A new potential keyboard project on the horizon: a 3D printed split 60% keyboard. 

Here's the basis:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2402102

I have access to 3D printers, and the filament is provided, so I can ignore the cost of the case and plate. I'm also thinking of either using the keycaps from a G710 and/or 3D printing keycaps.

The controller would be either a pro micro, or a compatible unit. Those are fairly common and cheap. 

For switches, I want something as silent as possible. Silenced Cherrys or Gaterons, most likely. Zilents would increase the cost by a lot (since the switches are the main cost for this project). Matias Quiet switches are also a thing, but then I'd have fewer options for keycaps, and I wouldn't be able to use the G710 keycaps. 

I'll have to do more research about turning a pro micro into a keyboard, and what diodes and resistors I'd need. But it seems very doable and not that expensive. We'll see.