Building a Keyboard

scarcekoi · October 31, 2024

I'm looking to build a keyboard from scratch. I want to test some switches to see what I like but I don't have the money to buy a bunch of switches. Is there a place where I can test some switches? I'm also not sure where I can buy keyboard kits. Other than that, I think I'm good and I know what key caps I want.

Zenny232323 · October 31, 2024

3 minutes ago, scarcekoi said:

Is there a place where I can test some switches?

I would suggest looking up switches reviews. If that's not enough, check out your local computer stores, they might have a table with a bunch of switches on them.

4 minutes ago, scarcekoi said:

I am also not sure where I can buy keyboard kits

Check out the "Build your own Mechanical Keyboard… the RIGHT Way" from LTT. KBDfans has some great options for kits.

scarcekoi · October 31, 2024

8 minutes ago, Zenny232323 said:

I would suggest looking up switches reviews. If that's not enough, check out your local computer stores, they might have a table with a bunch of switches on them.

Check out the "Build your own Mechanical Keyboard… the RIGHT Way" from LTT. KBDfans has some great options for kits.

Is this one a good choice?
https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/kbdfans-odin-mechanical-keyboard?variant=41420641796235

Zenny232323 · October 31, 2024

4 minutes ago, scarcekoi said:

Is this one a good choice?
https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/kbdfans-odin-mechanical-keyboard?variant=41420641796235

From the few reviews I looked at, yes.
Here's the thing, your kits will define how your keyboard sounds and feels. If you have a brass weight, your keyboard will be heavier than a no brass weight kit. If your kit has foam, you will have softer and quieter switch noises. Your frame can be made of other materials, from aluminum to carbon fiber. Also this kit in particular is a wired keyboard, so you might want to look for wireless versions if you want a wireless one.

GarlicDeliverySystem · October 31, 2024

10 hours ago, scarcekoi said:

I want to test some switches to see what I like but I don't have the money to buy a bunch of switches.

Depends on which level we are talking about.

Just want to try linear (i.e. 'reds') vs tactile ('browns') or clicky ('blues')? Then I go to a big tech store and look for some display keyboards and see what switches they have.

For more in-depth differences between switches or a more detailed look, you can buy a so-called switch tester. Basically a variety pack of ~20 or so switches, each from a different one. Downside is that they cost money and that you don't really get a feel for how they are in a keyboard.

10 hours ago, scarcekoi said:

I'm also not sure where I can buy keyboard kits. Other than that, I think I'm good and I know what key caps I want.

This also really depends on what you are looking for and on what level. Kits come in various shapes or forms, from just the case all the way to barebones kits with minimal assembly required. Budget is also a huge factor, as is region (shipping costs are often not factored into displayed prices, nor are taxes/customs, and they can be huge).

9 hours ago, scarcekoi said:

https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/kbdfans-odin-mechanical-keyboard?variant=41420641796235

Certainly a good one, already on the higher end. Keep in mind you will need to provide switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.

Other places:

https://www.qwertykeys.com/ (Neo Ergo has been very well reviewed in the past)

https://meletrix.com/

Plus a lot of the nicer kits are only sold in groupbuys at various vendors, so keep an eye out for them. Which vendor then depends on your region in the world.

scarcekoi · November 1, 2024

On 10/31/2024 at 6:45 AM, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

Certainly a good one, already on the higher end. Keep in mind you will need to provide switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.

Other places:

https://www.qwertykeys.com/ (Neo Ergo has been very well reviewed in the past)

https://meletrix.com/

Plus a lot of the nicer kits are only sold in groupbuys at various vendors, so keep an eye out for them. Which vendor then depends on your region in the world.

This was another one I was thinking about:
https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/tet?variant=41434057310347

(Sorry for the late reply! Thanks so much for your help.)

GarlicDeliverySystem · November 2, 2024

9 hours ago, scarcekoi said:

This was another one I was thinking about:
https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/tet?variant=41434057310347

That is also a good one.

Maybe it helps to figure out the features you want first, and I mean really make a list.

Numpad, yes/no?
Do you use the nav cluster (page ip/down, home/end, insert/delete) ?
standard modifiers (i.e. shift) or not
F row keys?

I found out the hard way that my muscle memory is much stronger than I gave it credit for, hence why I realized I didn't like short 'shift' keys nor could I do without a nav cluster. F-row isn't as much of an issue, but that would be the functional difference between the Tet and the Odin (apart from some internal and visual differences).

scarcekoi · November 3, 2024

On 10/31/2024 at 6:45 AM, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

Depends on which level we are talking about.

Just want to try linear (i.e. 'reds') vs tactile ('browns') or clicky ('blues')? Then I go to a big tech store and look for some display keyboards and see what switches they have.

For more in-depth differences between switches or a more detailed look, you can buy a so-called switch tester. Basically a variety pack of ~20 or so switches, each from a different one. Downside is that they cost money and that you don't really get a feel for how they are in a keyboard.

Where can I buy a switch tester and what switch tester should I buy?

https://kineticlabs.com/switches/kinetic/keyboard-switch-sample-packs?