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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: Macpants on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:46:10

Title: Central Virginia
Post by: Macpants on Wed, 18 May 2016, 23:46:10
Hi there folks, from the Shenandoah Valley. I'm in the process of building myself my own keyboard and it's looking like quite the project. I'm excited to dive in and learn all I can from all of you. See you around!
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 19 May 2016, 05:52:51
Welcome to Geekhack!

Which keyboard are you building?  Is it one of the kits available, or one you have designed yourself?

Either way have a browse through the making stuff together (https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=117.0) section to see design ideas, build logs and lots of tips and tricks about keyboard construction.

There's also the recommended reading thread (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68372.0), where there's a few linke (e.g. soldering) that may be of interest.
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: MediocreBadGuy23 on Thu, 19 May 2016, 06:20:17
Hey I'm in Northern Virginia and looking to do the same! I've got all the tools ready and just bought a 60% kit on Aliexpress! Should have it within a month! Good luck!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: Macpants on Thu, 19 May 2016, 16:03:25
Hey thanks, Rowdy!
I was hoping to compile my own parts. I'm looking for a TKL because I'm realizing how seldomly I use that keypad, just sitting there taking up space.
Right now, I've picked (no purchases yet, hence why I'm here to learn shtuff)-
I'm only guessing what I might want, since this is seems largely subjective from person to person but I also want to make sure my money goes in the right places. :)

I'll definitely check those links out!

Hi MediocreBadGuy, show us some pics! I'd love to see your progress.
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: Moistgun on Thu, 19 May 2016, 16:15:07
nova bro here. its exciting to hear you are fabing your own. definitely take some pics
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: xtrafrood on Fri, 20 May 2016, 06:49:15
Welcome. I was looking at the phantom kit yesterday and couldn't help but notice that the case lacks the standoffs for securing the switch plate. Clamping power I guess? It's a shame; I can see why you would want to have your own case fabricated.
Title: Re: Central Virginia
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 22 May 2016, 02:28:25
Quote from: Macpants on Thu, 19 May 2016, 16:03:25
Hey thanks, Rowdy!
I was hoping to compile my own parts. I'm looking for a TKL because I'm realizing how seldomly I use that keypad, just sitting there taking up space.
Right now, I've picked (no purchases yet, hence why I'm here to learn shtuff)-
  • Gateron brown switches
  • Phantom board
  • Teensy 2.0 controller
  • Haven't decided on keycaps yet, but I'm leaning toward PBT for texture and durability
  • Custom fab-ed case, but that's a worry for later on
I'm only guessing what I might want, since this is seems largely subjective from person to person but I also want to make sure my money goes in the right places. :)

I'll definitely check those links out!

Hi MediocreBadGuy, show us some pics! I'd love to see your progress.

Sounds like a good start.

Keycaps are the most easily changed component should you decide on something else later on.

And yes, it is exactly subjective.  If you can try a few boards out first, get a feel for different switches etc., it would save the agony of soldering 87 wrong switches in ;)