Build your own hardware keyboard

[sekker]

Cool

https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/21/18683...hes-zealpc

[modelamac]

Why? I suppose it is because you can.:RollingEyesSmiley5:

[RAMd®d]

Well, if you're a good typist, really good, and you can build the keyboard you really like but can't find anywhere else, there's a lot of merit.

I suppose there's some in being able to say 'I did that!', as well.

I've realized that as a moderately 'ok' typist, my MB's keyboard has slowed me down. The idea of 'tactile' feedback has worked against me, slowing my down to one click at a time.

Because of the near lack of travel, that click is necessary to prevent fjeioqa;tuyriad'mbrvea such as you might get trying to touch type a big software keyboard on a big iPad.

Merely resting your fingers near or on the glass would give likely unwanted input.

I'm constantly on the lookout for The Better Keyboard. I see them with some of the features I want, but never all.

I've got an old original Matais, and an Apple Extended II. They have a nice feel, but I tire of the clicky-clacky. I've got an Adesso ergo that was good on the hands, but the keys dragged a little. I've got a couple of MS 2000 or 4000 Natural keyboards, good on the hands but use a rubber bubble or similar spring method and have a felt resistance I don't care for.

And none of the above a illuminated, or save the Adesso, have a trackpad, which I'd really like.

Building my own wouldn't fix much if any of that for me, but maybe somebody.

[sekker]

Come on, this is the answer to all the kvetching about ‘where’s my modern Apple Extended Keyboard II’!

Seriously, this report shows how you can do this if you want a true and custom input device. What’s wrong with that?

[Forrest]

Good quality keyboards with mechanical switches and backlight keys start at around $25 - why build your own?

Microcenter sells a full size USB keyboard for $3.99!

[JoeH]

Forrest wrote:
Good quality keyboards with mechanical switches and backlight keys start at around $25 - why build your own?

Where, who makes them? I haven't seen any good quality keyboards with mechanical switches under about $60-75.

[RAMd®d]

What’s wrong with that?


Ain't nothing wrong with that.

It's just not how I roll.

[Forrest]

On Amazon, search for mechanical switch keyboard. Non-backlight keyboards start at $25 and backlight keyboards start at $30

[JoeH]

Forrest wrote:
On Amazon, search for mechanical switch keyboard. Non-backlight keyboards start at $25 and backlight keyboards start at $30

At what actual quality? I have seen some of those bought by others, besides the switches everything else was "cheap" and flimsy. Not too sure of the switch quality either, one claimed cherry switches, they weren't.