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My First Keyboard Build

davecooper.org

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Re: My First Keyboard Build

#71

Post by lvillani »

bryanlarsen wrote: post #42
audunw wrote: post #8

If I were to build a keyboard I would definitely take a couple of ideas from typematrix. First of all, staggered keys make absolutely no sense(unles it's actually a typewriter). It takes a week to get used to a straight layout, and it feels more natural. It's not a problem to switch between staggered and matrix layouts either. Second thing I would copy is having enter and backspace between the two halves of the keybo…

The Truly Ergonomic Keyboard[1] takes those ideas even further. Recommended. 1: https://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/index.php

I recall an AnandTech review pointing out that keycaps on the TECK quickly start to become glossy [1]. Is that still the case? What is your experience (if you own one)?

[1]: "the keys come with a slightly textured finish. This in itself isn’t particularly noteworthy, but after just one month of typing I’ve found that many of the keys are starting to get a glossy sheen" (http://www.anandtech.com/show/6819/truly-ergonomic-computer-...)

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#72

Post by lgeek »

moron4hire wrote: post #16

Excellent build quality, but I was surprised by these two statements on things you need: A decent soldering iron. You will thank yourself later. Also note: you will burn yourself many times throughout the build. Might as well do it with a fancy iron! LEADED SOLDER – I started the build without leaded solder and oh dear… If you have a "decent soldering iron", then lead-free solder shouldn't be a problem. Also, if you…

Leaded solder has better wetting properties, it can be soldered at lower temperature and it's more reliable for joints exposed to any mechanical stress, including from vibrations and thermal stress. Any way you put it, it's superior to lead free solder and it's still widely available everywhere, including in the EU. No reason not to use it for stuff that isn't going to be sold.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#73

Post by pistle »

OP. Consider using "spindly" or "strength-neglected" instead of "girly" arms when describing your weakness. Plenty of women have strong arms.

You did a decent job of being inclusive except for that spot. Nice work on the keyboard and article.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#74

Post by michaelbuddy »

I wasn't necessarily expecting the parts for a keyboard build to be cheaper than an already assembled mechanical but that Gons site is selling keyboard kits for $470 !? That seems really high to me. I'm not even sure if that price includes everything you need to build on. I'm wondering how normal that is for this kind of thing or if you're kind of buying support along with the price, which would make it worth it I guess.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#75

Post by bryanlarsen »

lvillani wrote: post #71
bryanlarsen wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The Truly Ergonomic Keyboard[1] takes those ideas even further. Recommended. 1: https://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/index.php

I recall an AnandTech review pointing out that keycaps on the TECK quickly start to become glossy [1]. Is that still the case? What is your experience (if you own one)? [1]: "the keys come with a slightly textured finish. This in itself isn’t particularly noteworthy, but after just one month of typing I’ve found that many of the keys are starting to get a glossy sheen" ( http://www.anandtech.com/show/6819/truly-ergon…

I sent mine back. I do too much work on laptops and other people's computers: switching back and forth regularly was way too painful.

I didn't notice any such effect in the couple of weeks I had mine. Not that I would have really noticed or cared.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#76

Post by SnacksOnAPlane »

slantyyz wrote: post #68
userbinator wrote: post #67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually it is a standard QWERTY keyboard, with rubber dome switches but this one happens to have a much lower actuation force and distance than most switches, with a soft, cushion-like springy feel at the bottom. Someone used to "better quality" keyboards such as mechanical ones would probably find the keys too loose and wobbly, but I've found that the loose feeling helps when you just want the keys to go down as qu…

That's interesting - I have an outdated notion that QWERTY was a hindrance to speed. This was based on stuff I read in the 80s-- this was way back when the Apple //c came out and offered an option to use either Sholes or Dvorak. I find your choice of rubber dome very interesting. I learned how to type with an IBM typewriter, and moved on to the Apple Extended Keyboards in the early 90s. I recently thought I wanted a…

QWERTY was designed so consecutive keystrokes are usually on opposite sides of the keyboard, to prevent jamming on a typewriter. Switching sides often doesn't actually slow down typing.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#77

Post by coryking »

This is quite an inspiring article, thanks!

Your photography could be improved if you got a white sheet of paper or maybe some posterboard (eg: http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-economy-white-poster...). Put that under and behind whatever you are taking a picture of and it will make a more neutral, less busy background. If you want to get more complicated, get a tripod.

A good guide for taking your kind of photos is here: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+To+Take+Amazing+Photos/718

Lastly, make sure to have a link to higher resolution pictures :-)

Cheers!

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#78

Post by pezh0re »

tr4656 wrote: post #69
zck wrote: post #38

If you're interested in soldering together a keyboard, but not having to design everything from scratch, it's worth checking out the Ergodox: http://ergodox.org/ . I built one a month ago, and I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a two-piece keyboard with straight key columns, and six buttons for each thumb. You can order the parts on massdrop, when they start another order: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ergodox?s=ergodox It's…

In addition to the Ergodox, Massdrop has another keyboard that requires soldering available right now, which resembles the shape of the HHKB. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit

Hrm, that looks pretty neat, but as someone completely new to mechanical keyboards, I wonder if it would be a good starter.

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#79

Post by rdc12 »

I think this pretty cool, but I can't really see why you would be so conventional in a custom keyboard. I would end up remaking the space cadet or something similar I bet. I assume a modern linux install can handle the extra modifier keys

Re: My First Keyboard Build

#80

Post by tr4656 »

pezh0re wrote: post #78
tr4656 wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In addition to the Ergodox, Massdrop has another keyboard that requires soldering available right now, which resembles the shape of the HHKB. https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-keyboard-kit

Hrm, that looks pretty neat, but as someone completely new to mechanical keyboards, I wonder if it would be a good starter.

Probably not, since it requires a bit more work than just a keyboard you can buy. I would say something like the CODE Keyboard, WASD Keyboard, or Ducky Shines are good and reliable keyboards.
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