shit.cx

A New Keyboard Build

2020-10-30T20:56

My isolation project was to build myself a new keyboard. I've made a few before but this one will be completely custom and resolve some minor issues that I have with my last one.

After a couple of months waiting for a local laser-cutter to cut the back-plate, I have given up waiting began making it by hand.

The process is simple and only requires patience with the drill and file. If you do this yourself, I recommend getting one or two extra square bastard files. As I progressed, the progress slowed as my file dulled.

I'm about 6 hours in, and have almost finished (seems I don't have a current photo). The buttons holes are all made. All that is left is make stabiliser holes. (That reminds me, I need to buy some more small files.)

Thus far, process has been:

Design a layout with the keyboard-layout editor

Build a plate for the keyboard layout using Swillkb Plate & Case builder.

Make a scale print of the keyboard layout

Glue the print to a sheet of 1.5mm steel.

Drill and file.

Resources

Keyboard Layout Editor

Swillkb Plate & Case Builder

My Github Project

Photos