Thinking about self-funding a run of custom keyboards... Idea of cost?

[DonFolders]

After years of buying and modifying keyboards to be close to a certain configuration (one that I can not believe is not custom order-able already) I'm seriously thinking about making a run of keyboards and doing it completely out of my own pocket.  This means that I will sit on the inventory as they slowly sell over the year(s) going forward.  I realize there's a LOT of downside to this, but it's still something I'm getting more and more serious about doing.    Something like 104-ish key keyboard, but with keys and volume knob and a few things to make it the ultimate keyboard where other production runs cheap out on, for the sake of either profit or initial investment.

Also, does anyone have an idea a good place to start, or what the minimum run is?  50?  1,000?   5,000?

I'm nearly a senior citizen, so I would have the funds, patience, and follow through for such a project. 

Any input as to minimum orders, if anyone in the US offers this, or if anyone here already did this or does this type of thing, please let me know.   Thanks in advance!

*Or, if there is an absolute WIZARD (someone who knows their stuff and is dependable) on these boards who builds very custom keyboards by the piece to order, maybe someone can point them out to me- doing a variation or two to use/try would be helpful too I think.

[iso]

Basic rules


Cheap way to approach it:
______________________

• Decide what other keyboard on the marked you want to borrow elements from, or create a unique design, etc
  Decide what swithes you want to use
  Decide what electronics you want to use
  Decide if any of those will be open source as in firmware/software
  Learn 3d modelling/CAD
  Learn how to design a PCB
  Get a 3d printer, design your own layout, print til you`re happy with the design
  Try selling locally/friends, profit.

At this point you should know if you gonna have success or not - Depending on how much time you want to invest on learning to design PCBs/CAD software, coud take over 2+ years.

Already got money and can afford to hire engineers.
_________________________________________

• Decide what other keyboard on the marked you want to borrow elements from, or create a unique design, etc
  Decide what swithes you want to use
  Decide what electronics you want to use
  Decide if any of those will be open source as in firmware/software
  Hire the right people/engineers to create a model for you.
  Hire the right people/engineers to create injection molding.
  Hire the right people/engineers to create board/electronics.
  Hire the right people to assemble it.
  Hire the right people to advertise it.
  Hire the right people to ship it.
  Profit.

Depending how much money you want to dump, 4+ months, usually the more resources you have, the faster is gonna get done  (Over 30k usd)

• Research what an CAD specialist is paid hourly/project
  Research what an electronic engineer is paid hourly/project
  Research what an decent machinist is paid hourly/project

Good luck.

[DonFolders]

ohhhhh..... I KNEWWwwww this was the right place to talk about this. 

The 30K figure is well within my budget and if I can find someone here who's done one or the other (or who builds customs) I'm ready to explore.

Thanks for a solid reply, ISO.  And for what it's worth, I'm hoping to hire someone with experience or skill, I do have 3D printers but no CAD experience.

[DoesItReallyMatter]

ohhhhh..... I KNEWWwwww this was the right place to talk about this. 

The 30K figure is well within my budget and if I can find someone here who's done one or the other (or who builds customs) I'm ready to explore.

Thanks for a solid reply, ISO.  And for what it's worth, I'm hoping to hire someone with experience or skill, I do have 3D printbut no CAD experience.

ai03's discord channel seems to be a place filled with keyboard designers, you can probaly find people with the necessary skills there.