I want a "starter kit" of Cherry switches

[cool-RR]

Hi everybody!

I'm looking to build my own custom keyboard. I've never tried a Cherry switch before, and I heard they're great and that different Cherry switched are good for different things. I'm not sure I'm going to use them in my custom keyboard, but I definitely think I should give them a try before choosing switches.

I want to order a bunch of different Cherry switches, maybe 4 of every kind, just to try them. Since I've never dealt with keyswitches before, I'm not sure what else I need to order and where. I know I need keycaps, but I'm not sure which to buy and where. I'm not sure whether there's anything else I need to buy to use the switches. (I have an electric board from a dismantled keyboard that I can connect switched to.) I'm not sure where to buy either of those things.

Can you please give me a shopping list of what to buy and where to buy it? The focus is on smaller items, as I'm planning to build a keyboard with small keys.


Thanks!
Ram.

[CPTBadAss]

QWERKeys, MAXKeyboard, and WASDKeyboards all have Cherry sampler packs key testers for sale. Get one of those if you just want to try the switches.

If you want to buy in bulk later, Mouser and the classifieds here are my preferred ways of getting loose switches. You can also try other sites like onlinecomponents (I think). I don't recommend buying from QWERKeys, MechanicalKeyboards.com, or WASDKeyboards as their loose switch prices are high.

Getting Cherry MX caps for your project is going to be a tough task.

[cool-RR]

Thanks CPTBadAss!

Since my focus is on small buttons, wouldn't I want to try the ML rather than the MX keys? I looked at all three sites you send and they seem to offer only the MX keys. (Unless I'm missing something.)


Thanks,
Ram.

[CPTBadAss]

Loose ML keys are hard to find. Forget the model number for em. And honestly, theyre not great switches.

[Findecanor]

Welcome to the community! There are several ways to build a DIY keyboard. PCB-mount, plate-mount and direct wiring, layered case, tray case etc..  The most common controller seems to be a Teensy 2.0 with Hasu's "TMK" firmware.

Group buys of new MX switches in the classifieds here is really the only cost-effective way of getting new switches.

Of course you could harvest used switches from old keyboards, which some people have done and sold in the classifieds. They are usually cheaper.

[rowdy]

Buying 4 of each switch is going to be expensive.  There are usually discounts for bulk - 100 or more switches.

You might be best to get one or two of the sampler kits (the QWERkeys one comes with a metal plate that give a better feel of what it is like typnig on those switches; the others just supply the raw switches).

[cool-RR]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Regarding the controller: Is there a Bluetooth controller you can recommend? Does it do any problems with pressing multiple keys at once?

[cool-RR]

P.S. I ordered a bunch of Cherry switches from wasd. Thanks!

[cool-RR]

Does anyone know about a Bluetooth controller you can recommend?

[CPTBadAss]

No. Wireless controllers seem to be tricky. I forget the reasoning behind it. Look up the GH60 wireless project.