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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: davesantos on Mon, 13 June 2016, 02:55:30

Title: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: davesantos on Mon, 13 June 2016, 02:55:30
Hi I'm Dave,

I'm completely new to the mechanical keyboard scene and most things pertaining to the topic point me here. A little about me I'm a graphic designer from the Bay Area, California. You could say I'm a tinkerer at heart. I've messed with coding languages, built professional websites, done castings, woodwork, and even built surfboards. Now, after seeing all these beautiful keyboards online the effect is very visceral. I'm looking to get into keyboard building and programming.

So far I'm interested in 40% or 60% keyboards. I've already gone ahead and bought some MX switches and currently keeping my ear to the ground for PCBs. Any tips for someone starting out would be greatly appreciated. Can't wait!
Title: Re: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: xtrafrood on Mon, 13 June 2016, 03:05:50
Hey, welcome. Surfboards? You've built surfboards.. How? Why? Where? Did they hold up to the stomp test? I'm curious I can't help it :)
Title: Re: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: davesantos on Mon, 13 June 2016, 03:49:53
Yes I've spent a great deal repairing damaged boards. The frustration led me to eventually making my own with construction done my way. I've shaped roughly 12 in a backyard shed for myself & a few friends.
They do indeed survive a stomp test with the quality fiberglass and epoxy resin I use. Much stronger and cheaper than anything off the shelf of a local surf shop.
Title: Re: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: xtrafrood on Mon, 13 June 2016, 15:04:02
Quote from: davesantos on Mon, 13 June 2016, 03:49:53
Yes I've spent a great deal repairing damaged boards. The frustration led me to eventually making my own with construction done my way. I've shaped roughly 12 in a backyard shed for myself & a few friends.
They do indeed survive a stomp test with the quality fiberglass and epoxy resin I use. Much stronger and cheaper than anything off the shelf of a local surf shop.

That's really cool. Sounds like you're going to make some awesome stuff for the keyboard community :thumb: I look forward to reading build logs in the future.
Title: Re: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 16 June 2016, 06:11:20
Welcome to Geekhack!

I don't recall a surfboard thread - you might have come up with a new hobby for us to obsess over ;)

The GH60 might be a good place to start, if you want to build a 60%.  Designed right here too!  Available from TechKeys: http://techkeys.us/collections/accessories/products/gh60
Title: Re: Looking to build. I'm brand new!
Post by: DtEarth on Thu, 16 June 2016, 08:35:34
Welcome Dave. I'm new here also. Being a builder myself I also find myself wanting to build my own. How I ended up here on this forum. Looking forward to see what you come up with.