Costum Keyboard

[SHG_Marsh]

I want to have a custom Keyboard. I can't find any online that I truly Like. I was wondering if there was a way to build a keyboard for under 150 or buy one and replace the key caps. But where would I get the key caps? Also if I were to build the keyboard I can't even find the switches on Amazon.

[Slottr]

r/mechnical keyboards would like a word

 

Basically, Massdrop will be your best friend for custom keyboards

[SHG_Marsh]

Side note, if possible i dont want to solder also i want rgb without programming. Like no effects just the lights

[CharminUltraStrong]

2 minutes ago, SHG_Marsh said:

Side note, if possible i dont want to solder also i want rgb without programming. Like no effects just the lights

If you don't care TOO much about RGB (as this only has RGB underglow which is still pretty sick) then this might be a good option https://kbdfans.cn/collections/diy-kit/products/kbd4x-custom-mechanical-keyboard-hot-swap-diy-kit. Comes with a PCB, case, and Kailh switch hotswap connectors pre installed that require no soldering. Meaning this is a hotswappable board so if ever you want to change the switches to a different type then you can just pluck the existing ones out no soldering required. Also, this is a 40%, ortholinear board so it's quite small but small boards are what's popular now. Hell, I have a small 75% board myself. As for switches, you'll pay 17$ USD to purchase 5 sets of 10 JADE Kailh switches https://kbdfans.cn/collections/kailh-switches/products/novelkeys-x-kailh-box-thick-clicks-navy-jade. Of course there are cheaper Kailh switches but these "thick click" ones have become super popular because of how responsive they feel. Plus, they click twice unlike virtually all other clicky switches that only click once(when you push it down). Now all you have to do is blow the rest of that budget on some super fancy keycaps and a type C cable(if you don't already have one).

[b emoji]

1 hour ago, SHG_Marsh said:

Side note, if possible i dont want to solder also i want rgb without programming. Like no effects just the lights

GK64 should be fine, its a hot swap pcb and you can get some cheap cases and caps with some gateron switches 

[LukeLinusFanFic]

6 hours ago, SHG_Marsh said:

I want to have a custom Keyboard. I can't find any online that I truly Like. I was wondering if there was a way to build a keyboard for under 150 or buy one and replace the key caps. But where would I get the key caps? Also if I were to build the keyboard I can't even find the switches on Amazon.

Linus made his for about... 300$.

What are you looking for in your own keyboard? Is it the building experience or just the result?

Because imo, after my experience with the terrible Gateron switches, I don't know if you should take that route....

[SHG_Marsh]

2 hours ago, SwagMaestro said:

Linus made his for about... 300$.

What are you looking for in your own keyboard? Is it the building experience or just the result?

Because imo, after my experience with the terrible Gateron switches, I don't know if you should take that route....

Like with my PC, I want to have the satisfaction of building it and using it. 

[seon123]

2 hours ago, SwagMaestro said:

Linus made his for about... 300$.

What are you looking for in your own keyboard? Is it the building experience or just the result?

Because imo, after my experience with the terrible Gateron switches, I don't know if you should take that route....

If you took a look at their parts list, you'd see that their parts selection was as bad as you'd expect from LTT. 

Gaterons are considered superior to Cherrys, as they are smoother. They are also the OEM of several custom switches, including the Zeal switches, which are considered way way way better than Cherrys. Not that Cherrys are considered good in the first place, though. 

[b emoji]

9 hours ago, Slottr said:

r/mechnical keyboards would like a word

 

Basically, Massdrop will be your best friend for custom keyboards

umm no

[LukeLinusFanFic]

4 hours ago, seon123 said:

If you took a look at their parts list, you'd see that their parts selection was as bad as you'd expect from LTT. 

Gaterons are considered superior to Cherrys, as they are smoother. They are also the OEM of several custom switches, including the Zeal switches, which are considered way way way better than Cherrys. Not that Cherrys are considered good in the first place, though. 

Considered by whom?

Idk about your experience, but typing on gaterons was just awful for me. Felt cheap.

Sharing what I feel. 

[geo3]

6 hours ago, b emoji said:

umm no

Massdrop is useful, but only occasionally.

 

OP, here are my goto places to find keyboard parts.

https://kbdfans.cn/

https://kprepublic.com/

https://novelkeys.xyz/

https://zealpc.net/

https://www.1upkeyboards.com/

https://www.switchtop.com/

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

 

7 hours ago, SHG_Marsh said:

Like with my PC, I want to have the satisfaction of building it and using it. 

Then you should definitely solder and program it.

 

 

 

 

 

[b emoji]

4 hours ago, SwagMaestro said:

Considered by whom?

Idk about your experience, but typing on gaterons was just awful for me. Felt cheap.

Sharing what I feel. 

By many people in the keyboard community, they're cheaper and smoother than cherrys. but also it really depends on the model as well, gateron makes high end and budget switches like their zealio switches which they make for zealpc which are considered by some to be one of the best tactile mx style tactile switches. 

[b emoji]

1 hour ago, geo3 said:

Massdrop is useful, but only occasionally.

 

OP, here are my goto places to find keyboard parts.

https://kbdfans.cn/

https://kprepublic.com/

https://novelkeys.xyz/

https://zealpc.net/

https://www.1upkeyboards.com/

https://www.switchtop.com/

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

 

Then you should definitely solder and program it.

 

 

 

 

 

hand wire it xd