Questions about custom made keyboards

[StrawberryShortCakes]

I'm planning to buy parts to do a custom build keyboard.

But I'm a newbie at this, so I'm hoping I could get some advice from the well versed builders. 

Questions :

1. Are there any custom keyboards out there you can build without soldering? 

2. Could you please recommend some good hotswapable silent key switches? 

3. Is there anyway to make the custom keyboard wireless? 

4. Are there any transparent keys with black text? 

[gloop]

2 minutes ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

Are there any custom keyboards out there you can build without soldering?

Yes, they are called ‘hotswap’ keyboards. One of the most popular boards is the GMMK Hotswap, which comes in 60%, TKL and Full Sized. 

 

3 minutes ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

Could you please recommend some good hotswapable silent key switches?

Linear or Tactile?

 

3 minutes ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

Is there anyway to make the custom keyboard wireless?

There are ways but it requires soldering a controller and writing some custom firmware IIRC. 

 

4 minutes ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

Are there any transparent keys with black text? 

?

[StrawberryShortCakes]

51 minutes ago, gloop said:

Yes, they are called ‘hotswap’ keyboards. One of the most popular boards is the GMMK Hotswap, which comes in 60%, TKL and Full Sized. 

 

Linear or Tactile?

 

There are ways but it requires soldering a controller and writing some custom firmware IIRC. 

 

?

Linear, sorry I ment transparent key caps with black lettering. 

[Eschew]

Hey there.

9 hours ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

1. Are there any custom keyboards out there you can build without soldering?

Plenty. Above, gloop's answered your question (look for boards with hot-swappable PCBs) and also mentioned the GMMK -- a solid board for a first-timer, goes for at least $59.99 (barebones, no switches, no keycaps) or $109.95 (pre-built, Gateron Brown switches). Full-size, TKL, and 60% versions are available in ISO layout as well. Other hot-swappable choices:

• XD87 HS PCB/Keyboard Kit (KPrepublic): TKL Keyboard. Wired. Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.
• GK61/GK61x/GK61xs Keyboard Kit (Amazon, Aliexpress): 60% Compact Keyboard. GK61x is wired. GK61xs is wireless (Bluetooth). Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.
• ZH0750 Keyboard Kit (KBDfans): 60% Compact Keyboard. Wired. Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.

Keyboard kits are equipped with PCB, stabilizers, a mounting plate, case, and cables (if applicable). They do not include keycaps or switches unless otherwise specified.

 

9 hours ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

2. Could you please recommend some good hotswapable silent key switches?

8 hours ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

Linear

Slightly uncertain what you mean by 'hot-swappable switches,' so I'll just focus on the 'silent' and 'linear' part. Most, if not all, the switches below have dampeners inside the switch that cushions the impact and sound of a keystroke. Listed in no particular order:

• Rosélios/Sakurios (ZealPC)
• Healios (ZealPC)
• Kailh BOX Silent Pinks (NovelKeys)
• Gateron Silent Black Inks (NovelKeys)
• Gateron Silent Reds/Yellows/Blacks (NovelKeys)
• Cherry MX Silent Reds/Silent Blacks (NovelKeys, KBDfans)

I'd also argue that for linear switches, silence depends partly (mostly?) on the keyboard mounting plate/faceplate material. General rule of thumb is that denser materials create higher-pitched sounds. What you hear from typing normally on linear switches is the clack of the keyboard. Slowly bottoming out on any linear switch should give you a smooth physical experience and little to no auditory feedback (definitely no clicks). 

 

9 hours ago, StrawberryShortCakes said:

4. Are there any transparent keys with black text?

Max Keyboards offers a selection of translucent keycaps with legends:

• ANSI Layout Keycap Sets (Filtered Search: Polycarbonate)
• ANSI Custom White Translucent Top Backlight Keycap Set (Top Print, Side Print)
• ISO Custom White Translucent Top Backlight Keycap Set (Top Print, Side Print)

There might be other vendors selling translucent keycaps with black legends. I'd suggest checking out marketplaces like Aliexpress, Banggood, or eBay?

[StrawberryShortCakes]

13 hours ago, Eschew said:

Hey there.

Plenty. Above, gloop's answered your question (look for boards with hot-swappable PCBs) and also mentioned the GMMK -- a solid board for a first-timer, goes for at least $59.99 (barebones, no switches, no keycaps) or $109.95 (pre-built, Gateron Brown switches). Full-size, TKL, and 60% versions are available in ISO layout as well. Other hot-swappable choices:

• XD87 HS PCB/Keyboard Kit (KPrepublic): TKL Keyboard. Wired. Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.
• GK61/GK61x/GK61xs Keyboard Kit (Amazon, Aliexpress): 60% Compact Keyboard. GK61x is wired. GK61xs is wireless (Bluetooth). Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.
• ZH0750 Keyboard Kit (KBDfans): 60% Compact Keyboard. Wired. Compatible with PCB-Mounted Switches.

Keyboard kits are equipped with PCB, stabilizers, a mounting plate, case, and cables (if applicable). They do not include keycaps or switches unless otherwise specified.

 

Slightly uncertain what you mean by 'hot-swappable switches,' so I'll just focus on the 'silent' and 'linear' part. Most, if not all, the switches below have dampeners inside the switch that cushions the impact and sound of a keystroke. Listed in no particular order:

• Rosélios/Sakurios (ZealPC)
• Healios (ZealPC)
• Kailh BOX Silent Pinks (NovelKeys)
• Gateron Silent Black Inks (NovelKeys)
• Gateron Silent Reds/Yellows/Blacks (NovelKeys)
• Cherry MX Silent Reds/Silent Blacks (NovelKeys, KBDfans)

I'd also argue that for linear switches, silence depends partly (mostly?) on the keyboard mounting plate/faceplate material. General rule of thumb is that denser materials create higher-pitched sounds. What you hear from typing normally on linear switches is the clack of the keyboard. Slowly bottoming out on any linear switch should give you a smooth physical experience and little to no auditory feedback (definitely no clicks). 

 

Max Keyboards offers a selection of translucent keycaps with legends:

• ANSI Layout Keycap Sets (Filtered Search: Polycarbonate)
• ANSI Custom White Translucent Top Backlight Keycap Set (Top Print, Side Print)
• ISO Custom White Translucent Top Backlight Keycap Set (Top Print, Side Print)

There might be other vendors selling translucent keycaps with black legends. I'd suggest checking out marketplaces like Aliexpress, Banggood, or eBay?

Will do thanks.