How to make a keyboard from scratch.

[dantan]

I would like to design and build my own unique keyboard.

I know I can't do it. even if I made something, it'll probably be full of errors and I'll go way off budget trying to correct them. So I'd rather pay people on fiverr.com to do it for me. But starting out from a layman, I don't even begin to understand the different types of CAD and softwares.

I got inspired by alexatpanc, and would like to get a stainless steel case and plate.
Then I also need to get someone to design the PCB.

Guys, can anyone tell me where I am supposed to start from? Is a stainless steel switch moddable plate considered 2D, and a casing 3D? how do I start off by defining a PCB? There are lots of people on fiverr.com willing to design for a low price, but I don't even know what to start telling them...

[Mechboards]

First place to go is www.keyboard-layout-editor.com - You can design your own layout there. Once you've done that, head to http://builder.swillkb.com/ to product the plate. You can then send this to any 3d or cutting shop.

PCB's are the harder part. You could learn to use EasyEDA or pay someone to design one for you. Make sure you remember to include FN layers if that's what you're looking for.

[bmmcwhirt]

You don't say what your electronics experience is but you should decide what controller and firmware you want to use or if your doing something custom. Then read up on that firmware or the chip you want to use.

KiCad is also a great tool, a little less easy that EasyEDA but much more flexible. There are more than enough video tutorials on KiCad to get you proficient.

Here are some good links on the topic.

http://blog.komar.be/how-to-make-a-keyboard-the-matrix/

http://cubiq.org/build-your-very-own-pc-keyboard

http://matt3o.com/book/

https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/building-a-custom-keyboard-from-the-ground-up-t5761.html

[dantan]

Really thanks so much guys.

Right now I don't have the time to follow all links, but at least the links you've given to the resources will greatly save my randomly searching and reading every damn thing without knowing what is relevant.

Since I'm committed to paying someone for the heavy lifting, I guess it is not so much that I need to master the skill, as that I need to have some understanding of what the designing is about in order to issue the right instructions.