Looking to Build a Mechanical Keyboard

[kaseys]

Hey I am completely new to this but am looking to find a kit or just build myself a mechanical keyboard for my boyfriend for his birthday. Can anyone offer any guidance or suggestions of where to start looking?

Thanks:)

[KatzenKinder]

As long as you know what you're getting yourself into! Building a keyboard from scratch will certainly be a task, but there are a lot of resources out there to help you get started.

Matt3o has a great guide here : http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/building-a-custom-keyboard-from-the-ground-up-t5761.html

[Rotaku]

If you could get a hold of the recent infinity 60% the just ended on massdrop, and then learn how to solder, that would be a great way to go! The infinity kit is also nice because all you need to do is solder the switches, and program the layout you want and you're good to go! No need to solder diodes or resistors that, and it's a great kit for beginners due to the pricing and all the stuff you get with it

[kaseys]

Rotaku, I can solder but anything for beginners would be the way to go for me! Do you have any idea how I can get my hands on that kit?

[Rotaku]

Rotaku, I can solder but anything for beginners would be the way to go for me! Do you have any idea how I can get my hands on that kit?

You can either keep an eye on the classifieds over here on geekhack till a kit pops up (also over at /r/mechmarket), or you can just wait another month or two till the infinity kit drops again on massdrop!

[retrochick]

I would highly recommend the SPRiT 60% custom keyboard. You can order it here:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=60887.0

This was my first custom keyboard and everything worked out great. The PCB is presoldered with diodes, resistors, etc. and you just have to insert stabilizers and solder in switches and LEDs(optional).

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Building a keyboard for someone is a fairly significant undertaking if you haven't done something like that before.  But with a little patience and care, it is quite doable.

If you do run into strife, you can have a look in the making stuff together section, where there are soldering guides and various build logs by other GH members.