DIY Mechanical Keyboards?

[SugarJ]

Sorry, I was busy all day. I'll drag together my parts list and post it tomorrow. Lysrin, the $103 US was for the previous "kit" that came fully assembled, I'll find a link for that too. It was through a groupbuy posted on Geekhack. Plus $30 US shipping, plus I had to pay taxes when it arrived.

 

[SugarJ]

First off, the original group buy 60% keyboard I found was through geekhack.org. They are doing another group buy right now, available until May 10. iGK61 hot swappable switches mechanical keyboard – Custom mechanical keyboards shop online store, group buy

If you're not into building your own keyboard, I think this is a good cheaper alternative to the Pok3r RGB. I got the Kit 1 with aluminum case and Gateron red switches. The aluminum case is quite hefty, the keyboard weighs twice what the custom one I put together does. Driver software and user manual are here: Downloads of mechanical keyboard - Custom Best RGB Backlit Programmable Mechanical Keyboard China (epathbuy is a division of PC-100, or the other way around.) I love the fact that it's hot swappable, I tried out some of my gateron browns in it to see if I'd like them before I soldered them into my custom build. Warning, the PCB and case in the IGK-61 are not compatible with other 60% boards and cases. Although I don't know why you'd want to switch out anything other than the keycaps or switches.

Custom build, I got some parts from Aliexpress and some from Ebay.

Case: Standard 60% aluminum case. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Who...atible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/32540926035.html

PCB: Satan GH60 RGB - Warning: This is not a firmware programmable keyboard. You're able to set 3 profiles and by-key colors but it's not a QMK firmware compatible or upgradeable. For that you've got to look at a Zeal60, $120 US. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Who...atible-Poker2-Pok3r-Faceu-60/32540926035.html

Keycaps - I grabbed the Red/White PBT shine-through set from here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/108...file-Cherry-MX-Switch-Keycap/32837258723.html

Plate and Stabilizers - I grabbed these ones from Ebay https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Universal-A...NSI-For-GH60-PCB-60-Keyboard-DIY/182793967134

Gateron Switches - from here: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/10PC-3-Pin-...board-for-Gateron-RGB-Series-PLH/192434676609

If you add it up, you'll see I spent more on my custom build than the IGK-61. And to be honest, I think if I was to do it again I'd go to a TKL or 87 key build. I find myself missing my function and arrow keys sometimes.

 

[Lysrin]

Your last comment is what has had me dithering about changing keyboards for a while now. I love the SFF of what you've made there, but not sure I could get used to it for full time use. I was even pondering something small and wireless. That way I could bring it in and use it when I wanted smaller but then set it aside without dealing with extra cables. Something with removable USB connection might also work too I suppose.

Anyway, great stuff! Thanks for taking the time.

 

[SugarJ]

Something with removable USB connection might also work too I suppose.

All these compact and custom builds have detachable cords. Most are mini-USB like my custom and some are USB-C like the IGK61. A lot of the people that are REALLY into custom keyboards pack them into cases and carry it with them because they refuse to use anything else. I'm not that picky, I still use the same MS Comfort Curve that came with my first office PC when I started here.

 

[Lysrin]

Switching back and forth from an MS Comfort Curve to that new little custom one must be a bit of an ergonomic stresser! How are your wrists liking that?

 

[SugarJ]

I went to a ergonomic keyboard probably 15 years ago when I started developing soreness in my carpal areas. Back then my old job involved a lot more data entry, such as writing up orders and stuff. After a couple weeks using a curved keyboard the soreness went away and it hasn't bothered me since.

As for home, I use a soft pad under my wrist, the keyboard is shifted to the left on my desk to keep my wrist angle straight while on WASD, and I don't game for long enough periods to get sore. A 2 hour session is about the maximum I get after the kids go to bed. I really like the fact that with the 60% keyboard I'm able to move my mouse to what feels like a more natural position for me.

Edit: Chilly, I just remembered you asked for more pics of the custom from other angles. I'll try to get a couple shots up tonight for you.

 

[Chilly]

Thanks :thumb:

 

[Lysrin]

I went to a ergonomic keyboard probably 15 years ago when I started developing soreness in my carpal areas. Back then my old job involved a lot more data entry, such as writing up orders and stuff. After a couple weeks using a curved keyboard the soreness went away and it hasn't bothered me since.

As for home, I use a soft pad under my wrist, the keyboard is shifted to the left on my desk to keep my wrist angle straight while on WASD, and I don't game for long enough periods to get sore. A 2 hour session is about the maximum I get after the kids go to bed. I really like the fact that with the 60% keyboard I'm able to move my mouse to what feels like a more natural position for me.

Edit: Chilly, I just remembered you asked for more pics of the custom from other angles. I'll try to get a couple shots up tonight for you.

That sounds very familiar :biggrin: Yeah, that is the attraction of going to something smaller for me too: more flexibility of positioning mouse, etc. and being able to fit both keyboard and mouse in between my desk joystick mounts with reasonable mouse space. It's a weird issue but a real one when in Star Citizen you are switching back and forth between sticks in flight and FPS keyboard/mouse when on foot.

 

[SugarJ]

Chilly, here you go. Let me know if there's any particular angles or measurements you need.

 

[Chilly]

Awesome, thanks! I'm seriously contemplating doing this...