Hello,
I'm just dipping my toe into the custom keyboard world, and I am certain folks here in the community field or ignore tons of ignorant questions from people just like me all the time. I sincerely appreciate anyone who would offer their hard-earned knowledge and experience. I am hoping someone might be able to point me towards the right products and information for a 1st build. I will as briefly as possible provide some information about myself in hopes that someone knowledgeable might quickly be able to point me towards a starting point.
I am new to mechanical keyboards but proficient in most electronic and mechanical assembly. I can do point to point assembly and am comfortable soldering on PCB's. I have repaired several retail mechanical keyboards (removing/replacing broken switches, LED's, etc.). I can do simple SMD repairs/modifications with rework station and traditional iron.
I know the sky is the limit with custom parts and configurations, but I am looking to start with maximum bang-for-buck while gaining entry into the most core functional benefits of a hand-assembled keyboard. In other things like making custom microphones or bass guitars, one of my greatest joys is using the cheapest possible Chinese parts where they do not make any functional difference while spending money and time on essential parts like the capsule or,hand-wound pickups, or hand leveling frets to perfection. As a point of reference, after trying all manner of "gamer" setups, my daily driver PC is now based on an eMachines case. . . not quite old enough to be beige and hip, but had the essential airflow features that a high powered modern system needs to operate.
I currently use a Corsair K65 and it works great for me. TKL works fine for me as I need mouse space for gaming. I can go smaller, but I like arrow keys and Page up/down. If common means economical for form factor, I'm ok with it. Gateron red switches had too light spring tension for me. Those gamed fast, but I made too many typing errors resting my fingers on the board. Cherry MX red switches in the Corsair K65 work for me in general. I have no clue what's good or bad in switch-land, but if it's preferential in any way, I'm hoping this information is enough for someone to steer me towards something likely to be a good fit.
I like character illumination functionally. The solid red of my Corsair K65 is 100% fine. . . white is also fine. I don't know if that is a common thing in custom keyboard land, and I'm not super picky about the latest and greatest RGB, but illuminated characters help me.
I have no clue what a "good" feel should be. I prefer quieter/duller to louder but if there is any kind of consensus as to what "amazing" action and sonic profile should be (and that is something only achieved in a custom build), I'd like to experience that one please. If it can be accomplished with less noise into my mic, that would allow me to use a more sensitive mic. . . perhaps one of my custom ones that I don't use for gaming partly because of the noise profile coming off the desk.
I keep a messy desk and would like to not have something that does not require regular disassembly and maintenance. I have had enough experience replacing failed switches pit-crew style that I would like something durable if I'm going to spend the time and money putting it together.
Looking for a cheap thrill. . . willing to work a bit for it. Any suggestions that can start me heading down the right path would be greatly appreciated.