Author Topic: [IC] 5 key keyboards? (Read 7574 times)

adventurepoop · « **on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 22:32:14 »

I don't know if this is the right place to put this, but I can't find anywhere better so w/e.

As a personal project I made a 5 key keyboard for playing osu! and taiko, and am considering selling a small amount.
I'm planning on making a second version using a custom pcb and micro-controller, and a new casing (either plastic mold or something metal), but this is what I have now and I just want to judge interest.

Would anyone be interested If I sold a few? I would do any switches/combinations of switches, and any colors for keycaps.
Pricing would be ~30$+shipping, depending on the cost of the case. If I can make it cheaper I will, but mine was around 28$ so we will see.

Vibex · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 22:37:02 »

If you could make it easily reprogrammable, I would grab one to play around with.

Pacifist · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 22:37:08 »

This shouldn't cost too much if you revise your system

3D printing the case should cost around $2 tops in material. Switches can be had for 50 cents each. A pro micro to program everything is $5. So it should cost around $10 if you don't buy the materials from overpriced places.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 22:58:54 »

Case was 5$ in plastic, printed it myself. Switches I payed 6$ for because small amounts. The trinket was 8$ but I'm going to change to a pcb and an actual microcontroller, keycaps were 1$ each from wasdkeyboards. With shipping costs I payed 33ish$ total. Obviously price will go down in bulk. I'm not happy with the printed case though, and am going to be switching to either something metal or a molded case, both of which would probably be more than the printed one.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:00:39 »

Also The promicro is 20$ from what I'm seeing so...

Pacifist · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:06:50 »

Quote from: adventurepoop on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:00:39

Also The promicro is 20$ from what I'm seeing so...

teensy is $20, pro micros are $5 last I checked

HPE1000 · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:07:38 »

I'd probably be interested, it would make a great media controller. Play/Pause/Back/Forward/Stop or something similar.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:15:41 »

Quote from: Pacifist on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:06:50

Quote from: adventurepoop on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:00:39
Also The promicro is 20$ from what I'm seeing so...

teensy is $20, pro micros are $5 last I checked

check again haha, 20$ everywhere ive looked

Pacifist · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:29:12 »

Quote from: adventurepoop on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:15:41

Quote from: Pacifist on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:06:50
Quote from: adventurepoop on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:00:39
Also The promicro is 20$ from what I'm seeing so...

teensy is $20, pro micros are $5 last I checked
check again haha, 20$ everywhere ive looked

you obviously haven't been looking too hard. $10 off the first search. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231236471170?lpid=82

Plus these have been sold for $5 a few months ago, I got mine for $4 shipped

luisbg · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:34:20 »

The DIY factor is really cool. I eventually want to get into making a custom keyboard after I have learned the basics by building an ErgoDox.

Does anybody have good resources to read about making custom keyboards. Both for the hardware components and the software.

I want a very programmable 60% that I can turn into a perfect emacs/linux terminal interface.

krajee · « **Reply #10 on:** Thu, 29 May 2014, 20:38:37 »

If it was programmable I would likely get 3-4 to play around with.

pichu23 · « **Reply #11 on:** Thu, 29 May 2014, 21:21:26 »

Would be interested as well !

jonathanyu · « **Reply #12 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 01:03:39 »

i am interested.

I miss those algebra.....lol

quake4mhg · « **Reply #13 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 03:34:11 »

Sorry about my noob question, what software we gonna use to program the keys?

tjweir · « **Reply #14 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 05:40:32 »

Quote from: HPE1000 on Fri, 23 May 2014, 23:07:38

I'd probably be interested, it would make a great media controller. Play/Pause/Back/Forward/Stop or something similar.

I was thinking the same thing.

I'll take one if it's programmable.

Looks cool.

OnTheBrink · « **Reply #15 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 09:37:47 »

I'd be in for one.

Quote from: quake4mhg on Fri, 30 May 2014, 03:34:11

Sorry about my noob question, what software we gonna use to program the keys?

I use KeyTweak. It's a program that changes the registry for you. The interface is clean as easy to use and doesn't require you to keep any programs running for the change to be in effect as it changes the registry.

SpAmRaY · « **Reply #16 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 09:41:29 »

Quote from: OnTheBrink on Fri, 30 May 2014, 09:37:47

I'd be in for one.

Quote from: quake4mhg on Fri, 30 May 2014, 03:34:11
Sorry about my noob question, what software we gonna use to program the keys?

I use KeyTweak. It's a program that changes the registry for you. The interface is clean as easy to use and doesn't require you to keep any programs running for the change to be in effect as it changes the registry.

keytweak can program a keyboard controller?

adventurepoop · « **Reply #17 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 13:42:58 »

Alright here's whats up, I have parts on the way for a version 2, which should be pretty much done in around 2 weeks (finals :/). I also am working on a new case, but have to find somewhere to get metal cut for it. Once I get that all together and get the microcontroller working, a buddy of mine has offered to get the software end of it working as far as programmable keys and stuff. Price right now is going to be base 30$, depending on a bunch of factors. (switch type, one switch type or a bunch of different, keycaps/no keycaps) cheapest will probably be 25$. I'm hoping to sell around 50 minimum, but between here and the osu! community I don't think that will be too big of an issue.

HPE1000 · « **Reply #18 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 13:48:21 »

I would be interested in a no switch, no keycap version (I have a bunch of both sitting around)

This + 120g clear switches should be nice for a foobar controller

adventurepoop · « **Reply #19 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 13:52:43 »

If there's enough interest I could just sell parts I guess. I say if enough interest because I would have to make one that can be used to test the microcontrollers, But that wouldn't be too big of a problem I guess.

kinruan · « **Reply #20 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 22:18:32 »

i see pre-calc/ algebra 2 LOL

kinruan · « **Reply #21 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 22:21:58 »

honestly i have considered building a programmable 1 key keyboard, every click = F##K LOL

feizor · « **Reply #22 on:** Fri, 30 May 2014, 22:31:05 »

I would buy one, don't need keycaps though.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #23 on:** Sat, 31 May 2014, 01:08:02 »

precalc, guilty as charged

adventurepoop · « **Reply #24 on:** Sat, 31 May 2014, 20:51:23 »

Quick update, I got my programmer today and finished my target board, so I can test the new version (at least the electronic side) as soon as the pcb come in

pichu23 · « **Reply #25 on:** Sat, 31 May 2014, 22:23:20 »

Quote from: adventurepoop on Sat, 31 May 2014, 20:51:23

Quick update, I got my programmer today and finished my target board, so I can test the new version (at least the electronic side) as soon as the pcb come in

Great. I'll pop by here now and then for updates ! Hope all is well

James35 · « **Reply #26 on:** Sat, 31 May 2014, 22:54:42 »

I'm interested as long as these could be backlit.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #27 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 00:11:43 »

Quote from: James35 on Sat, 31 May 2014, 22:54:42

I'm interested as long as these could be backlit.

The current pcb doesn't support backlighting, I could potentially add support for that I guess? Idk because I would have to do a lot more soldering for each pcb if they were backlit, right now I'm trying to keep the amount of soldering to a minimum on my end. If I do add backlighting to the pcb it would be something people would have to do themselves if they wanted.

James35 · « **Reply #28 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 00:25:39 »

Yes, I'll do the work myself. (In fact, all I really need would be the PCB and controller.)
My suggestion: if you are going to make a 5 key keyboard, might as well make it a good one. To me, that means lay the ground work for the keyboard community to build on.... like adding the LED option on the PCB board

adventurepoop · « **Reply #29 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 00:59:12 »

I'll work on figuring that out, I think you're right.

swill · « **Reply #30 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 09:02:18 »

My two cents. I would focus on sourcing the components and selling them as a kit, but without assembly. The assembly is going to get old fast and you will be the bottle neck in the process. You can offer the assembly service for a fee for people who want it, but most people will just want the basic components (case, pcb, smd stuff, etc) and they will build it.

Lots of people want small projects like this to work on before they commit to building a full keyboard.

Good job so far. This looks great.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 11:01:35 »

As of now, there's a decent amount of assembly, but I have tried to keep it minimal. The metal cases have to be bent to shape, the microcontroller has to be programmed, and then everything soldered in place. The problem is even if I did what you're saying and just did a kit, I would have to do most of that. Also I wouldn't feel comfortable not pre soldering the microcontrollers as that can go wrong easily. Basically I've decided I will offer kits if people want them, but they won't be all that much cheaper, and it will basically just be almost assembled but be in parts of case, switches, caps, pcb. Everything but the switches will be already soldered onto the pcb.

adventurepoop · « **Reply #32 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 11:03:21 »

Also, the reason I've chose to sell these as already assembled is that I'm also planning to sell them to the osu community, most of who would rather it not be a kit. Thanks for the input though, I appreciate the interest!

James35 · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 19:25:54 »

I'm happy to hear your willingness to put the LED option into the PCB. Thank you. I appreciate that.
I agree with swill. Offer both options. You'd be surprised how many people (at least in the keyboard community) would like to buy your parts and assemble it themselves. It will make life easier for many of your orders. Your osu community will probably order them assembled.

Two questions for you:
1. Can the 5 keys be programmed to be something other than the typical keyboard keys so that they are seen as unique which would allow AutoHotKey to use them?
2. (This is not necessary, but would be a bonus) Do you think it's possible to make them act as a multiplier layer (like Shift, Alt, Ctrl, Fn) for my keyboard keys?

adventurepoop · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 01 June 2014, 19:44:09 »

For the first, yes this is the plan, I hope for them to act like extra keys, sort of like the extra g keys on logitech boards. As for the second, I doubt it. They could act as shift or ctrl, but I'm not too sure how well this will work with another keyboard. I will test this once v2 is done.

fatchoi · « **Reply #35 on:** Sat, 07 June 2014, 03:40:26 »

I am interested as long as it's programmable

vaporishfox · « **Reply #36 on:** Sat, 07 June 2014, 09:41:07 »

I am interested! As a keyboard beginner I think assembling it would be fun too.

Frenir · « **Reply #37 on:** Sat, 07 June 2014, 09:46:37 »

This would be an interesting thing to own, count me in as interested

Mr.Tumor · « **Reply #38 on:** Sat, 07 June 2014, 23:14:51 »

I wants to play with this

Paranoid · « **Reply #39 on:** Tue, 10 June 2014, 03:38:50 »

Any ideas to make this wireless? Would seem more handy than a 5 key keyboard with yet another cable. I found the bluefruit ez-key from adafruit pretty interesting: http://www.adafruit.com/products/1535
Counterpart is that it needs batteries.
Cool idea none the less! Curious about the pcb you'll develop

GSimon · « **Reply #40 on:** Wed, 11 June 2014, 01:06:46 »

I'd be interested in this, preferably an assembled one. Love novelty keypad layouts.

Heliosphere · « **Reply #41 on:** Wed, 11 June 2014, 02:46:36 »

How does one go about programming these, or keyboards in general?

nereme · « **Reply #42 on:** Wed, 11 June 2014, 15:08:31 »

Depending on Priced I would happily take one would be fun to build it and as someone said use it for media controls

swornxin · « **Reply #43 on:** Sat, 21 June 2014, 11:23:18 »

I would love to have one of these if it could be programmed to be in control of iTunes or similar. That was my first thought when I saw it.

nameistaken1 · « **Reply #44 on:** Sun, 22 June 2014, 23:37:45 »

I'd also be interested, but like swill mentioned, I'd much prefer to assemble it myself. I'd also hope that the controller is reprogrammable/flashable.

It does look pretty cool.

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Author Topic: [IC] 5 key keyboards? (Read 7574 times)