Scissor switches and keycaps

[tlan]

As I'm considering making a custom keyboard with low profile keys, I'm trying to figure out what the best scissor switch is, and where I can get it.  Also, where might I find keycaps for scissor switches?

[Daniel Beardsmore]

I don't want to sound patronising, but you do realise that scissor switches aren't discrete switches and that you can't buy them? The scissors attach to and slide within folds in a very thin sheet of metal, with holes in it that expose the membrane assembly below that. Finally, another thin sheet of metal backs the whole assembly.

Every scissor design is different and all the keycaps will be different too.

You could buy some keycaps, domes and scissors, but you'd need to make your own three-layer membrane assembly, affix the domes (they're glued down), and attach all the scissors and keycaps.

What exactly are your plans here? What layout do you have in mind?

[Oobly]

I think the best discrete (separate) switches for making a custom low profile board are probably Cherry ML. They can feel a bot stiff if you press them off-axis, but if they're lubed they are quite nice. You can also find boards that you can harvest keycaps and switches from relatively cheaply.