Why are DIY Keyboards so expensive?

[TeacherGeek]

I am just wondering this. Is it because the quality is better? I would have thought they don't have to assemble would mean it would be cheaper.

I would love to do it, but it's just out of my reach with my income to justify doing a DIY.

[Findecanor]

Smaller production runs = higher overall cost.
A lot of the cost is initial: man hours to get machines set up right at the factory, and then for things made once but used for every item in the production. For instance, mainstream keyboards cases and keycaps are made of injection-moulded plastic. ABS plastic is very cheap but the moulds are very expensive.
Mass-produced switch mounting plates are stamped or broached, using custom-made tooling but DIY keyboard plates are often CNC-milled.
For a large run, you could also spend money on optimising the process but for a smaller run, that would not be worth it.

Designer does not design for low cost first.

[dexie]

If you are happy with whatever mass producer can offer you then you are lucky and can save a dollar or two. However, if you want something what is not mass offered, like funky layout, advanced programmability, better quality materials and components, unique styles, etc., there's just no other way than going custom.

[TeacherGeek]

If you are happy with whatever mass producer can offer you then you are lucky and can save a dollar or two. However, if you want something what is not mass offered, like funky layout, advanced programmability, better quality materials and components, unique styles, etc., there's just no other way than going custom.

That's true. I am waiting for wireless, hotswappable, rgb keyboard...hopefully won't have to wait too long.

[networkdrift]

It's really just a market thing. Since the nicer keyboards and such aren't produced in mass like off-the-shelf keyboards and the like, they're going to cost more. I kinda hope one day the market for DIY stuff has such an audience we see prices drop, but I'm not counting on it.