16 ms·

How I built a keyboard by hand

424 points by rhinoceraptor 10y ago

chromaton 10y ago
I think that most people go with waterjet or laser cutting their keyboard plates. The SwillKB Keyboard Plate and Case build really helps with the design: http://builder.swillkb.com/ http://builder.swillkb.com/
- VLM 10y ago
  To get OP out of hand filing all those corners I started researching the current year price of a 14mm sq punch (greenlee style) and then gave up and tried 9/16in instead, prices have gone up a bit since my dad was making vacuum tube projects with greenlee punches... Its probably cheaper to watercut than to buy and use a punch (and hope for perfect alignment) The problem with lasers is heat distortion that is a huge amount of cutting and the odds of it not turning into a pretzel are not so good. A weldment with CNC carved rows and columns welded together hopefully into a square array is not ridiculous. In fact its probably the cheapest option. And you could use a nice aluminum and then anodize it some crazy cool color. If not aluminum and tig welding, maybe a somewhat less ambitious steel and silver "solder" (brazing, really) would be more realistic.
  - convolvatron 10y ago
    i was thinking 'water jet' too, but i think your welding process is potentially just as nice with a lower bar of entry (assuming you have a tig sitting next to you). you'd have to find a really friendly water jet shop to set up such a small run. if you had a mill, even a little one, you could take aluminum flat and cut channels so that the flats interlock. at that point you could just put down some tacks or even use fasteners. if we want to lower it further, i think your brazing suggestion is good to. brass is easier to braze with a small hand held propane torch than steel i think. also more local hardware stores carry products like stay-brite and appropriate fluxes for copper alloys. is there way to use half thickness so the top tab grabs on two edges and the bottom guys on two others?
    - chromaton 10y ago
      It's possible to get waterjet cutting in low quantities with small setup charges. We have a good number of people ordering custom keyboard plates and cases from us at Big Blue Saw.
glup 10y ago
Does anyone recognize the metallic split keyboard in the background? I have been looking for a high quality wired keyboard with separate left and right panels and hoping I don't need to build one (plenty of other things to build!)
- davorb 10y ago
  I think it's an ErgoDox.
- rhinoceraptor 10y ago
  It's an Ergodox Infinity with full hand mod, it's a kit keyboard sold through Massdrop. You get the PCBs, switches and caps and assemble them. I would look at the Ergodox EZ if you want a pre-made one.
- benji-york 10y ago
  Along with the Ergodoxm, you might like the Diverge keyboard. I've been using one every day for a couple of months now and love it.
j45 10y ago
Inspiring! I currently own a number of ergonomic keyboards. Kinesis Freestyle 2 at office, Microsoft Sculpt Ergo at home and I've discovered my ideal keyboard would be a mix of the two. Would love any ideas on how a custom keyboard could reasonably (time wise) be designed to combine the best aspects of both keyboards: - separated halves of the Freestyle2, - wireless bluetooth for both halves instead of the wire the Freestyle2 requires, - curve like the Microsoft Sculpt Ergo keyboard. - Ok with either full keys or scissor keys.
- jetpacktuxedo 10y ago
  Separated halves is the easiest of your requirements. That is a pretty well solved problem in the keyboard community (see ergodox, etc.). Having the halves communicate wirelessly is a bigger challenge, but still potentially solvable. The easiest solution would be to have each half register as a separate board. Then because it is wireless you have the issues of batteries and charging and stuff. The curve might also be tough, especially when combined with the wireless part. The easiest solution would be to have a plate cut, heat it up to soften it slightly and then bend it into the curve that you want. There would probably be a lot of trial and error involved in that though, and it may be faster (though a lot more expensive) to design the final 3D version of it in a cad program and have it milled as one big block. Standard cherry-style keys will be much easier to source than scissor keys. This geekhack thread might give you some ideas: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70221.0 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70221.0
  - j45 10y ago
    Awesome, thanks! Some inspiration: - As a prototype... I'm wondering if the MS Ergo Sculpt keyboard could be cut in half and rewired. - Maybe two keyboards with two sets of wireless dongles could communicate via the same 2.4 ghz wireless dongle from "their half". - Maybe even 1 battery each. That's a great link, thanks I'll see what might be possible.
- verisimilidude 10y ago
  The wireless requirement will probably be the most annoying, as you'll have to deal with batteries, charging, figuring out how to get the two halves to communicate with each other and/or register as separate devices, etc. But it's certainly possible. Believe it or not, there are folks out there creating their own curved keyboards. See the following for an example. https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard
Tepix 10y ago
Spoiler: Did not build from scratch, used keycaps and keyboard switches.
- ISL 10y ago
  Don't forget the microcontroller! Looks like the author had fun, though.
- rhinoceraptor 10y ago
  You're right, I just changed it :)
- no_protocol 10y ago
  This complaint makes me uncomfortable on behalf of the project creator. He didn't set out to create switches from scratch, he wanted to create a keyboard. You didn't care that he used a prebuilt microcontroller or USB cable. Switching from keycaps to some substitute wouldn't be technically harder to pull off, it would just reduce usability. Same for switches -- the input/output of these switches is created with keyboards in mind, other switch choices including a homemade version would be possible, but he didn't set out to create 100 switches, he wanted to make a keyboard.
  - nickpsecurity 10y ago
    He built a keyboard without the keys or switches. That would be the most useless keyboard ever made until... he obtained pre-made keys and switches from a keyboard vendor. The gripe stands despite this being cool. A more honest description would be he made part of a keyboard or maybe the frame of one.
    - no_protocol 10y ago
      All the switches do is close a connection between two wires. He could have used bent paperclips and taped cardboard on top of each one for the keys. Would you be happy then?
      - 10y ago
tjic 10y ago
This is neat, and I don't want to diminish that, but when I saw the headline "...from scratch", I wasn't expecting that the starting components would include "a full set of keys". I'm reminded of an old Disney cartoon (maybe WWII era ?) where goofy invents artificial rubber. The catch is that it requires rubber tires as an input.
- DanBC 10y ago
  There are many projects where people have built their own keyboards. Do you know of any where the people built their own switches?
  - deleted 10y ago
    [deleted]
  - ffreire 10y ago
    I've seen a fair number of folks in the mechanical keyboard community (admittedly rather small already) that customize their switches. For example, a common mod for mechanical switches is to replace the springs in the switch housing, which affects how much force is required to depress the switch. Others replace the stem, which is the colored part of the switch, changing its feel (tactile vs linear, smooth vs course). Given that, would you consider someone building their own switch as someone who's created a custom switch from these components? e.g. I've read of folks putting Zealios stems in Gateron housings with 80g+ springs to create their ideal switch type.
    - wastedhours 10y ago
      Yeah, have seen a lot of people mod their switches, but not seen someone create them from scratch - think customising them and blending components steps it up a notch, but isn't any more "from scratch" (although, in my opinion, getting the switches bought in is as "from scratch" as is logical).
  - baddox 10y ago
    As far as I know, most keyboard manufacturers don't manufacture their own switches, yet it's fairly uncontroversial to describe them as "keyboard manufacturers."
sly010 10y ago
If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch...
DanBC 10y ago
I'd be interested to see how comfortable the grid layout is. The only keyboard I used like that was the Sharp MZ80K. It was unfun, but that used square and flat keycaps too.
- waiseristy 10y ago
  I've enjoyed my time with the typematrix, grid layout works for me
- rhinoceraptor 10y ago
  My main keyboard is an Ergodox, so non-staggered keyboards are what I'm used to. Plus, the grid layout made it a lot easier to build.
Zikes 10y ago
> If you wish to make apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. - Carl Sagan I see a lot of builds similar to this on /r/MechanicalKeyboards, but which use pre-made cases or other kits. This is more "from scratch" than many, due to hand-cutting the case. Every time I see one I get the itch to try it myself. The guide he links to makes it seem tedious, but relatively straightforward.
GrinningFool 10y ago
Thanks for posting this, looks like it was a fun build. What's the split keyboard you previously had, shown in the background of the first photo?
- sturmdrang 10y ago
  Looks like an Ergodox (Infinity?) with full hand case.
  - jbondeson 10y ago
    Definitely an Infinity Ergodox, the full hand has the I:C logo on it.
fixxer 10y ago
Very cool, but to anyone considering this endeavor, I gently suggest buying a Poker2 instead.
- lorenzfx 10y ago
  I wouldn't, notice the different key arrangement.
  - fixxer 10y ago
    I was referring to building a keyboard in general, not the ortholineal layout.
  - deleted 10y ago
    [deleted]
- eeZah7Ux 10y ago
  Rather, a typematrix (2020 or 2030)
  - fixxer 10y ago
    Nope. Once you go mech, you never go back to those squishy switches.
    - Ardren 10y ago
      While I'm a happy mech user, the scissor switches on the Typematrix 2030 are actually quite nice. If my 60% died tomorrow I would have no issue going back to it.
- johnnycarcin 10y ago
  YES! I built one using a pre-fab face plate and it was super tedious. While I certainly enjoy using it everyday, looking back I'd probably just buy one. At the time though I couldn't find one that met my needs (mainly the bluetooth). Recap of my build: http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/04/hand-wired-keyboard-pt1/ http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/04/hand-wired-keyboard-pt1... http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/05/hand-wired-keyboard-pt2/ http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/05/hand-wired-keyboard-pt2...
theophrastus 10y ago
This is a very impressive effort! And I can't help but think it recalls an old heroic trope wherein the development of the true hero involves wandering off to forge one's own sword, (a theme which was more recently picked up on in Star Wars). I hope it encourages others not to necessarily settle with the blister pack handed to them.
- Retric 10y ago
  Star wars works as pure fantasy. You could replace the Death Star for example with a floating castle without issue. PS: You can see the direct connection by playing The Hidden Fortress before watching Star Wars.
- pimlottc 10y ago
  ObTVTropes link: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AMasterMakesTheirOwnTools http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AMasterMakesTheir...
scaradim 10y ago
First keyboard built by hand for me was a ZX Spectrum 16k keyboard replacement made of door bell buttons. It was back in 1986 if I remember well. Result was a matrix of about 1m/50cm. We've actually broke the keyboard of our teacher computer because we were a full classroom playing Jetpack on it. All class has participated - of course with teacher's help. hehe...
- alasdair_ 10y ago
  Did it have those obnoxious rubber keys like the original? :)
nickpsecurity 10y ago
So he built part of a keyboard. The best application I see of this, other than a startup for retail or Wall St keyboards, is for secure input. A secure keyboard has to (a) be immune to code injection, (b) no leak anything over power supply, (c) be TEMPEST shielded, and (d) optionally encrypted input directly to input subsystem in CPU if anything else on I/O bus is untrusted. For this, the keys can usually be second-hand but everything else is custom. Mainly the MCU, power filter, material around it, etc. One might similarly do a wireless keyboard that encrypted its transmissions.
burnbabyburn 10y ago
I've built a similar keyboard, called atomic keyboard, I love it, even if it was pretty pricey.
libraryatnight 10y ago
This is a fairly common sort of occurrence in the mechanical keyboard hobby community. The geekhack forums are filled with useful info and links to kits for this sort of thing.
- wastedhours 10y ago
  Yep - great to see someone follow through on it as well, I've got a pack of 110 Gateron Browns in the drawer wondering when they'll see the light of day. My 3 manufactured mechs and full-time job will probably mean they stay there as well unfortunately.
bjpirt 10y ago
Wow, drilling and filing all of those holes by hand makes me glad I've discovered laser cutters. That's dedication!
agumonkey 10y ago
OP should talk to https://twitter.com/adereth https://twitter.com/adereth (see: http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/04/09/3d-printing-with-clojure/ http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/04/09/3d-printing-with-cl...) and have pure fun together. ps: https://twitter.com/adereth/status/784870134502465536 https://twitter.com/adereth/status/784870134502465536
- Adrock 10y ago
  Thanks for the mention! For anyone interested, all the source and models for the Dactyl keyboard are available here: https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard There's also a talk I gave a Clojure/conj about it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk3A41U0iO4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk3A41U0iO4
  - rhinoceraptor 10y ago
    Thanks for your work! I love the dactyl (my main board is an Ergodox). If/when I finally get a 3D printer, I will definitely build a Dactyl.
  - agumonkey 10y ago
    That video was very very inspiring, don't thank me, I still owe you at least 27 front page mentions :D
  - alasdair_ 10y ago
    How have I not seen this before?! I have been looking for a split design of something like the Kinesis Advantage for years. Thank you for posting this!
jInflux 10y ago
To anyone nitpicking, unless the headline has been changed since submission, the author actually says they built it "by hand", rather than "from scratch".
- rhinoceraptor 10y ago
  I changed it after the initial feedback.
trymas 10y ago
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards
pkamb 10y ago
Cool to see a keyboard without a big spacebar. I've thought that that would be a good way to put multiple additional modifier keys on your thumbs, for things like controlling the arrow keys from the homerow without overloading the standard modifiers. I even purchased the [Japanese version of my daily keyboard][1] to try this out. Haven't planned the functions or made the switch yet though. [1]: http://i.imgur.com/9LaxboJ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/9LaxboJ.jpg
- epse 10y ago
  "made the switch"
- devereaux 10y ago
  We do have very similar tastes :-) I have the exact same one, only with a trackpad and PS2 connectors, because it was so cheap it made sense to reuse my old PS2/USB converters. Thinkpad keyboards are a rare and expansive luxury these days. The fast tab switch keys next to the arrow is something I need in every keyboard or laptop, to the point I won't buy if there is just the inverted T without any key I can remap to fast-tab switch. I love this keyboard, what I find disconcerting however is the Japanese writing. I would like to replace all my caps by brand new english caps.
  - auganov 10y ago
    A reminder for people considering it: the trackpoint on these is an old version with a lower resolution/sensitivity. If you have multiple displays there's a high chance you won't like it. Even on a sufficiently high res display, it can be somewhat disappointing. If you want the newest trackpoint you'll need to get the new chiclet usb one[0]. There's a jap version too. [0] yea, with the inferior (for many) layout unfortunately ;c
- benji-york 10y ago
  As a former Thinkpad travel keyboard user I would like to suggest you check out the Ergodox keyboard or -- my favorite and current daily driver -- the Diverge (http://unikeyboard.io/product/diverge/ http://unikeyboard.io/product/diverge/).
trevize 10y ago
Have to give a shoutout to keyboard.io - https://shop.keyboard.io https://shop.keyboard.io. Backing this project and watching the process and creation of this keyboard has been very rewarding. They are creating band new keycaps, not just modifying the inlays - but the full custom shapes as well. Watching the process of getting mass fabrication setup in China has been especially interesting as well. One quality example blog post: http://blog.keyboard.io/post/148699005129/day-420-hinges-and-feet-and-keycaps-and-pcbs http://blog.keyboard.io/post/148699005129/day-420-hinges-and...
- ChuckMcM 10y ago
  Wow, $330 for a keyboard. I love the passion and the thought they put into it, and I expect that for the small quantities they expect to produce that is the right price to sell it at, but at the same time it seems to cross into the unsustainable price point.
  - webkike 10y ago
    I bought a kinesis for a similar price point and I adore that keyboard two years later. In fact, I'm probably going to buy the second in the series
    - M_Grey 10y ago
      Same here, and adoration aside, I've gone from, "Goddamn it, I think I need surgery," to, "I have no pain at all" in a few years. Stretches, and a new keyboard. Well worth it for me.
  - overcast 10y ago
    People pay thousands of dollars for a virtual weapon in online games. That a week later, is deemed worthless by the next expansion release. I think you're vastly underestimating what people will pay for, if you think $330 is in the realm of "too much" for a hand made keyboard.
    - Insanity 10y ago
akssri 10y ago
This is probably the only project which goes about building a backplate from household tools, rather than having it milled.
0xdeadbeefbabe 10y ago
How about a porcelain or plaster board that fits your hands precisely. They did that in the soyuz, but not for hands, and for other reasons too.
- zafka 10y ago
  I have thought of making ceramic electronic components. A keyboard would be a great start.
  - zafka 10y ago
    If done carefully some of the wiring could be painted on as an oxide and then reduced to the metal in the firing.
APosMot 10y ago
Jesus H. Christ what a lot of negativity from a neat project. And the same quote from Carl Sagan is a nice asshat touch from people that probably don't make anything at all ever. Great work op, don't let these pedantic asshats keep you down.
enimodas 10y ago
i wonder why people still use teensy boards, when similar chinese boards can be bought for a couple dollars each instead of $20.
- jrockway 10y ago
  Cheaper shipping / faster arrival for quantity = 1? QA/binning done by manufacturer instead of you?
jsoltren 10y ago
I mean, sure, this is pretty neat, but par for the course with the excellent projects posted every day at sites like deskthority.net and geekhack.org. I'm surprised this one made the front page. It's neat but not the first of its kind. There are folks on these sites who are re-creating IBM capacitive buckling spring keyboards "from scratch": new molds for all the components. Also, keyboard.io is a keyboard project complete from scratch (except for the switches) from some friends. Kudos to the OP for building a keyboard! It's great fun and very instructive. Head to the forums I linked above if you'd like to see more.
RyanRies 10y ago
Great job!
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
mamcx 10y ago
Exist a whole of crazy sub-culture about this: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ https://geekhack.org/ https://geekhack.org/ https://www.massdrop.com/mechanical-keyboards https://www.massdrop.com/mechanical-keyboards I'm almost build one, because I need a replacement for my MS ergonomic Keyboard: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79603.msg2053482 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79603.msg2053482 In short, MS hate me. He refuse to build a mechanical keyboard and also build the most nice Ergo (to me) but each iteration is far less durable. My actual one have several keys fade-out, and the palm rest is kaput. The original one, was rock-solid: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-A11-00337-Natural-Keyboard-Elite/dp/B0000642RX/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1476133766&sr=1-7&keywords=microsoft%2Bergonomic%2Bkeyboard&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-A11-00337-Natural-Keyboard-... (I have see it at around US 300!) So, I'm in the weird spot of: - I like this keyb too much - I can buy a more durable, but PS-2 antique, version - I can buy a more up-to-date but cord-less (hate to recharge stuff!) and I'm confident it will break faster - I can buy from the mech community, but do you remember? This community is CRAZY, and the options get weird and weirder! - I can buy a commercial gaming keyboard and make my life easy. But I wanna ergo. - I can build it myself, but do it curved is challenging, and I need to buy a custom keyset, so I need to convince like 20-30 people to do it so it not cost a eye. Yep, this is nuts. I'm already > 1 year holding off this project, waiting for a reasonable compromise (Not get wrong: I can settle for less. Is not that I can't, is that I wish a nicer option!) --- The options in this space (Ergo+ Mech+ NOT CRAZY) are very limited. VERY. You can get stuff like https://shop.keyboard.io/ https://shop.keyboard.io/ or even more popular https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox But that keyb is a example of how crazy people are. Note that is not only a weird layout, have less keys than a normal keyboard. I could buy it instantly if a least is a "normal" tenkey-less. Right know, is SUPER-HOT to make the keyboard with the less possible amount of keys, where 60% is like the most popular, like this https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbp-v60-plus-mini-mechanical-keyboard https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbp-v60-plus-mini-mechanical-ke... This mean a lot of material to DIY is biased torwards 60%.
- Kliment 10y ago
  Get the antique and replace the electronics. Seems like the most reasonable middle way. I'm happy to help you if you need assistance with that.
bentpins 10y ago
That looks like a mini USB extension cable not a micro. Neat project though
tomcam 10y ago
It was obvious from the title and its posting on hacker news that this would be some kind of slick 3-D printer article. I was, very happily, wrong. Bravo for a much more interesting take on this project.
qwertyuiop924 10y ago
Neat project. I'll stick with my Unicomp for now, though. As much fun as it would be to build this, and to say that I'm typing on a keyboard I built, even the MX switches don't feel quite as satisfying as the click of a Model M, and I'm not making buckling-spring switches myself: sure, it might not be too hard, but even if it isn't, you have to make a ton, and then you have to make the keycaps. Queue keyboard hackers arguing over whether buckling-spring is really better than MX.
- aidenn0 10y ago
  I've run into quality issues with Unicomp recently (my last one only lasted 18 months). I'm now using a keyboard with Cherry Greens (CODE 104 key), and it's pretty darn close, but not the same (plus a bit quieter, which my wife likes). Regardless of which is better, feeling familiar is nice. Those of my age who grew up using Apples are likely to prefer the Matias switches; I grew up with an IBM keyboard, and the Cherry Green is the closest I can find that isn't made by Unicomp.
  - qwertyuiop924 10y ago
    Hey, I grew up with dome switches. I've tried the MXes, and they just don't feel right to me.
trishume 10y ago
shameless plug: If you're looking for more keyboard build logs, I wrote one about my custom keyboard. http://thume.ca/2014/09/08/creating-a-keyboard-1-hardware/ http://thume.ca/2014/09/08/creating-a-keyboard-1-hardware/
- 9fiftyfive 10y ago
  Interesting read!
kakkun 10y ago
Welp, might as well hop on the bandwagon, and share mine as well. https://imgur.com/a/SP4Ng https://imgur.com/a/SP4Ng I used a pre-made PCB, so not quite as hand made as the OP's, but it's something I'm still quite proud of.
- mastazi 10y ago
  That looks neat! Do you have a link for the PCB?
  - kakkun 10y ago
    Yeah, here's where I bought it: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536 https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_det... and here are the instructions: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_instruction_guide https://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_instruction_guide
    - mastazi 10y ago
      Great, thank you!
stuartcw 10y ago
That's cool. I supported an IBM/PC clone keyboard firmware developer in the 1990s. Having an open source USB based firmware has really changed the game as it was a nightmare to clone the IBM XT/AT keyboard controller with all it's quirks.
koffiekop 10y ago
Looks like a preonic. Nice work. :) I couldn't type on a ortholinear keyboard at all... Switched back to a happy hacking :)
deleted 10y ago
[deleted]
WalterBright 10y ago
I made my own keyboard in college for the simple reason that I couldn't afford to buy one. You couldn't get one at Goodwill for $1.99 in those days :-) I salvaged the keys from some IBM device. Drilled a bunch of holes in a fiberglass board, mounted the keys in the holes, connected them in an XY grid with diodes, and used a 6800 processor to poll the grid to see which key was pressed, and send the corresponding ASCII value to a serial port. It was a simple design, and worked well. Later, I connected a 6845 video controller chip, some code, and a display, and voila! a VT52 clone. Sadly, the thing got lost in one of my many moves.
pareidolia 10y ago
What is rollover going to be like on a project like this?
acz 10y ago
Oh these emacs users
9fiftyfive 10y ago
Saw this on /r/mk. You did a very nice job on the keyboard. How is it typing on an Ortholinear-like keyboard?
deleted 10y ago
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tofupup 10y ago
neat

424 points by rhinoceraptor 10y ago

I think that most people go with waterjet or laser cutting their keyboard plates. The SwillKB Keyboard Plate and Case build really helps with the design: http://builder.swillkb.com/ http://builder.swillkb.com/

VLM 10y ago
To get OP out of hand filing all those corners I started researching the current year price of a 14mm sq punch (greenlee style) and then gave up and tried 9/16in instead, prices have gone up a bit since my dad was making vacuum tube projects with greenlee punches... Its probably cheaper to watercut than to buy and use a punch (and hope for perfect alignment) The problem with lasers is heat distortion that is a huge amount of cutting and the odds of it not turning into a pretzel are not so good. A weldment with CNC carved rows and columns welded together hopefully into a square array is not ridiculous. In fact its probably the cheapest option. And you could use a nice aluminum and then anodize it some crazy cool color. If not aluminum and tig welding, maybe a somewhat less ambitious steel and silver "solder" (brazing, really) would be more realistic.
- convolvatron 10y ago
  i was thinking 'water jet' too, but i think your welding process is potentially just as nice with a lower bar of entry (assuming you have a tig sitting next to you). you'd have to find a really friendly water jet shop to set up such a small run. if you had a mill, even a little one, you could take aluminum flat and cut channels so that the flats interlock. at that point you could just put down some tacks or even use fasteners. if we want to lower it further, i think your brazing suggestion is good to. brass is easier to braze with a small hand held propane torch than steel i think. also more local hardware stores carry products like stay-brite and appropriate fluxes for copper alloys. is there way to use half thickness so the top tab grabs on two edges and the bottom guys on two others?
  - chromaton 10y ago
    It's possible to get waterjet cutting in low quantities with small setup charges. We have a good number of people ordering custom keyboard plates and cases from us at Big Blue Saw.

glup 10y ago

Does anyone recognize the metallic split keyboard in the background? I have been looking for a high quality wired keyboard with separate left and right panels and hoping I don't need to build one (plenty of other things to build!)

davorb 10y ago
I think it's an ErgoDox.
rhinoceraptor 10y ago
It's an Ergodox Infinity with full hand mod, it's a kit keyboard sold through Massdrop. You get the PCBs, switches and caps and assemble them. I would look at the Ergodox EZ if you want a pre-made one.
benji-york 10y ago
Along with the Ergodoxm, you might like the Diverge keyboard. I've been using one every day for a couple of months now and love it.

j45 10y ago

Inspiring! I currently own a number of ergonomic keyboards. Kinesis Freestyle 2 at office, Microsoft Sculpt Ergo at home and I've discovered my ideal keyboard would be a mix of the two. Would love any ideas on how a custom keyboard could reasonably (time wise) be designed to combine the best aspects of both keyboards: - separated halves of the Freestyle2, - wireless bluetooth for both halves instead of the wire the Freestyle2 requires, - curve like the Microsoft Sculpt Ergo keyboard. - Ok with either full keys or scissor keys.

jetpacktuxedo 10y ago
Separated halves is the easiest of your requirements. That is a pretty well solved problem in the keyboard community (see ergodox, etc.). Having the halves communicate wirelessly is a bigger challenge, but still potentially solvable. The easiest solution would be to have each half register as a separate board. Then because it is wireless you have the issues of batteries and charging and stuff. The curve might also be tough, especially when combined with the wireless part. The easiest solution would be to have a plate cut, heat it up to soften it slightly and then bend it into the curve that you want. There would probably be a lot of trial and error involved in that though, and it may be faster (though a lot more expensive) to design the final 3D version of it in a cad program and have it milled as one big block. Standard cherry-style keys will be much easier to source than scissor keys. This geekhack thread might give you some ideas: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70221.0 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=70221.0
- j45 10y ago
  Awesome, thanks! Some inspiration: - As a prototype... I'm wondering if the MS Ergo Sculpt keyboard could be cut in half and rewired. - Maybe two keyboards with two sets of wireless dongles could communicate via the same 2.4 ghz wireless dongle from "their half". - Maybe even 1 battery each. That's a great link, thanks I'll see what might be possible.
verisimilidude 10y ago
The wireless requirement will probably be the most annoying, as you'll have to deal with batteries, charging, figuring out how to get the two halves to communicate with each other and/or register as separate devices, etc. But it's certainly possible. Believe it or not, there are folks out there creating their own curved keyboards. See the following for an example. https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard

Tepix 10y ago

Spoiler: Did not build from scratch, used keycaps and keyboard switches.

ISL 10y ago
Don't forget the microcontroller! Looks like the author had fun, though.
rhinoceraptor 10y ago
You're right, I just changed it :)
no_protocol 10y ago
This complaint makes me uncomfortable on behalf of the project creator. He didn't set out to create switches from scratch, he wanted to create a keyboard. You didn't care that he used a prebuilt microcontroller or USB cable. Switching from keycaps to some substitute wouldn't be technically harder to pull off, it would just reduce usability. Same for switches -- the input/output of these switches is created with keyboards in mind, other switch choices including a homemade version would be possible, but he didn't set out to create 100 switches, he wanted to make a keyboard.
- nickpsecurity 10y ago
  He built a keyboard without the keys or switches. That would be the most useless keyboard ever made until... he obtained pre-made keys and switches from a keyboard vendor. The gripe stands despite this being cool. A more honest description would be he made part of a keyboard or maybe the frame of one.
  - no_protocol 10y ago
    All the switches do is close a connection between two wires. He could have used bent paperclips and taped cardboard on top of each one for the keys. Would you be happy then?
    - 10y ago

tjic 10y ago

This is neat, and I don't want to diminish that, but when I saw the headline "...from scratch", I wasn't expecting that the starting components would include "a full set of keys". I'm reminded of an old Disney cartoon (maybe WWII era ?) where goofy invents artificial rubber. The catch is that it requires rubber tires as an input.

DanBC 10y ago
There are many projects where people have built their own keyboards. Do you know of any where the people built their own switches?
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]
- ffreire 10y ago
  I've seen a fair number of folks in the mechanical keyboard community (admittedly rather small already) that customize their switches. For example, a common mod for mechanical switches is to replace the springs in the switch housing, which affects how much force is required to depress the switch. Others replace the stem, which is the colored part of the switch, changing its feel (tactile vs linear, smooth vs course). Given that, would you consider someone building their own switch as someone who's created a custom switch from these components? e.g. I've read of folks putting Zealios stems in Gateron housings with 80g+ springs to create their ideal switch type.
  - wastedhours 10y ago
    Yeah, have seen a lot of people mod their switches, but not seen someone create them from scratch - think customising them and blending components steps it up a notch, but isn't any more "from scratch" (although, in my opinion, getting the switches bought in is as "from scratch" as is logical).
- baddox 10y ago
  As far as I know, most keyboard manufacturers don't manufacture their own switches, yet it's fairly uncontroversial to describe them as "keyboard manufacturers."

sly010 10y ago

If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch...

DanBC 10y ago

I'd be interested to see how comfortable the grid layout is. The only keyboard I used like that was the Sharp MZ80K. It was unfun, but that used square and flat keycaps too.

waiseristy 10y ago
I've enjoyed my time with the typematrix, grid layout works for me
rhinoceraptor 10y ago
My main keyboard is an Ergodox, so non-staggered keyboards are what I'm used to. Plus, the grid layout made it a lot easier to build.

Zikes 10y ago

> If you wish to make apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe. - Carl Sagan I see a lot of builds similar to this on /r/MechanicalKeyboards, but which use pre-made cases or other kits. This is more "from scratch" than many, due to hand-cutting the case. Every time I see one I get the itch to try it myself. The guide he links to makes it seem tedious, but relatively straightforward.

GrinningFool 10y ago

Thanks for posting this, looks like it was a fun build. What's the split keyboard you previously had, shown in the background of the first photo?

sturmdrang 10y ago
Looks like an Ergodox (Infinity?) with full hand case.
- jbondeson 10y ago
  Definitely an Infinity Ergodox, the full hand has the I:C logo on it.

fixxer 10y ago

Very cool, but to anyone considering this endeavor, I gently suggest buying a Poker2 instead.

lorenzfx 10y ago
I wouldn't, notice the different key arrangement.
- fixxer 10y ago
  I was referring to building a keyboard in general, not the ortholineal layout.
- deleted 10y ago
  [deleted]
eeZah7Ux 10y ago
Rather, a typematrix (2020 or 2030)
- fixxer 10y ago
  Nope. Once you go mech, you never go back to those squishy switches.
  - Ardren 10y ago
    While I'm a happy mech user, the scissor switches on the Typematrix 2030 are actually quite nice. If my 60% died tomorrow I would have no issue going back to it.
johnnycarcin 10y ago
YES! I built one using a pre-fab face plate and it was super tedious. While I certainly enjoy using it everyday, looking back I'd probably just buy one. At the time though I couldn't find one that met my needs (mainly the bluetooth). Recap of my build: http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/04/hand-wired-keyboard-pt1/ http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/04/hand-wired-keyboard-pt1... http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/05/hand-wired-keyboard-pt2/ http://esheavyindustries.com/2016/05/hand-wired-keyboard-pt2...

theophrastus 10y ago

This is a very impressive effort! And I can't help but think it recalls an old heroic trope wherein the development of the true hero involves wandering off to forge one's own sword, (a theme which was more recently picked up on in Star Wars). I hope it encourages others not to necessarily settle with the blister pack handed to them.

Retric 10y ago
Star wars works as pure fantasy. You could replace the Death Star for example with a floating castle without issue. PS: You can see the direct connection by playing The Hidden Fortress before watching Star Wars.
pimlottc 10y ago
ObTVTropes link: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AMasterMakesTheirOwnTools http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AMasterMakesTheir...

scaradim 10y ago

First keyboard built by hand for me was a ZX Spectrum 16k keyboard replacement made of door bell buttons. It was back in 1986 if I remember well. Result was a matrix of about 1m/50cm. We've actually broke the keyboard of our teacher computer because we were a full classroom playing Jetpack on it. All class has participated - of course with teacher's help. hehe...

alasdair_ 10y ago
Did it have those obnoxious rubber keys like the original? :)

nickpsecurity 10y ago

So he built part of a keyboard. The best application I see of this, other than a startup for retail or Wall St keyboards, is for secure input. A secure keyboard has to (a) be immune to code injection, (b) no leak anything over power supply, (c) be TEMPEST shielded, and (d) optionally encrypted input directly to input subsystem in CPU if anything else on I/O bus is untrusted. For this, the keys can usually be second-hand but everything else is custom. Mainly the MCU, power filter, material around it, etc. One might similarly do a wireless keyboard that encrypted its transmissions.

burnbabyburn 10y ago

I've built a similar keyboard, called atomic keyboard, I love it, even if it was pretty pricey.

libraryatnight 10y ago

This is a fairly common sort of occurrence in the mechanical keyboard hobby community. The geekhack forums are filled with useful info and links to kits for this sort of thing.

wastedhours 10y ago
Yep - great to see someone follow through on it as well, I've got a pack of 110 Gateron Browns in the drawer wondering when they'll see the light of day. My 3 manufactured mechs and full-time job will probably mean they stay there as well unfortunately.

bjpirt 10y ago

Wow, drilling and filing all of those holes by hand makes me glad I've discovered laser cutters. That's dedication!

agumonkey 10y ago

OP should talk to https://twitter.com/adereth https://twitter.com/adereth (see: http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/04/09/3d-printing-with-clojure/ http://adereth.github.io/blog/2014/04/09/3d-printing-with-cl...) and have pure fun together. ps: https://twitter.com/adereth/status/784870134502465536 https://twitter.com/adereth/status/784870134502465536

Adrock 10y ago
Thanks for the mention! For anyone interested, all the source and models for the Dactyl keyboard are available here: https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard https://github.com/adereth/dactyl-keyboard There's also a talk I gave a Clojure/conj about it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk3A41U0iO4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk3A41U0iO4
- rhinoceraptor 10y ago
  Thanks for your work! I love the dactyl (my main board is an Ergodox). If/when I finally get a 3D printer, I will definitely build a Dactyl.
- agumonkey 10y ago
  That video was very very inspiring, don't thank me, I still owe you at least 27 front page mentions :D
- alasdair_ 10y ago
  How have I not seen this before?! I have been looking for a split design of something like the Kinesis Advantage for years. Thank you for posting this!

jInflux 10y ago

To anyone nitpicking, unless the headline has been changed since submission, the author actually says they built it "by hand", rather than "from scratch".

rhinoceraptor 10y ago
I changed it after the initial feedback.

trymas 10y ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards

pkamb 10y ago

Cool to see a keyboard without a big spacebar. I've thought that that would be a good way to put multiple additional modifier keys on your thumbs, for things like controlling the arrow keys from the homerow without overloading the standard modifiers. I even purchased the [Japanese version of my daily keyboard][1] to try this out. Haven't planned the functions or made the switch yet though. [1]: http://i.imgur.com/9LaxboJ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/9LaxboJ.jpg

epse 10y ago
"made the switch"
devereaux 10y ago
We do have very similar tastes :-) I have the exact same one, only with a trackpad and PS2 connectors, because it was so cheap it made sense to reuse my old PS2/USB converters. Thinkpad keyboards are a rare and expansive luxury these days. The fast tab switch keys next to the arrow is something I need in every keyboard or laptop, to the point I won't buy if there is just the inverted T without any key I can remap to fast-tab switch. I love this keyboard, what I find disconcerting however is the Japanese writing. I would like to replace all my caps by brand new english caps.
- auganov 10y ago
  A reminder for people considering it: the trackpoint on these is an old version with a lower resolution/sensitivity. If you have multiple displays there's a high chance you won't like it. Even on a sufficiently high res display, it can be somewhat disappointing. If you want the newest trackpoint you'll need to get the new chiclet usb one[0]. There's a jap version too. [0] yea, with the inferior (for many) layout unfortunately ;c
benji-york 10y ago
As a former Thinkpad travel keyboard user I would like to suggest you check out the Ergodox keyboard or -- my favorite and current daily driver -- the Diverge (http://unikeyboard.io/product/diverge/ http://unikeyboard.io/product/diverge/).

trevize 10y ago

Have to give a shoutout to keyboard.io - https://shop.keyboard.io https://shop.keyboard.io. Backing this project and watching the process and creation of this keyboard has been very rewarding. They are creating band new keycaps, not just modifying the inlays - but the full custom shapes as well. Watching the process of getting mass fabrication setup in China has been especially interesting as well. One quality example blog post: http://blog.keyboard.io/post/148699005129/day-420-hinges-and-feet-and-keycaps-and-pcbs http://blog.keyboard.io/post/148699005129/day-420-hinges-and...

ChuckMcM 10y ago
Wow, $330 for a keyboard. I love the passion and the thought they put into it, and I expect that for the small quantities they expect to produce that is the right price to sell it at, but at the same time it seems to cross into the unsustainable price point.
- webkike 10y ago
  I bought a kinesis for a similar price point and I adore that keyboard two years later. In fact, I'm probably going to buy the second in the series
  - M_Grey 10y ago
    Same here, and adoration aside, I've gone from, "Goddamn it, I think I need surgery," to, "I have no pain at all" in a few years. Stretches, and a new keyboard. Well worth it for me.
- overcast 10y ago
  People pay thousands of dollars for a virtual weapon in online games. That a week later, is deemed worthless by the next expansion release. I think you're vastly underestimating what people will pay for, if you think $330 is in the realm of "too much" for a hand made keyboard.
  - Insanity 10y ago

akssri 10y ago

This is probably the only project which goes about building a backplate from household tools, rather than having it milled.

0xdeadbeefbabe 10y ago

How about a porcelain or plaster board that fits your hands precisely. They did that in the soyuz, but not for hands, and for other reasons too.

zafka 10y ago
I have thought of making ceramic electronic components. A keyboard would be a great start.
- zafka 10y ago
  If done carefully some of the wiring could be painted on as an oxide and then reduced to the metal in the firing.

APosMot 10y ago

Jesus H. Christ what a lot of negativity from a neat project. And the same quote from Carl Sagan is a nice asshat touch from people that probably don't make anything at all ever. Great work op, don't let these pedantic asshats keep you down.

enimodas 10y ago

i wonder why people still use teensy boards, when similar chinese boards can be bought for a couple dollars each instead of $20.

jrockway 10y ago
Cheaper shipping / faster arrival for quantity = 1? QA/binning done by manufacturer instead of you?

jsoltren 10y ago

I mean, sure, this is pretty neat, but par for the course with the excellent projects posted every day at sites like deskthority.net and geekhack.org. I'm surprised this one made the front page. It's neat but not the first of its kind. There are folks on these sites who are re-creating IBM capacitive buckling spring keyboards "from scratch": new molds for all the components. Also, keyboard.io is a keyboard project complete from scratch (except for the switches) from some friends. Kudos to the OP for building a keyboard! It's great fun and very instructive. Head to the forums I linked above if you'd like to see more.

RyanRies 10y ago

Great job!

deleted 10y ago

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mamcx 10y ago

Exist a whole of crazy sub-culture about this: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/ https://geekhack.org/ https://geekhack.org/ https://www.massdrop.com/mechanical-keyboards https://www.massdrop.com/mechanical-keyboards I'm almost build one, because I need a replacement for my MS ergonomic Keyboard: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79603.msg2053482 https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=79603.msg2053482 In short, MS hate me. He refuse to build a mechanical keyboard and also build the most nice Ergo (to me) but each iteration is far less durable. My actual one have several keys fade-out, and the palm rest is kaput. The original one, was rock-solid: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-A11-00337-Natural-Keyboard-Elite/dp/B0000642RX/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1476133766&sr=1-7&keywords=microsoft%2Bergonomic%2Bkeyboard&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-A11-00337-Natural-Keyboard-... (I have see it at around US 300!) So, I'm in the weird spot of: - I like this keyb too much - I can buy a more durable, but PS-2 antique, version - I can buy a more up-to-date but cord-less (hate to recharge stuff!) and I'm confident it will break faster - I can buy from the mech community, but do you remember? This community is CRAZY, and the options get weird and weirder! - I can buy a commercial gaming keyboard and make my life easy. But I wanna ergo. - I can build it myself, but do it curved is challenging, and I need to buy a custom keyset, so I need to convince like 20-30 people to do it so it not cost a eye. Yep, this is nuts. I'm already > 1 year holding off this project, waiting for a reasonable compromise (Not get wrong: I can settle for less. Is not that I can't, is that I wish a nicer option!) --- The options in this space (Ergo+ Mech+ NOT CRAZY) are very limited. VERY. You can get stuff like https://shop.keyboard.io/ https://shop.keyboard.io/ or even more popular https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox But that keyb is a example of how crazy people are. Note that is not only a weird layout, have less keys than a normal keyboard. I could buy it instantly if a least is a "normal" tenkey-less. Right know, is SUPER-HOT to make the keyboard with the less possible amount of keys, where 60% is like the most popular, like this https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbp-v60-plus-mini-mechanical-keyboard https://www.massdrop.com/buy/kbp-v60-plus-mini-mechanical-ke... This mean a lot of material to DIY is biased torwards 60%.

Kliment 10y ago
Get the antique and replace the electronics. Seems like the most reasonable middle way. I'm happy to help you if you need assistance with that.

bentpins 10y ago

That looks like a mini USB extension cable not a micro. Neat project though

tomcam 10y ago

It was obvious from the title and its posting on hacker news that this would be some kind of slick 3-D printer article. I was, very happily, wrong. Bravo for a much more interesting take on this project.

qwertyuiop924 10y ago

Neat project. I'll stick with my Unicomp for now, though. As much fun as it would be to build this, and to say that I'm typing on a keyboard I built, even the MX switches don't feel quite as satisfying as the click of a Model M, and I'm not making buckling-spring switches myself: sure, it might not be too hard, but even if it isn't, you have to make a ton, and then you have to make the keycaps. Queue keyboard hackers arguing over whether buckling-spring is really better than MX.

aidenn0 10y ago
I've run into quality issues with Unicomp recently (my last one only lasted 18 months). I'm now using a keyboard with Cherry Greens (CODE 104 key), and it's pretty darn close, but not the same (plus a bit quieter, which my wife likes). Regardless of which is better, feeling familiar is nice. Those of my age who grew up using Apples are likely to prefer the Matias switches; I grew up with an IBM keyboard, and the Cherry Green is the closest I can find that isn't made by Unicomp.
- qwertyuiop924 10y ago
  Hey, I grew up with dome switches. I've tried the MXes, and they just don't feel right to me.

trishume 10y ago

shameless plug: If you're looking for more keyboard build logs, I wrote one about my custom keyboard. http://thume.ca/2014/09/08/creating-a-keyboard-1-hardware/ http://thume.ca/2014/09/08/creating-a-keyboard-1-hardware/

9fiftyfive 10y ago
Interesting read!

kakkun 10y ago

Welp, might as well hop on the bandwagon, and share mine as well. https://imgur.com/a/SP4Ng https://imgur.com/a/SP4Ng I used a pre-made PCB, so not quite as hand made as the OP's, but it's something I'm still quite proud of.

mastazi 10y ago
That looks neat! Do you have a link for the PCB?
- kakkun 10y ago
  Yeah, here's where I bought it: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=536 https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_det... and here are the instructions: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_instruction_guide https://deskthority.net/wiki/Phantom_instruction_guide
  - mastazi 10y ago
    Great, thank you!

stuartcw 10y ago

That's cool. I supported an IBM/PC clone keyboard firmware developer in the 1990s. Having an open source USB based firmware has really changed the game as it was a nightmare to clone the IBM XT/AT keyboard controller with all it's quirks.

koffiekop 10y ago

Looks like a preonic. Nice work. :) I couldn't type on a ortholinear keyboard at all... Switched back to a happy hacking :)

deleted 10y ago

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WalterBright 10y ago

I made my own keyboard in college for the simple reason that I couldn't afford to buy one. You couldn't get one at Goodwill for $1.99 in those days :-) I salvaged the keys from some IBM device. Drilled a bunch of holes in a fiberglass board, mounted the keys in the holes, connected them in an XY grid with diodes, and used a 6800 processor to poll the grid to see which key was pressed, and send the corresponding ASCII value to a serial port. It was a simple design, and worked well. Later, I connected a 6845 video controller chip, some code, and a display, and voila! a VT52 clone. Sadly, the thing got lost in one of my many moves.

pareidolia 10y ago

What is rollover going to be like on a project like this?

acz 10y ago

Oh these emacs users

9fiftyfive 10y ago

Saw this on /r/mk. You did a very nice job on the keyboard. How is it typing on an Ortholinear-like keyboard?

deleted 10y ago

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tofupup 10y ago

neat