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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Irlwizard on Wed, 27 September 2017, 07:49:09
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Hi guys,
Currently using a simple and sturdy Leopold FC700 RT (Cherry MX red) for years and I love it but wish the F1 keys weren't spaced, the keycaps could also be a tad smaller in my opinion and growing up with ISO keyboards I would prefer that over ANSI.
So, I want to create a custom keyboard for the first time! What should I look for when shopping for a PCB? I never see things like N-key-rollover stated or 'switch support'.
This is my ticklist as minimum requirements for the PCB
-75-80% sized compact layout with F1/F2/F3/etc right above 1/2/3/etc.
-ISO layout support (so I can have an extra key between left shift and Z): https://deskthority.net/wiki/ANSI_vs_ISO
-antighosting and at least 5+ N-key-rollover
-functionality to rebind/remap any key on the keyboard e.g. turning the key between shift and Z into 'fn' or 'altgr'.
-macroable keyboard
-Cherry MX Speed switch support, this switch only has a 1.2mm 'actuation' aka travel time: http://www.corsair.com/en-us/k70-rgb-rapidfire-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-cherry-mx-speed-rgb-na
-wire connection
BONUS but not necessary
-USB stick support
-mic jack
-keycap lighting functionality
-optional wireless support
This is the layout I have decided on:
[attachimg=1]
So how can I find out about PCB specs? I read this on reddit about a PCB called TADA68 which seems to be popular: "no true ISO (missing extra key next to l-shift and z)". That has me worried about the whole custom keyboard thing.
PCBs I have heard about are:
1) EEPW84, XD84 (think these two are the same. Controller is called 'krimera core' apparently similar to TNC, whatever this means: youtu.be/xRXkAG-UCBc?t=370)
2) TADA68 (not true ISO, missing key between left shift and Z, firmware editor is a flash program online)
3) Whitefox (open source firmware)
4) RSII 68 (TMK firmware, whatever that means)
5) Redscarf
6) Lightsaber
Found out about the PCBs scattered across forums/reddit posts and aliexpress but if you guys know a proper custom PCB shop website please share the link. Thank you gentlemen.
PS: Any software recommendations for mapping or macros would also be welcome, except for autohotkey... A software without having to code, something like the Logitec's keyboard software that lets you setup auto key pressing macros or string of commands that activate on 1 button etc but for any keyboard.
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The layout determines what PCB you choose. The layout you've shown is quite unusual so the PCB will be unusual, also. I'd be surprised if you could find two to choose from. You'll just have to find the PCB for that board and settle for whatever feature set it has. More than likely it is fully programmable so that covers quite a few things on your want list. Another option is to have a custom PCB made. The best place to ask about that is probably here (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48851.0).
Cherry MX speed switches have the same footprint as other MX switches. If the PCB will accept MX switches your speed switches will fit.
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Since the MX Speed can slot right into a standard Cherry MX mount PCB, you should be good to go with the XD84 :)
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Since the MX Speed can slot right into a standard Cherry MX mount PCB
But will it support the 1.2mm actuation time? Or will it just accept the switch but still have a 2mm actuation?
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Since the MX Speed can slot right into a standard Cherry MX mount PCB
But will it support the 1.2mm actuation time? Or will it just accept the switch but still have a 2mm actuation?
That's physical actuation inside the switch it is not determined by the pcb.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
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Since the MX Speed can slot right into a standard Cherry MX mount PCB
But will it support the 1.2mm actuation time? Or will it just accept the switch but still have a 2mm actuation?
the actuation time is entirely unrelated to the PCB in the case of MX, it's just a physical difference INSIDE the speed switches. externally they're effectively the same as any other MX switch in terms of pcb support. to be clear: you can use speed switches in any pcb that supports MX and still get 1.2m actuation.
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the TADA also does not have the function row you're after
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Since the MX Speed can slot right into a standard Cherry MX mount PCB
But will it support the 1.2mm actuation time? Or will it just accept the switch but still have a 2mm actuation?
the actuation time is entirely unrelated to the PCB in the case of MX, it's just a physical difference INSIDE the speed switches. externally they're effectively the same as any other MX switch in terms of pcb support. to be clear: you can use speed switches in any pcb that supports MX and still get 1.2m actuation.
Yup. The actuation time is determined by the guts of the switch, not the PCB.