geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: uvknhn on Sun, 27 February 2022, 01:23:26

Title: questionz
Post by: uvknhn on Sun, 27 February 2022, 01:23:26

I am looking (:eek:) to make a microtonal (musical) keyboard using "computer" style mechanical keys. Will standard key switches be something I can mount and solder to prototyping board like perfboard/stripboard?

Title: Re: questionz
Post by: lndspk on Sun, 27 February 2022, 01:30:32

 :eek:  :blank:

Title: Re: questionz
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sun, 27 February 2022, 01:36:48

MX switches don't have standard spacing, you may be able to find some non-standard stripboard though - this is the spacing you need:

(https://imgur.com/0DxRnJO.png)

Title: Re: questionz
Post by: Maledicted on Tue, 01 March 2022, 11:55:13

This thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=115334.0) suggests that Kaihua's choc switches fit perfboard with a little drilling.

I haven't tried it yet, but yui's a straight shooter.

They're not MX compatible, but that shouldn't matter for a prototype, right?

Title: Re: questionz
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 01 March 2022, 20:49:53

You can but depending on the switch, it can mess them up (polycarboate or PC are more prone to it).

An option is to use Kailh hot swaps...
You can solder to the swap (not the split) allowing switch changes later. There is also numerous 3d printed mounts you can use for them to assemble a keyboard.