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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: mr.squishy on Tue, 18 November 2014, 20:41:49

Title: Hello there Geekhack!
Post by: mr.squishy on Tue, 18 November 2014, 20:41:49
Hey there! I've lurked this forum every once in a while and I thought it might be handy to have an account. Anyway, I'm a gamer with my own custom-built computer (that I built myself) and I like keyboards a lot, although I sadly do not own any mechanical boards yet. I might make my own in the future though, I'm an enthusiastic DIY type of guy that likes a nice challenge. Anyway, I thought I'd just say hello before asking any questions.
Title: Re: Hello there Geekhack!
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 19 November 2014, 03:23:11
Welcome to Geekhack!

Making your own keyboard is actually a fair bit more work than making a computer - making a computer generally involves installing the mobo into a case, plugging in a few cards, RAM, CPU and PSU, connect HDD or SSD and you're done.

Making a keyboard can involve as much as soldering all the components to the PCB, potentially customising the switches (e.g. different springs, landing pads), soldering switches on, choosing and soldering LEDs on, installing and even programming the controller, arranging a case and cable.  And then you can start choosing from the myriad of keycaps available.

Surprising, eh? :p
Title: Re: Hello there Geekhack!
Post by: byker on Wed, 19 November 2014, 03:30:21
Welcome to Geekhack! Looks like rowdy has you covered in terms of your next steps!  :thumb: Let us know if you need any help being pointed in the right direction.
Title: Re: Hello there Geekhack!
Post by: mr.squishy on Wed, 19 November 2014, 13:29:52
Welcome to Geekhack!

Making your own keyboard is actually a fair bit more work than making a computer - making a computer generally involves installing the mobo into a case, plugging in a few cards, RAM, CPU and PSU, connect HDD or SSD and you're done.

Making a keyboard can involve as much as soldering all the components to the PCB, potentially customising the switches (e.g. different springs, landing pads), soldering switches on, choosing and soldering LEDs on, installing and even programming the controller, arranging a case and cable.  And then you can start choosing from the myriad of keycaps available.

Surprising, eh? :p
It's not really THAT surprising, I'm prepared to do all of those IF I do decide to build my own. I have the soldering and fabrication skills already, and I'm sure I could figure out the programming if I tried hard enough. If not, I have plenty of programmer friends that would be glad to help me out :D
Title: Re: Hello there Geekhack!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 20 November 2014, 03:15:05
Welcome to Geekhack!

Making your own keyboard is actually a fair bit more work than making a computer - making a computer generally involves installing the mobo into a case, plugging in a few cards, RAM, CPU and PSU, connect HDD or SSD and you're done.

Making a keyboard can involve as much as soldering all the components to the PCB, potentially customising the switches (e.g. different springs, landing pads), soldering switches on, choosing and soldering LEDs on, installing and even programming the controller, arranging a case and cable.  And then you can start choosing from the myriad of keycaps available.

Surprising, eh? :p
It's not really THAT surprising, I'm prepared to do all of those IF I do decide to build my own. I have the soldering and fabrication skills already, and I'm sure I could figure out the programming if I tried hard enough. If not, I have plenty of programmer friends that would be glad to help me out :D

Sounds like you might enjoy building a keyboard!  And if you do get stuck, there are plenty of people here to offer advice, or help with diagnosing a problem if there is one.