Is it possible to convert a rubber dome keyboard to a mechanical keyboard?

[Cokeman]

So after my last post I decided Its probably a little much to build a keyboard but is it possible to replace rubber domes with cherry mx.

Heres a few interior pics of the keyboard.

 

Back of keys

 

PCB

 

Rubber domes

[Jodomcfrodo]

I would seriously just buy one... And I don't think you can because the height of the switches just wouldn't fit in the case.

[Syntaxvgm]

Technically yes. But no. Why would you want to do that anyway .

[XTankSlayerX]

You could probably do it... Although its probably more expensive and hard then just going to buy a mechanical keyboard.

[TheProfosist]

Sure but you do t be using anything bit really the case from the rubberdome.

[Cokeman]

You could probably do it... Although its probably more expensive and hard then just going to buy a mechanical keyboard.

I can get 100 MX blues for $50 so it would be cheaper

[Clyne]

You can, it would be easier to buy a mechanical keyboard. 

[Sauron]

I doubt it, HOWEVER it would probably take a complete mod of the enclosure itself to allow for the mechanical switches, basically you'd need to redo the whole keyboard except the integrated circuit. So, just buy a mechanical keyboard, it's a much better solution that anything you'd be able to achieve and anyway that mod would not be cheap either.

[Clyne]

I can get 100 MX blues for $50 so it would be cheaper

It's hard, save yourself the hassle to build one and buy a mechanical one.

This one is cheap

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201040

[Syntaxvgm]

The ONLY reason to do this is to convert a unique keypad or something. 

[XTankSlayerX]

Cokeman, on 14 Aug 2014 - 4:28 PM, said:

I can get 100 MX blues for $50 so it would be cheaper

You would have to buy a soldering iron and probably new PCB... Just buy one... Its going to better quality as well.

[RubyRoks]

Sounds like a fun project

[lekro]

If you're doing it because you want a mechanical keyboard, just go buy one. But if it's for a project, great idea! I'd love to see the results!

[Syntaxvgm]

IF you DO do this-

hot glue is your friend. 

[spwath]

No

[mcmad358]

really isnt worth the money, time, and outcome

[matheez]

wouldnt recommend it, unless its for pure entertainment and fun (the process of converting)

[Charger]

So after my last post I decided Its probably a little much to build a keyboard but is it possible to replace rubber domes with cherry mx.

Heres a few interior pics of the keyboard.

if you want to make your own keyboard that is a ok and doable idea but trying to make it from that is a waste of time. I would recommend checking out geekhack and deskthority for some info on how people have been doing it and i would recommend a pcbless style of build that is controlled by a small micro controller.

 

here are some links that may have some good info for what you want to do.

 

http://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Hard-Wiring_How-To

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45139.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38847.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=20898.0

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41989.0

 

and a link you my own diy keyboard thread on geekhack http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45761.msg959429#msg959429

[TheProfosist]

The ONLY reason to do this is to convert a unique keypad or something.

This was a common thing to so to the belkin nostromo and the original Microsoft ergonomic keyboards.

[Axypha]

Yes, but just buying a mechanical keyboard would be cheaper... And it wouldn't be worth it.

[Charger]

Yes, but just buying a mechanical keyboard would be cheaper... And it wouldn't be worth it.

certainly less work but not always cheaper my keyboard only cost me $50 to make 

 

 

something that would be more in most peoples skill and tool range would be an case i first made for my keyboard which was just a bent peice of aluminum unlike the one i machined later

[babbaj]

certainly less work but not always cheaper my keyboard only cost me $50 to make

something that would be more in most peoples skill and tool range would be an case i first made for my keyboard which was just a bent peice of aluminum unlike the one i machined later

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=9433

This also costs $50 and it has a lot more keys

[Charger]

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?p_id=9433

This also costs $50 and it has a lot more keys

yes i am aware of that keyboard and would probably recommend it to someone that doesn't have any idea of what they may be in store for making their own keyboard. The differences between that and mine is mine is fully programmable, custom machined aluminum case, custom machine stainless escape key, removable usb cable and a non standard layout. I'm also surprised that keyboard still uses cherry switches now that their are cheaper clones out there.

[babbaj]

The differences between that and mine is mine is fully programmable, custom machine stainless escape key and removable usb cable

Can be done in software or probably by replacing the old circuit board(probably a pain in the ass), cherry keycaps can be changed with any keycap you want, can be done with some modding. Still a cool project though

[Charger]

Can be done in software or probably by replacing the old circuit board(probably a pain in the ass), cherry keycaps can be changed with any keycap you want, can be sone with some modding. Still a cool project though

agreed although the benefit of having the keyboard be fully programmable is the ability to plug and play and have it work how you want on any computer.  Also good luck finding another keycap that i made myself for sale somewhere lol