geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: DanielOh on Fri, 01 February 2019, 15:48:59
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Hi, how are you?
I'm planning to make my own Macro/Num pad from scratch! But the problem is I have no idea how to make plate for it...
Despite that, I just tried to make draft version of the plate(I've attached it), and planning to visit somewhere(gotta research..) I can laser cut it.
So would you please check rather my blueprint is right or wrong?
how thick should the plate be?
and finally, should I use acrylic or stainless steel?
I am confused
Thank you!
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It's in Metric. Forgot to say that
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create layout here
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/
copy/paste raw data to
http://builder.swillkb.com/
and order plate from various links on swill or ponoko.com
plate thickness should be 1.5mm for mx switches to snap in properly
use a little google fu, there was a full tutorial somewhere using the sites listed above.
OR, you can use half of a keeb.io Viterbi (which is a split orholinear keyboard, two 5x7 grids just as you have them pictured)
https://keeb.io/collections/frontpage/products/viterbi-keyboard-pcbs-5x7-70-split-ortholinear
have to wait for them to restock (currently out)
and actually, that's the exact keyboard i am typing this message on right now! (Viterbi) how bout that for coincidence?
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if you really want to hand-wire, the plates for the viterbi are in stock.
https://keeb.io/collections/frontpage/products/viterbi-case-plates
personally, i'd wait for the PCBs to be restocked.
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Thank you so much for replying!
Unfortunately, I'm really wanting to make a keyboard FROM SCRATCH( that is my project)
and I need to tweak current draft little bit.
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mx switches?
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I bought "KAILH BOX HEAVY SWITCHES" form KBDfans
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create layout here
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/
copy/paste raw data to
http://builder.swillkb.com/
and order plate from various links on swill or ponoko.com
plate thickness should be 1.5mm for mx switches to snap in properly
use a little google fu, there was a full tutorial somewhere using the sites listed above.
OR, you can use half of a keeb.io Viterbi (which is a split orholinear keyboard, two 5x7 grids just as you have them pictured)
https://keeb.io/collections/frontpage/products/viterbi-keyboard-pcbs-5x7-70-split-ortholinear
have to wait for them to restock (currently out)
and actually, that's the exact keyboard i am typing this message on right now! (Viterbi) how bout that for coincidence?
I've tried this and compared the value from mine, value on my blueprint was same on the website.
14mm for switches and 19.05 for key to key
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link to layout
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_a:7%3B&=&=&=&=&=&=&=%3B&@=&=&=&=&=&=&=%3B&@=&=&=&=&=&=&=%3B&@=&=&=&=&=&=&=%3B&@=&=&=&=&=&=&=
paste this into "paste layout" on http://builder.swillkb.com/ and pick & choose your options, it will draw the files that you can send to cut the plates.
[{a:7},"","","","","","",""],
["","","","","","",""],
["","","","","","",""],
["","","","","","",""],
["","","","","","",""]
at least that will give you exact files you can then adjust if needed.
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I did! Gladly, the values one the file( from the editor) and mine are exactly same!
which mean my blue print has correct value.
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Sorry, but one more question.
What kinda screw, the bolt, should I use?
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how bout m2 screws & standoffs (if you're spacing the two plates). like these:
https://keeb.io/collections/frontpage/products/m2-screws-and-standoffs
if you're doing a full layered case. the bolts will have to be longer and use nuts on the other end or larger holes to hold the standoffs inside the full layered acrylic. do some searching for layered acrylic keyboard cases & see if you find something you like that you can duplicate. here's one i found quick, does 2 plates with standoffs as well as full layered acrylic cases.
https://stratakb.com/store/cases
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reddit (guide):
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/4l0p41/guide_detailed_guide_to_making_a_custom_keyboard/
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m2 screw looks great!
Once again, Enormously thank about your support!
have a good day!
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absolutely!
make sure you post back with progress & completed pics! would love to see it.
and don't hesitate to ask any questions, this community is fantastic.
good luck!
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I hope to see the follow up from this =)
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I will get laser catted plate soon, Hold on!