:09
Quote from: ReverbSlush on Sat, 23 January 2021, 17:29:15
I’ve bought more than one pcb/plate for a variety of reasons before -

Different layouts (split space or not)
Different color plate
Those switches I used went out of style (not really this but lol)
Fear of having a super nice case and not being able to replace the pcb if it breaks

So yeah those are some reasons. There are probably more...

pretty much this