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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: modmoto on Sat, 23 February 2019, 18:44:58

Title: First Build and I can not seem to find my parts
Post by: modmoto on Sat, 23 February 2019, 18:44:58

Hi

I decided to build my own keyboard, as this seems like a very fun project and so far I think I know what I want, but I just do not seem to find the vendors that would sell the stuff that I need.

So I want to go for 87 keys in a bamboo case. I would like to do the most of it by myself, as I am no stranger to soldering or woodworking. I already found some pcbs that would fit my needs (maybe) but only on aliexpress with 60 days delivery or on mechanicalkeyboards.com (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536) wich is 40 usd of shipping, as I am located in Germany. Also it is only the board, so I still need a arduino and all the diodes. Apparently there was also a pcb here last year (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=95157.0) but I do not find a shop or any information on how to get hold of this pcb. There is also an abandonned shop that had something similar (https://winkeyless.kr/product/b-87-pcb-x2/) but the guy wrote, that he is no longer selling.

Am I overlooking something here or is a 87 key keyboard such a rare thing that there are no options out there for people in europe? Or is the way to go, to make your own pcb every time?
Or could i just buy a cheep 25$ mechanical keyboard, desolder all switches and use the board for my build?

Would be happy to hear some tips on how to make my life easier =)

Title: Re: First Build and I can not seem to find my parts
Post by: Sup on Sun, 24 February 2019, 07:10:11

Quote from: modmoto on Sat, 23 February 2019, 18:44:58

Hi

I decided to build my own keyboard, as this seems like a very fun project and so far I think I know what I want, but I just do not seem to find the vendors that would sell the stuff that I need.

So I want to go for 87 keys in a bamboo case. I would like to do the most of it by myself, as I am no stranger to soldering or woodworking. I already found some pcbs that would fit my needs (maybe) but only on aliexpress with 60 days delivery or on mechanicalkeyboards.com (https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536) wich is 40 usd of shipping, as I am located in Germany. Also it is only the board, so I still need a arduino and all the diodes. Apparently there was also a pcb here last year (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=95157.0) but I do not find a shop or any information on how to get hold of this pcb. There is also an abandonned shop that had something similar (https://winkeyless.kr/product/b-87-pcb-x2/) but the guy wrote, that he is no longer selling.

Am I overlooking something here or is a 87 key keyboard such a rare thing that there are no options out there for people in europe? Or is the way to go, to make your own pcb every time?
Or could i just buy a cheep 25$ mechanical keyboard, desolder all switches and use the board for my build?

Would be happy to hear some tips on how to make my life easier =)

Have you had a look at XD87 on KPRepublic. It uses standard Ali express shipping and that is around 2 weeks for me in the Netherlands. The cheapest kit includes TKL PCB,Plate,plastic body for 60 Euro's. This kit also includes a plate so i think this is gonna be your best option.

Title: Re: First Build and I can not seem to find my parts
Post by: modmoto on Mon, 25 February 2019, 15:27:33

That is perfect, thanks a lot! Did not find this option yet. Will order now =)

Title: Re: First Build and I can not seem to find my parts
Post by: Sup on Mon, 25 February 2019, 16:07:03

Quote from: modmoto on Mon, 25 February 2019, 15:27:33

That is perfect, thanks a lot! Did not find this option yet. Will order now =)

No problem :)