Custom Keyboard

[TheBean]

I just watched the verge's video on making your own custom keyboard. What would something like that cost approximately?

I want to point out a few things though. I wanted something which is low profile and compact. 

I dont need rgb or backlighting, I want a dedicated right click key or something with software that can customize what each button does (including macros if possible).

 

edit: I could 3d print a case to reduce cost. would this solution be strong enough to not break?

Edited July 4, 2019 by Saksham

[airdeano]

<-moved to Peripherals->

please make sure you're creating your threads in the appropriate subforums.

[geo3]

To make the specific one The Verge made would be about $260 not including keycaps.  On the other hand I could put something together for around $120 including caps. It really depends on what you wan't.  There is a lot of variability.   

 

What size and layout do you want? The Verge made 75%, the cheapest option would be a 60%. There are a number of other size options as well. 

What type of switches? 

 

Virtually all of custom keyboards are programmable and support macros. But you don't configure them with software. You configure and build a custom firmware then flash it to the board. 

[TheBean]

1 hour ago, geo3 said:

To make the specific one The Verge made would be about $260 not including keycaps.  On the other hand I could put something together for around $120 including caps. It really depends on what you wan't.  There is a lot of variability.   

 

What size and layout do you want? The Verge made 75%, the cheapest option would be a 60%. There are a number of other size options as well. 

What type of switches? 

 

Virtually all of custom keyboards are programmable and support macros. But you don't configure them with software. You configure and build a custom firmware then flash it to the board. 

how on earth are the ones on sale on amazon (some of them) around 40 bucks?

[geo3]

8 hours ago, Saksham said:

how on earth are the ones on sale on amazon (some of them) around 40 bucks?

Yeah, you are not finding custom keyboards on Amazon for $40.

[b emoji]

8 hours ago, Saksham said:

how on earth are the ones on sale on amazon (some of them) around 40 bucks?

? Which keyboards? A cheaply made mass produced keyboard made with a plastic abs frame, mediocre pcb mounted switches and pad printed thin abs caps would of course, be way cheaper than something like a tgr/keycult with boutique/expensive switches & nice caps

[TheBean]

6 hours ago, geo3 said:

Yeah, you are not finding custom keyboards on Amazon for $40.

 

6 hours ago, b emoji said:

? Which keyboards? A cheaply made mass produced keyboard made with a plastic abs frame, mediocre pcb mounted switches and pad printed thin abs caps would of course, be way cheaper than something like a tgr/keycult with boutique/expensive switches & nice caps

so if i bought cheap parts, i could make my own for approx 60? is that possible?

[seon123]

8 minutes ago, Saksham said:

 

so if i bought cheap parts, i could make my own for approx 60? is that possible?

No. If you want a cheap, crappy keyboard, why not get one of the pre made, readily available ones?

[geo3]

23 minutes ago, Saksham said:

 

so if i bought cheap parts, i could make my own for approx 60? is that possible?

Around 120 is the cheapest you could maker a custom keyboard. Maybe 100 if you get lucky and find a kit with most parts you need for cheep on Aliexpress. 

[TheBean]

3 hours ago, seon123 said:

No. If you want a cheap, crappy keyboard, why not get one of the pre made, readily available ones?

so i could get an experience of doing something fun.

[seon123]

16 minutes ago, Saksham said:

so i could get an experience of doing something fun.

I mean, you could get 70x Gaterons for $14, 3D print a case, hand wire, and use a Pro Micro or Teensy. Total price should be quite low. Diodes, wire, and a Pro Micro/Teensy should be quite cheap too.