this post was submitted on 21 Nov 2023
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Mechanical Keyboards

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Looking for a truly DIY keyboard kit (feddit.ch)
submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
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I would like to build my first keyboard, but I feel like the DIY-kits available don't let you get your hands on the keyboard enough. For instance, I looked into the M1W barebone as it checks all the criteria I have (I would prefer a 75% board, with a knob, and wireless option), except the only thing left to do is to plug-in the switches and put on the keycaps.

For example, the Zoom 75 is something I feel would suit me, but it's 200$, not counting the 60$ shipping, and it's "only" the board, so I need to buy the switches and the keycaps as well.

I saw the "Practice 75" board, which is nice, but for example there isn't the knob and I would need to solder the switches to the board.

Is there a board out there that would ticks all the boxes ?

Thank you in advance for your answers !

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

You can find a PCB design and order it from a manufacturer (typically a 5 unit minimum). There are likely thousands of open source designs out there.

I’ve enjoyed putting together kits from Boardsource, Little Keyboard and MechWild. These kits all start with the PCBs and components and you solder it all together, and you can usually order hotswap or solderable switches in the same order. You’ll have to flash the MCU too. Most of these are split ergos, which I like, but not a lot of them are 75%. You’ll have to do some looking around.