New guy here!

[GeneralArrow]

Hey guy's been directed over here from a  few guy's on /r/MechanicalKeyboards on reddit!

Currently I have a Razer Black Widow Chroma, which I love and yet I find my self not even using half of it's functionality. I also am finding a desire to learn more and understand how keyboards are made.

I recently just spent about 170 dollars on the Galaxy Class Set on Mass Drop and eagerly await it.

Though I was recently recommended that I look into building my own keyboard, but I have nowhere or very little knowledge on how to start. Any guides and tips would be awesome.

Part of the reason is that I like Clears and Blue's and someone told me that if I get a Zelios with a 65g gateron switch it should feel like a smoother clear. Though I do like the blue clicks.

Thanks!


Also I really want that Ducky Shine 5 :3

I have been eyeing it even before I got my blackwidow but until I was more comfortable with MK's I wanted something simple.

Also that trick question is pretty funny, bravo

[njbair]

There are lots of ways to build your own board. A lot of people start with a pre-fab PCB and/or case, while others hand-wire something, and a lot of folks build their own cases.

If you're interested in doing a Zealio build, your next decision is what size and layout you're looking for. Full-size, 1800, TKL, 60%, or something custom? This will help you decide what other parts you need. Zealios have support for RGB LEDs, but I'm not aware of any existing DIY PCBs that offer RGB support so you may want to wait on that if RGB backlighting is important to you.

One popular option for building a full-size board is to buy a Leeku PCB (3000 or 1800 layouts are commonly available), and find an old G81-3000 or G81-1800 on Ebay for cheap. The G81's don't use MX switches so they aren't worth much. But you get a good, solid case to put your PCB in.

This is just one option. If you share what exactly it is you're looking for in a custom build, there are lots of folks here who can advise you.

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

The making stuff together section has a lot of posts of people building keyboard, making keycaps and all sorts of things.

Maybe have a browse through there and see if anything interests you.

It's also the best place to post questions if you have any when you start building your keyboard.

[GeneralArrow]

Figured there's some way I can combine my studio art major and keyboards for fun, and maybe even sell a few in the future once I get good at it. Thanks!