Author Topic: BCDMK001: first mechanical keyboard build (Read 12827 times)

mrbishop · « **on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 12:17:08 »

*I figured i'd document this process just in case someone can use my mistakes and findings to help them in their project*

Well here we go. today i ordered my Teency 2.0, diodes, Gateron KS-3 Browns, and afew other things for what will become my first mechanical keyboard.

I have been researching and planning this for over a month now so hopefully i wont sound like a total newb in this thread

.

the plan is an ANSI tenkeyless style design. i'm considering breaking it into two sections close together (not like ergodox) more like a slightly ergonomic keyboard style. (split down the middle at about 5-10 degrees) any thoughts or design ideas are super welcome.

Also of note i own a CNC so i'll be planning to machine out my keyboard switch mounting plate and other parts for this project. This also means i'll be modifying the H-hole standard cutout for cherry/clone switches to account for the less than square corners. Again design ideas or input here is very welcome.

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 12:20:34 »

machining porn machining porn machining porn machining porn!

I get so excited when people say they have a CNC. Please post pictures or videos of chips flying

mrbishop · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 12:25:34 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Fri, 18 September 2015, 12:20:34

machining porn machining porn machining porn machining porn!

I get so excited when people say they have a CNC. Please post pictures or videos of chips flying

will do. Im planning to stream much of the maching process among other projects on my twitch. (not trying to promote it just saying. DM if you want the stream info) but i will totally post pictures etc! i'm going to document the hell out of this thing... unless i get lazy, or forget, or just not make time to

and i'm just going to leave this pic here (*note the spindle motor has already been upgraded to a 1.25hp router... MORE POWER!*)

Oobly · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 14:14:11 »

Awesome! Another CNC thread!

This is good stuff, guys, keep it up!

swill's plate tool is a great asset (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.0). You design your layout in the Keyboard Layout Editor (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com) and copy the raw data straight into it. It can export SVG, DXF or EPS format.

mrbishop · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 17:43:08 »

Quote from: Oobly on Fri, 18 September 2015, 14:14:11

Awesome! Another CNC thread!

This is good stuff, guys, keep it up!

swill's plate tool is a great asset (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=65189.0). You design your layout in the Keyboard Layout Editor (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com) and copy the raw data straight into it. It can export SVG, DXF or EPS format.

Already have them both bookmarked

mrbishop · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 18:07:56 »

going for something like this http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=Esc&_x:1%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&_x:0.5%3B&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&_x:0.5%3B&=F9&=F10&=F11&=F12&_x:0.75%3B&=PrtSc&=Scroll%20Lock&=Pause%0ABreak%3B&@_y:0.5&x:15.75%3B&=Insert&=Home&=PgUp%3B&@_x:15.75%3B&=Delete&=End&=PgDn%3B&@_y:1&x:16.75%3B&=%E2%86%91%3B&@_x:15.75%3B&=%E2%86%90&=%E2%86%93&=%E2%86%92%3B&@_r:5&y:-5%3B&=~%0A%60&=!%0A1&=%2F@%0A2&=%23%0A3&=$%0A4&=%25%0A5&=%5E%0A6%3B&@_w:1.5%3B&=Tab&=Q&=W&=E&=R&=T%3B&@_w:1.75%3B&=Caps%20Lock&=A&=S&=D&=F&=G%3B&@_w:2.25%3B&=Shift&=Z&=X&=C&=V&=B%3B&@_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_a:7&w:2.25%3B&=%3B&@_r:-5&rx:13.75&y:1.5&x:-7&a:4%3B&=%2F&%0A7&=*%0A8&=(%0A9&=)%0A0&=%2F_%0A-&=+%0A%2F=&_w:2%3B&=Backspace%3B&@_x:-7.5%3B&=Y&=U&=I&=O&=P&=%7B%0A%5B&=%7D%0A%5D&_w:1.5%3B&=%7C%0A%5C%3B&@_x:-7.25%3B&=H&=J&=K&=L&=%2F:%0A%2F%3B&=%22%0A'&_w:2.25%3B&=Enter%3B&@_x:-6.75%3B&=N&=M&=%3C%0A,&=%3E%0A.&=%3F%0A%2F%2F&_w:2.75%3B&=Shift%3B&@_x:-6.25&a:7&w:2.25%3B&=&_a:4&w:1.25%3B&=Alt&_w:1.25%3B&=Win&_w:1.25%3B&=Menu&_w:1.25%3B&=Ctrl

mrbishop · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 21:08:08 »

Basic design V1 renderings

njbair · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 18 September 2015, 23:03:51 »

Nice renders! I will definitely be keeping up with this thread.

mrbishop · « **Reply #8 on:** Sat, 19 September 2015, 21:14:10 »

Quote from: njbair on Fri, 18 September 2015, 23:03:51

Nice renders! I will definitely be keeping up with this thread.

Thanks very much I hope the final product comes out half as good as the renders xD

mrbishop · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 09:03:16 »

Looks like all the things will be delivered today !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
might have to cut out of work early LOL

)

mrbishop · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:07:44 »

So part of the reason i started the thread here is because i need help. Teency 2.0 firmware programming mainly, i'm pretty quick but if i get stuck it would mean alot to me to have resources to reference or reach out to.

I may have some questions on the wiring as well but i think i have that covered.

this project will become open source after it is completed to ensure accuracy

i'll likely try to do a step by step post or throw up and walk through on my website when everything is all said and done with links and such.

thanks everyone for your help in advance!

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:22:40 »

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69582.0

Any of the posts in the first and second categories should be helpful with Teensy programming and keyboards.

mrbishop · « **Reply #12 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:27:55 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:22:40

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69582.0

Any of the posts in the first and second categories should be helpful with Teensy programming and keyboards.

sweet i'll be thumbing through those shortly.

any info on where to buy stabilizers? they are apparently illusive for me

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #13 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:31:14 »

Costar: From WASDKeyboards.com
Cherry: I think MechanicalKeyboards.com carries them now. They've been kinda hard to find previously.
Alps: From Matias

mrbishop · « **Reply #14 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:33:49 »

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:31:14

Costar: From WASDKeyboards.com
Cherry: I think MechanicalKeyboards.com carries them now. They've been kinda hard to find previously.
Alps: From Matias

thanks so much! i'm going to get this thing mounted and wired/tested then i'll worry about caps and stabilizers

shipment came in today so i'm going to roll in my new switches when i get home

hoggy · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 15:11:03 »

I like it.

mrbishop · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 21 September 2015, 15:21:13 »

Quote from: hoggy on Mon, 21 September 2015, 15:11:03

I like it.

thanks! i'm excited to get started on it. hopefully i can do some test cuts tonight

will post pictures.

mrbishop · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 07:46:23 »

Switches are in, Teency is in, diodes are in, bits are in but....well... in my excitement i ordered the wrong size machining bits but i haven't given up yet

mrbishop · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 21:02:42 »

Just got done with test one. Holes too small cutting a new version as we speak. Or as I post rather

neverused · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 21:42:45 »

Nice work!

mrbishop · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 22:09:13 »

thanks. hole size still needs abit of tweaking but its super close

blueangel2323 · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 22:59:01 »

Looking forward to seeing the results! I wish I could afford/justify a CNC machine...

If you use the acrylic (glass?) plate as the top of the frame itself, it would make for a pretty stylish keyboard. Maybe hide the screw holes underneath the keycaps... or use 4 big bolts in the 4 corners for a more industrial look.

njbair · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 22 September 2015, 23:39:40 »

Quote from: mrbishop on Tue, 22 September 2015, 21:02:42

Show Image

Just got done with test one. Holes too small cutting a new version as we speak. Or as I post rather

Looks awesome. Nice job on the cuts.

Is that acrylic or polycarbonate?

mrbishop · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 23 September 2015, 06:42:11 »

Quote from: njbair on Tue, 22 September 2015, 23:39:40

Quote from: mrbishop on Tue, 22 September 2015, 21:02:42
Show Image

Just got done with test one. Holes too small cutting a new version as we speak. Or as I post rather

Looks awesome. Nice job on the cuts.

Is that acrylic or polycarbonate?

Thanks. It's acrylic at least for now.

mrbishop · « **Reply #24 on:** Thu, 24 September 2015, 22:45:34 »

Finally got the hole sizing right for my mill. This is going to be sweeeeeeet.

Getting excited.

neverused · « **Reply #25 on:** Thu, 24 September 2015, 23:17:38 »

Good work, how do the stabilizers fit?

mrbishop · « **Reply #26 on:** Thu, 24 September 2015, 23:18:56 »

Quote from: neverused on Thu, 24 September 2015, 23:17:38

Good work, how do the stabilizers fit?

I'll let you know after I order them

mrbishop · « **Reply #27 on:** Thu, 24 September 2015, 23:32:31 »

Redesigning the midplate

mrbishop · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 25 September 2015, 08:40:35 »

I need suggestions for keycaps

azhdar · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 25 September 2015, 08:49:29 »

Quote from: mrbishop on Fri, 25 September 2015, 08:40:35

I need suggestions for keycaps

if you can do blanks have a look at Shadovved GB:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72609.0
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=74929.0
You should have enough keys to put on your boards for fairly cheap.

mrbishop · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 25 September 2015, 15:10:22 »

ordered all black ANSI
it will do for now for testing. price was right for a prototype.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181688344045?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

sz42 · « **Reply #31 on:** Fri, 25 September 2015, 19:19:00 »

Quote from: mrbishop on Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:27:55

Quote from: CPTBadAss on Mon, 21 September 2015, 12:22:40
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69582.0

Any of the posts in the first and second categories should be helpful with Teensy programming and keyboards.

sweet i'll be thumbing through those shortly.

any info on where to buy stabilizers? they are apparently illusive for me

Probably a little late for your current build but might help future build(er)s...

Cherry MX PCB and plate-mounted stabilizers:
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=cherry+g99
(The G99-0224 are "frame" or plate-mount and G99-0742 are PCB-mount. Bottom of page 3 of http://media.digikey.com/pdf/Data%20Sheets/Cherry%20PDFs/MX%20Series.pdf)

Other sources for PCB-mount stabs only:
http://www.gonskeyboardworks.com/10-stabilizers
http://winkeyless.kr/product/cherry-pcb-mount-stabilizers/

mrbishop · « **Reply #32 on:** Sat, 26 September 2015, 22:44:54 »

so after much thought i wonder. what if..... we flip the case and use the bottom as the top?.... i'm going to find out .. project evolving... mahogany keyboard? me like. doing some test pockets for the keys lets see how this pans out. pictures to come.

mrbishop · « **Reply #33 on:** Sun, 27 September 2015, 12:15:02 »

had some issues with the rear hollowing but even with the issues it's extremely rigid

Prototype of the reverse housing.
I must say I'm liking this idea.

mrbishop · « **Reply #34 on:** Sun, 27 September 2015, 17:52:18 »

Throwing caution to the wind with a 30yr old 1in slab of mahogany

Fingers crossed.

mrbishop · « **Reply #35 on:** Sun, 27 September 2015, 20:20:53 »

i am making this project fully open source. anyone wanting the STL files or access to my Fustion 360 models is welcome to it. i will get these up on an online share or upload them here if i can. just let me know what you would like and i'll make it happen. thank you everyone for all your help, support, knowledge and friendly comments.

absyrd · « **Reply #36 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 07:11:23 »

Reminds me of my Chicony 7000... but better.

How did the mahogany mill go? You left us hanging. Haha.

mrbishop · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 07:14:14 »

Had some issues with my cnc but here's what I have so far or from the pics anyway. More to come later today.

The top came out super nice. I can't decide if I want to clear coat it or just leave it naked

b3Rz3Rko · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 09:24:12 »

I would always recommend to coat the wood since its a gonna be used as a keyboard it's gonna get some oils and dust from constant use and without the coat will stick easier, making it harder to clean. Love that layout man, Logitech and Microsoft make some ergonomic keyboards that feel decent (for a rubber come that is

) but they always include a ten key pad, it breaks the ergonomics since it make you reach longer for the mouse. Awesome work man, currently saving for an X-Carve, impatiently if I'm being honest

mrbishop · « **Reply #39 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 09:33:07 »

Quote from: b3Rz3Rko on Mon, 28 September 2015, 09:24:12

I would always recommend to coat the wood since its a gonna be used as a keyboard it's gonna get some oils and dust from constant use and without the coat will stick easier, making it harder to clean. Love that layout man, Logitech and Microsoft make some ergonomic keyboards that feel decent (for a rubber come that is ) but they always include a ten key pad, it breaks the ergonomics since it make you reach longer for the mouse. Awesome work man, currently saving for an X-Carve, impatiently if I'm being honest

thanks a bunch man. give me a PM before you order anything for your X-Carve, i'll fill you in on all my trials and tribulations, and the best machine for your money!

mrbishop · « **Reply #40 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 16:01:50 »

KEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYSSSSSS
Ergogeek.com off eBay has some crazy fast shipping.

mrbishop · « **Reply #41 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 18:28:30 »

blueangel2323 · « **Reply #42 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 18:59:00 »

Looks amazing! If you had the keycaps before you started drilling you could've aligned the keys a bit better along the edges.

njbair · « **Reply #43 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 21:48:44 »

Quote from: blueangel2323 on Mon, 28 September 2015, 18:59:00

Looks amazing! If you had the keycaps before you started drilling you could've aligned the keys a bit better along the edges.

Alignment looks fine to me.

mrbishop · « **Reply #44 on:** Mon, 28 September 2015, 22:31:18 »

That's all for tonight. More soldering tomorrow.

mrbishop · « **Reply #45 on:** Tue, 29 September 2015, 22:35:41 »

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/09/29/8d0bb2f0ec6135a3641de95432c1611d.jpg[/img]]

One step closer

mrbishop · « **Reply #46 on:** Tue, 29 September 2015, 22:38:01 »

Also stabs didn't fit but the lack of longer keys seems to be ok. Long term testing will be in order.

mrbishop · « **Reply #47 on:** Wed, 30 September 2015, 06:35:23 »

Had a helper last night

CPTBadAss · « **Reply #48 on:** Wed, 30 September 2015, 08:58:06 »

Like absyrd said, it really reminds me of a Chicony KB7001 I had at one point. It was a nice design. Great work

.

mrbishop · « **Reply #49 on:** Wed, 30 September 2015, 09:00:29 »

Thanks man. I like it so far. Just got to get the programming and the rest done

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Author Topic: BCDMK001: first mechanical keyboard build (Read 12827 times)