DokiBoard in the making:) Layout

[doki]

Hey guys!
I am makeing my own keyboard from scratch and this is my first post. Just wanted to ask, what is your favorite layout? And does anyone knows some good keycaps sites or shops?
I am going to share my project here, so i hope you guys will help me with my mistakes

Right now, i am working on shematic and layout. For now in stuck with 60%(XD60, GK64,....). Then, i will focus on backplate and case. For the end, i had 3D-printed keycaps in mind, hope i could do that.

Sorry for my english If you have any questions just ask, i like talking about keyboards

[nevin]

welcome.

do a bunch of searching, google can be your best friend when you get stuck or are looking for parts.

my current layout: split ortholinear (Keeb.io - Viterbi)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/8dc34fc5bdb7250191dd355f24361b1c
https://keeb.io/collections/frontpage/products/viterbi-keyboard-pcbs-5x7-70-split-ortholinear

my 60% is the KBTalking Pure Variety (1.75u right shift), now with a GH60 PCB & blank PBT caps

good places i've ordered from:
- techkeys.us
- keypop.net
- mechanicalkeyboards.com
- massdrop.com
- novelkeys.xyz
- switchtop.com

some other helpful tools:
- keyboard layout editor       keyboard-layout-editor.com
- swill plate & case builder       builder.swillkb.com
- QMK firmware       github.com/qmk
- TMK firmware       github.com/tmk

3D printing keycaps is possible but expensive (unless you have a printer) and usually don't provide great results compared to standard injection molded keycaps.
https://www.thingiverse.com/search?q=MX+keycap

good luck with your project.

[suicidal_orange]

Glad you're not looking to buy keycaps as Slovenian is not a commonly requested option and it's hard enough to get Nordic and German to be produced in a group buy, so you'll probably be out of luck.  If you're going US international you'll have many more options

As to my favourite layouts Colemak backspace is my main strange feature. My 1800ish looks like this


And my 60% has strange right side mods to make it easy to hold FN with my pinky to use the arrows on a second layer while holding Ctrl and Shift with my left hand.


Looking forward to seeing what you come up with

[nevin]

And my 60% has strange right side mods to make it easy to hold FN with my pinky to use the arrows on a second layer while holding Ctrl and Shift with my left hand.

...so i'm not the only one with a bunch of crazy, shortcut/key combinations.

[doki]

3D printing keycaps is possible but expensive (unless you have a printer) and usually don't provide great results compared to standard injection molded keycaps.

Thank you guys Yeah I know, 3D caps can be expensive, but I have a friend with Ender 3 printer, so IŽll try it and see what happens. I have my layout ideas, so better this 3D printing works, so I can make them come true. And QMK is just the best, love em, it is very clean, and you can always make it your own, if you know how to program or not.
 

Glad you're not looking to buy keycaps as Slovenian is not a commonly requested option and it's hard enough to get Nordic and German to be produced in a group buy, so you'll probably be out of luck.  If you're going US international you'll have many more options

Yeah we Slovenian guys are in tough position with those standard layouts. For now IŽm going with this, and if I can make people interested in my KB in Slovenia IŽll make them with this big as enter.

[suicidal_orange]

Looks good but you might want to check you can make the caps before going for that layout as the 1u Ctrl not on the bottom row is very non-standard.  The 1u Alt isn't common either.  Or either shift key (I use the up arrow for my shift but you're already using that...)

Do you really need one finger access to the arrows?  You already have to re-learn where they are and putting them on a layer only adds a fraction of a second once you get used to it.

[sublyme]

3D printing keycaps is possible but expensive (unless you have a printer) and usually don't provide great results compared to standard injection molded keycaps.

Thank you guys Yeah I know, 3D caps can be expensive, but I have a friend with Ender 3 printer, so IŽll try it and see what happens. I have my layout ideas, so better this 3D printing works, so I can make them come true. And QMK is just the best, love em, it is very clean, and you can always make it your own, if you know how to program or not.
 

Glad you're not looking to buy keycaps as Slovenian is not a commonly requested option and it's hard enough to get Nordic and German to be produced in a group buy, so you'll probably be out of luck.  If you're going US international you'll have many more options

Yeah we Slovenian guys are in tough position with those standard layouts. For now IŽm going with this, and if I can make people interested in my KB in Slovenia IŽll make them with this big as enter.

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Definitely not mate!

[doki]

Looks good but you might want to check you can make the caps before going for that layout as the 1u Ctrl not on the bottom row is very non-standard.  The 1u Alt isn't common either.  Or either shift key (I use the up arrow for my shift but you're already using that...)

Do you really need one finger access to the arrows?  You already have to re-learn where they are and putting them on a layer only adds a fraction of a second once you get used to it.

I was thinking something like this if 3D printing goes bad.
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/dsa-pbt-top-Printed-legends-white-blue-Keycaps-Laser-Etched-gh60-poker2-xd64-87-104-xd75/3034003_32851775966.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.1.39367011er2y4a

But overall I donŽt know. I think I need those arrow, but everybody is telling me different, so yeah idk. Maybe for my first keyboard I can go a little bit more standard. Just normal 60% layout(poker), and then something different.

[suicidal_orange]

Yeah that works, DSA is flat so any key can go anywhere without feeling or looking weird.  For your first board you could get a tray case and use the PCB without a plate, any switch you might want to move you can only partially solder so it's easier to move.  This also keeps the cost down until you find what you like.  Oh and if you do this make sure you get PCB mount switches and a PCB with holes for the extra legs so they line up nicely.

Also look where the shiny spot is on your backspace key and if it's noticably on one side consider splitting it to gain an extra key - no point having a completely normal 'custom' board...

[doki]

Yeah I have decided for DSA profile. It looks more clean, efficient and more customizable. I was thinking what costum thing I can do, without making it hard to find keycaps for it. And this split shift aint bad idea. About the plate I am not sure. I want it, but I havenŽt find a place where they can cut it for me, so I guess iĺl go with PCB mount.

[nevin]

don't be afraid to not use a plate. i actually prefer plateless if i can get away with it. my GH60/Pure is just the PCB in the 1st gen KBTalking Pure heavy aluminum case (no plate). and is hands down one of my favorite setups so far.

[doki]

don't be afraid to not use a plate. i actually prefer plateless if i can get away with it. my GH60/Pure is just the PCB in the 1st gen KBTalking Pure heavy aluminum case (no plate). and is hands down one of my favorite setups so far.

Truth is that I will lost nothing if I try it with no plate. I can even make make it cheaper so that is one great sign. But if i do this, do I need to make a lot more mounting holes for PCB?

[nevin]

two articles i found with a quick search. it's all a matter of preference.

Plate Mounted vs. PCB Mounted Switches
https://support.wasdkeyboards.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009270628-Plate-Mounted-vs-PCB-Mounted-Switches

PCB vs. plate mounted keyboards: What’s the difference?
https://www.keychatter.com/2015/02/12/pcb-vs-plate-mounted-keyboards-whats-the-difference/

now, if you were going to hand-wire a keyboard, you'd need a plate & no pcb.
example: Lowpoly's Apple m0110 build
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=1067

[nevin]

sorry, i miss-read your question....

most have the same mounting positions, wether PCB or Plate mounting it to the case.

this is a standard 60% case, you can clearly see the mounting points in the case (the brass inserts)

    (rotated image to mach measurements below in next post)

[nevin]

here's the measurements

from
http://blog.komar.be/projects/gh60-programmable-keyboard/

[doki]

I am familiar with these standard mounting points, I just donŽt know if it will be sturdy enough or i need more points? Like one or two on the top end one on the left bottom. Just to make it more safe and a little bit less flexible.

Oh didnŽt see, I am making my own PCB.

[nevin]

extra mounting points.... it's up to you, i don't think it's needed.

the ones pictured have become standard since the initial release of the 60% form factor. most brands use these mounting points in plate & non plate versions. this many mounting points in this configuration should be fine, plus if you decide to get a different case down the road your pcb will already fit & mount easily.

[doki]

I think there is no harm in making more points. But yeah standard points will be there for sure, maybe some day IŽll buy a case.

There is so many thing you can do, and I want to do it all lol, but damn time and money arenŽt my friend.

[nevin]

I think there is no harm in making more points. But yeah standard points will be there for sure, maybe some day IŽll buy a case.

There is so many thing you can do, and I want to do it all lol, but damn time and money arenŽt my friend.

yeah, no harm.

time & money... especially true when creating everything from scratch.

[doki]

Yeah... My vision is even makeing my own 3D printed keycaps and designing my own case. Hope i can make this work (fingerscrossed)

[nevin]

well, i wish you the best of luck & keep us posted here on the forum with your progress. excited to see what you come up with!

[doki]

Ofcourse i will