DIY keyboard

[Hassan170]

I just recently disassembled my Dell XPS 15 L502X and i disassembled the keyboard to make some use of it if i can.

the question is what exactly do i have to do to convert into a usable state? 

Some help with this is appreciated

 

[Biohazard777]

55 minutes ago, Hassan170 said:

I just recently disassembled my Dell XPS 15 L502X and i disassembled the keyboard to make some use of it if i can.

the question is what exactly do i have to do to convert into a usable state? 

Some help with this is appreciated

 

Too much work to salvage a mediocre keyboard.

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-USB-Laptop-Keyboard-Controller/

 

Also you'd need a case for the KB, which together with electronics you'd have to buy would probably end up costing more than just buying a new USB KB.

If you want a hobby project then sure why not, otherwise I'd just list the laptop KB for sale or recycle / throw it away.

[Hassan170]

2 minutes ago, Biohazard777 said:

Too much work to salvage a mediocre keyboard.

Also you'd need a case for the KB, which together with electronics you'd have to buy would probably end up costing more than just buying a new USB KB.

If you want a hobby project then sure why not, otherwise I'd just list the laptop KB for sale or recycle / throw it away.

oh

what's the cost? if its expensive then i'll keep it for a hobby project for another time if its within my budget, well why not?

There were 2 cables connecting the keyboard to the laptop and if you've disassembled one,

well you know how its pretty easy to accidentally rip the cables when pulling it out?

well yeah so im not sure i can sell it as a spare part, i was hoping it is still salvageable.

[Biohazard777]

25 minutes ago, Hassan170 said:

oh

what's the cost? if its expensive then i'll keep it for a hobby project for another time if its within my budget, well why not?

There were 2 cables connecting the keyboard to the laptop and if you've disassembled one,

well you know how its pretty easy to accidentally rip the cables when pulling it out?

well yeah so im not sure i can sell it as a spare part, i was hoping it is still salvageable.

Well if you were to follow the tutorial linked above:

- 20$ for Teensy LC / 3.2 / 4.0
- 10-20$ for custom PCB, typically a lot of 3 or 5 or 10 depending on where you get them made. Guide above used OSH Park, but you might find a better deal somewhere else.
- 2$ for KB FPC connector (AliExpres, eBay)
- 2$ for 2m long USB 2.0 cable.
- ?-??? $ for a KB case. It can be as low as 0$ if you just use some random scrap plywood, screws and glue. Or it can be 8$ for a generic plastic case that is close enough dimensions-wise on AliExpress / eBay or it can be double digits for 3D printed or even more for custom aluminum case.

 

At the very least 30-40$, you can get an alright mechanical keyboard for the same amount, without spending any time on it heh.

[Hassan170]

6 minutes ago, Biohazard777 said:

Well if you were to follow the tutorial linked above:

- 20$ for Teensy LC / 3.2 / 4.0
- 10-20$ for custom PCB, typically a lot of 3 or 5 or 10 depending on where you get them made. Guide above used OSH Park, but you might find a better deal somewhere else.
- 2$ for KB FPC connector (AliExpres, eBay)
- 2$ for 2m long USB 2.0 cable.
- ?-??? $ for a KB case. It can be as low as 0$ if you just use some random scrap plywood, screws and glue. Or it can be 8$ for a generic plastic case that is close enough dimensions-wise on AliExpress / eBay or it can be double digits for 3D printed or even more for custom aluminum case.

 

At the very least 30-40$, you can get an alright mechanical keyboard for the same amount, without spending any time on it heh.

yeah you know what ill jsut save the money and get a mechancial keyboard instead. maybe ill save this for another time. 

thanks fot the help