My Custom Keyboard, Part One

Well, it's happening. I mentioned it in one of my Hooked on Keyboard entries, and I'm doing it - I'm going to finally build a custom keyboard.

Let me start by getting something out of the way - this post is going to be short. I just wanted to get down on the blog what I am planning to put in the build, what I've already ordered, what I already have ready to go and then the plan for the board.

The Switches

When it comes to switches, there are just so many possibilities for what to use.  I currently run Lubed Alpacas in my NK65 Entry Edition board (filmed with Deskeys film).  I've come to really like this switch, and I knew that there just wasn't going to be time for me to try all the different switches I want to experiment with (especially since the ones I really wanted, Tangeries, sold in out 5 minutes or less). So, since I've got some Kiwis laying around that I bought to try, those are going to be the switch I'm going with for this build...at the start.

The PCB

With the PCB, there are also a lot of options out there; but, I decided that for a first build and still not knowing which switch I would want to use for sure to go with a hotswap capable PCB.  I chose the DZ65 RGB V2 from KBDFans.  Now, I have no intention of ever using the RGB, it's just included in the PCB.  The main draw here is that it is hotswap, was in stock, and seemed to have a fairly good amount of reviews.

The Plate

I chose an aluminum plate from KBDFans.  Nothing more to say here.

Stabilizers

I haven't yet made a decision here, but I will likely be going with screw in Durock stabilizers for this build, since they require no clipping and I would really like to not use clip in stabilizers.

Keycaps

This is likely to change, as things go, but I'm planning to either put the GMK Pulse set on the board or one of the two Black on White style sets I have (DROP MT3 Black on White or GMK Hennessey).

Case

This is the thing that I am honestly most excited about - I am planning to build the case myself out of wood with the help of my grandfather.  Once I have the plate and everything else in my hands, I will be working with him to measure out the case size and going over what needs to be done, followed by picking out which kind of wood I want to use.

Weight

I am currently undecided on if I want to add a weight to the bottom of the board.

Foam

Along with the PCB I threw in some foam that sits between the case and the PCB on the bottom.  I am not sure if this will be used or not.  I am also not sure if I will buy foam to place between the PCB and Plate; this is not something I can really determine until the build is done and I have had a chance to type on it.

So yeah, that is my plan for the future as the idea starts to come together.  If this goes well, I will likely buy a non-hotswap PCB to use and since I will have the measurements for the case easily swap the PCBs whenever.  I would also like to considering starting to build keyboards for people if this goes well, as I think it would be something fun to do on the side.  Stay tuned for a post later this year once the build has started (or even completed) to see how it turns out.