this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2023
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Mechanical Keyboards

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The non english keycap market is really small and have always held me back from switching to mechanical. I didnt like any of the options. I found a video https://youtu.be/JR1BwcFyexQ where it is explained in great detail how to make your own keycaps with a "cheap" diode laser. This was the last push, I have ordered blank keys, switches, teensy and started designing in fusion. I have a large(er) format printer so i was able to print it in 1 piece. Bottom made of bamboo pla, plate is petg. I did the handwiring with magnet wire, I found this to be the simplest option. There is a single capslock led under CL key. Firmware is QMK, I have 1 extra layer only for FN and 1 macro for the youtube key.

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[–] lemann@lemmy.one 3 points 1 year ago

That looks really nice man, time and effort really paid off with such a nice looking keyboard at the end

[–] EuclidsLemmy@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Wow, this looks amazing. I would love a more detailed writeup on how to do this; I think I would be able to do something like this, but there are too many details I have no experience of.

[–] daninet@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

I'm really happy to help you with any question. Start with the following:

  1. create your own layout in KLE, it is simple and fun: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/
  2. Generate the backplate from the KLE output http://builder.swillkb.com/
  3. Load the backplate dxf into your cad file of choice and start experimenting with a case around it.

for lasering the keycaps look on this guide: https://youtu.be/JR1BwcFyexQ for wiring kbfirmware can generate you the wiring https://kbfirmware.com/

[–] Hemi03@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 year ago

omg that is so much work. Looking good. I keep to the modable prebuilds.

[–] timo_timboo_@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

You took the words custom keyboard really serious, huh?

Nice work though, looks like it was worth it!

[–] 7heo@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)