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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: zoooney on Sun, 15 November 2015, 08:51:46

Title: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: zoooney on Sun, 15 November 2015, 08:51:46

Hey guys, I want to build a mechanical keyboard, but I have no idea how. I know what PCB's are, but that's it. It should have mx clear switches. Not sure if I want a 60% board or TKL.




Do you guys know any good tutorials for stupid people like me? I love mechanical keyboards and I always wanted to build one.

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: Jokrik on Sun, 15 November 2015, 08:53:36

This is the guide I followed when I was still learning

index=9&list=FL8rZhuMRVpYVxOpIC3jcJ0g

It's basic stuff

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: absyrd on Sun, 15 November 2015, 08:53:47

I hate soldering with a passion. Some people love it. Some people make boards from complete scratch and handwire them!

I'd suggest starting with deciding what form factor and switch type you want to go with.

And read here:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69582.0

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:29:05

NO!

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/behold-the-black-rainbow-t12049.html (http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/behold-the-black-rainbow-t12049.html)

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: tronbeaver on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:29:57

You should start with a kit.  GON Keyboards sell some.

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:30:08

If you are building a kit then that is mostly about soldering and snapping things together and the people who made the kit should have provided buyers with a building guide.
In some cases you would need to buy parts from different places.

If you are building one from scratch then before you start you would need to learn more about how keyboards function and you may also need to do some custom programming of your firmware.

Luckily, both 60% and TKLs should be available as kits.

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: BlindShadow on Sun, 15 November 2015, 13:12:27

Yes if you go a little overkill to start with, consider using an Arduino if you are a beginner.

/03 

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 15 November 2015, 13:12:34

Quote from: fohat.digs on Sun, 15 November 2015, 09:29:05

NO!

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/behold-the-black-rainbow-t12049.html (http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/behold-the-black-rainbow-t12049.html)

That's the other end of the spectrum!

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: ideus on Mon, 16 November 2015, 16:33:24

To build a kit, or not to build it? that is the question. If this is your first try get a kit, if you are comfortable with soldering, doing some programming, and have decent DIY skills then make one from scratch.

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 16 November 2015, 16:37:42

Yes

Title: Re: Is building a mechanical keyboard easy?
Post by: p3lim on Sun, 29 November 2015, 13:23:13

Reasonably easy, you need patience and a steady hand.

My first (handwired): https://imgur.com/gallery/zwsDN