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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:57:33

Title: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:57:33
I just sold some stuff and came up with a good budget for building a proper custom board.

Ideally, I would like to build a 90% board but I can't for the life of me find a 90% case. The Phantom PCB seems like it'd be perfect for this project, as it's readily available and works well with AVR.

What I mean by 90%, assuming that's the correct term is:

TKL, but with the space between the arrows and pg up down del ins, etc. filled in with an additional 5 keys. Traditionally it would be a number pad, which I would like to have available via a function key.

I love the Tex TKL cases but again, I can't find one with an entirely bored out right side.

Can anyone help me out here? I have a lot of experience modding keyboards, lubing, soldering, spring swaps, etc. so that won't be an issue.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/TheProfosist/GeekHack/GH-sub-mine/WASDALTTKLFnLayer1TEMP3.png)

This is a picture of what I'm looking to do.
Also, is there a better option for PCB's? I know that the Phantom is popular and for good reason.

Thanks
Bryan
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: Dihedral on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:00:22
Have you looked at the Lightsaver? I think it's a great looking and functional MTK board
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:29:42
Quote from: Dihedral on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:00:22
Have you looked at the Lightsaver? I think it's a great looking and functional MTK board

You've got a couple of options on the market. Off-the-shelf there's the CM Quickfire TK and Masterkeys Pro M. They both pretty much have the exact layout you want.

If you're set on going custom, You could either hand-wire the keyboard using a plate generated by Swills' tool or get a 96% kit (there's a few that exist on the market, mainly RS96/ZZ96/AMJ96). As another commenter pointed out, Lightsaver is certainly an option, but good luck getting your hands on one.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:45:13
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bminiex.jpg?resize=700%2C350)

(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_0740.jpg)

http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-ex-x2-pcb/

I have a feeling this is the closest you'll get without a commission or hand wiring.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:59:40
Quote from: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:45:13
Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bminiex.jpg?resize=700%2C350)


Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_0740.jpg)


http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-ex-x2-pcb/

I have a feeling this is the closest you'll get without a commission or hand wiring.

Ah man. I imagine those acrylic cases feel pretty cheap yea?

I know SPRiT says he makes acrylic cases of all different sizes. Maybe I should try him.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 18:09:01
Quote from: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:59:40
Quote from: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:45:13
Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bminiex.jpg?resize=700%2C350)


Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_0740.jpg)


http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-ex-x2-pcb/

I have a feeling this is the closest you'll get without a commission or hand wiring.

Ah man. I imagine those acrylic cases feel pretty cheap yea?

I know SPRiT says he makes acrylic cases of all different sizes. Maybe I should try him.
The cases are some of the communities favorite. They aren't flimsy whatsoever, probably the best of acrylic cases.

I also wouldn't support sprit, considering he still has lots of outstanding customers and since his return hasn't provided any evidence of him shipping things.

If you get the PCB sorted, I could probably get a couple plates machined/anodized and have the layout with a GON style case but probably after I finish my first GB.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:16:40
Quote from: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 17:45:13
Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/bminiex.jpg?resize=700%2C350)


Show Image
(http://i0.wp.com/winkeyless.kr/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/DSC_0740.jpg)


http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-ex-x2-pcb/

I have a feeling this is the closest you'll get without a commission or hand wiring.

Ooooh I completely forgot about WKL, good spot!

P/S xondat: I saw your 60% group buy, lovely design! It sounds like you've got quite a bit of experience with prototyping, do you have your own CNC?
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:31:08
Quote from: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:16:40
P/S xondat: I saw your 60% group buy, lovely design! It sounds like you've got quite a bit of experience with prototyping, do you have your own CNC?
I don't have my own CNC. I just enjoy creating and will basically take any opportunity to :)) It's why I have like 5 different projects I'm working on, keeps me busy.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: Data on Thu, 18 August 2016, 07:45:14
Quote from: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:57:33
I just sold some stuff and came up with a good budget for building a proper custom board.

Ideally, I would like to build a 90% board but I can't for the life of me find a 90% case. The Phantom PCB seems like it'd be perfect for this project, as it's readily available and works well with AVR.

What I mean by 90%, assuming that's the correct term is:

TKL, but with the space between the arrows and pg up down del ins, etc. filled in with an additional 5 keys. Traditionally it would be a number pad, which I would like to have available via a function key.

I love the Tex TKL cases but again, I can't find one with an entirely bored out right side.

Can anyone help me out here? I have a lot of experience modding keyboards, lubing, soldering, spring swaps, etc. so that won't be an issue.

Show Image
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/TheProfosist/GeekHack/GH-sub-mine/WASDALTTKLFnLayer1TEMP3.png)


This is a picture of what I'm looking to do.
Also, is there a better option for PCB's? I know that the Phantom is popular and for good reason.

Thanks
Bryan

You might want to rethink this.  The Phantom PCB only has 3 columns to the right of the main cluster.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: bmilcs on Thu, 18 August 2016, 09:36:49
Quote from: Data on Thu, 18 August 2016, 07:45:14
Quote from: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:57:33
I just sold some stuff and came up with a good budget for building a proper custom board.

Ideally, I would like to build a 90% board but I can't for the life of me find a 90% case. The Phantom PCB seems like it'd be perfect for this project, as it's readily available and works well with AVR.

What I mean by 90%, assuming that's the correct term is:

TKL, but with the space between the arrows and pg up down del ins, etc. filled in with an additional 5 keys. Traditionally it would be a number pad, which I would like to have available via a function key.

I love the Tex TKL cases but again, I can't find one with an entirely bored out right side.

Can anyone help me out here? I have a lot of experience modding keyboards, lubing, soldering, spring swaps, etc. so that won't be an issue.

Show Image
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/TheProfosist/GeekHack/GH-sub-mine/WASDALTTKLFnLayer1TEMP3.png)


This is a picture of what I'm looking to do.
Also, is there a better option for PCB's? I know that the Phantom is popular and for good reason.

Thanks
Bryan

You might want to rethink this.  The Phantom PCB only has 3 columns to the right of the main cluster.

Perfect. Thats what I essentially want; I don't plan on using a number cluster.
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: duynguyenle on Thu, 18 August 2016, 14:12:17
Quote from: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:31:08
Quote from: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:16:40
P/S xondat: I saw your 60% group buy, lovely design! It sounds like you've got quite a bit of experience with prototyping, do you have your own CNC?
I don't have my own CNC. I just enjoy creating and will basically take any opportunity to :)) It's why I have like 5 different projects I'm working on, keeps me busy.

That's cool man, I've got a couple of ideas floating around. Mind if I PM you sometime with a billion questions? I'd like to pick your brain and find out more about your process  ;D
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: Data on Thu, 18 August 2016, 14:22:50
Quote from: bmilcs on Thu, 18 August 2016, 09:36:49
Quote from: Data on Thu, 18 August 2016, 07:45:14
Quote from: bmilcs on Wed, 17 August 2016, 16:57:33
I just sold some stuff and came up with a good budget for building a proper custom board.

Ideally, I would like to build a 90% board but I can't for the life of me find a 90% case. The Phantom PCB seems like it'd be perfect for this project, as it's readily available and works well with AVR.

What I mean by 90%, assuming that's the correct term is:

TKL, but with the space between the arrows and pg up down del ins, etc. filled in with an additional 5 keys. Traditionally it would be a number pad, which I would like to have available via a function key.

I love the Tex TKL cases but again, I can't find one with an entirely bored out right side.

Can anyone help me out here? I have a lot of experience modding keyboards, lubing, soldering, spring swaps, etc. so that won't be an issue.

Show Image
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/TheProfosist/GeekHack/GH-sub-mine/WASDALTTKLFnLayer1TEMP3.png)


This is a picture of what I'm looking to do.
Also, is there a better option for PCB's? I know that the Phantom is popular and for good reason.

Thanks
Bryan

You might want to rethink this.  The Phantom PCB only has 3 columns to the right of the main cluster.

Perfect. Thats what I essentially want; I don't plan on using a number cluster.

OK, so really not like the picture at all then?
Title: Re: Custom TKL or 90% keyboard parts
Post by: xondat on Thu, 18 August 2016, 14:30:52
Quote from: duynguyenle on Thu, 18 August 2016, 14:12:17
Quote from: xondat on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:31:08
Quote from: duynguyenle on Wed, 17 August 2016, 20:16:40
P/S xondat: I saw your 60% group buy, lovely design! It sounds like you've got quite a bit of experience with prototyping, do you have your own CNC?
I don't have my own CNC. I just enjoy creating and will basically take any opportunity to :)) It's why I have like 5 different projects I'm working on, keeps me busy.

That's cool man, I've got a couple of ideas floating around. Mind if I PM you sometime with a billion questions? I'd like to pick your brain and find out more about your process  ;D
Go for it :))