"SFF" Keyboards
- Thread starter iFreilicht
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- keyboard mechanical
I would say pick up a switch tester first, then you can tell which switch you want for a new keyboard.
Yeah I've looked into that, but spending $9-$16 bucks seems a bit odd to me. I've been pretty adept at adapting to the keyboards I've used. My budget is kind of fluid. I'd like to spend >$80 if possible but I'm realistic in that I may have to spend more for something with better quality. I would just have to be really happy with it. Which circles back to the key tester making me think that it would be better to get it. I would also very much like backlighting. And from everything I've read, mx browns was what I was leaning towards.
When I was getting a keyboard, I got a kit with MX Clears (more tactile MX Browns), and then I hated them. I realized I loved clicky switches or jailhoused switches.
I second the suggestion to pick up a switch tester. It'll have an array of switches that you can try out, because the different switches feel physically different. Spending $10-$15 on it might save you from the potential hassle of picking an expensive keyboard (mine cost me $130) only to not like it and have to return it.
Once you know which switches you like, you can look for keyboards that fit your needs which also have those switches.
Once you know which switches you like, you can look for keyboards that fit your needs which also have those switches.
been swiping through some DIY keyboards and they're mostly arduino-based. are there any basic ICs that you can plug switches and a USB receptacle to directly? or am I going this the wrong way? ._.
(also looking out for Kailh Low Profile switch bundle sales ._. and maaaaaaybe the PCB to go with it ._. )
(also looking out for Kailh Low Profile switch bundle sales ._. and maaaaaaybe the PCB to go with it ._. )
Yeah, a 4-switch option seems fine, it's more about having a good feeling for what some switches feel like because most mechanical switches are variations on those four. I used my 6-switch tester as comparison when I asked others how they'd describe their switches relative to the 6 switches I had.
I'm not understanding what you're asking? Are you talking about a Teensy and handwriting?
D
DelUser6216
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Teensy and soldering talk turns me on, to make a laptop keyboard to usb internal header would be a great low profile solution for all-in-one suitcase PCs like what PhilAirFlow is working on, but it's too hardcore.
It's the choice of being wit enough to solder ANY laptop keyboard which is so compelling, unless it's crap fragile like the Macbook Pro. Well, you could still use a very small wireless keyboard with eternally-plugged in micro usb but where's the fun in that.
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sorry, my articulation needs work ,_,
i'm coming from the curiosity of looking to some non-DIY keyboard teardowns, and most of the simple ones just come with an IC (and a few resistors for some reason)
so that got me thinking about what's the "fewest parts possible not counting switches" way to build a keyboard
although the teensy sounds promising actually. I'm looking to integrate a scrollwheel or two in my keyboard or make it standalone
I would say a Teensy 2.0 with diodes on each switch and hand wired would be the fewest parts. Also, look into QMK. qmk.fm
There aren't many keyboard PCBs that natively support switch hot-swapping so you either have to use Holtite Socketsin pre-existing PCB or buy PCBs that have that hardware built-in such as the OLKB Planck (Rev 6)
Personally, I really like the ALT over on Massdrop - but I've of course not gotten my hands on it yet. Retaining the arrow keys on a slightly over 65% layout, functions are accessible through the numeral row, and the switches can be swapped because they're socketed. Also has tons of RGB, a heckin-gorgeous aluminum frame, and double-shot PBT keycaps. And of course, it's fully programmable for macros and such.
So at the very least, it sounds nice
So at the very least, it sounds nice
Yeah, the ALT looks great, the CTRL is also pretty great. The only problem is that it's exclusive to MassDrop.Personally, I really like the ALT over on Massdrop - but I've of course not gotten my hands on it yet. Retaining the arrow keys on a slightly over 65% layout, functions are accessible through the numeral row, and the switches can be swapped because they're socketed. Also has tons of RGB, a heckin-gorgeous aluminum frame, and double-shot PBT keycaps. And of course, it's fully programmable for macros and such.
So at the very least, it sounds nice
I guess this counts as a SFF keyboard: https://smallformfactor.net/reviews/peripherals/drevos-calibur-70-keyboard-100-mechanical
I recommend doing the following.
1) switches - get a switch tested
2) layout - use autohotkey to reprogram a smaller layout. Look up pok3rahk for running a poker style layout (60%) on a full size keyboard.
After these two steps are done, you can easily decide U want a [blie/brown/red/black] [104/TKL/60]
1) switches - get a switch tested
2) layout - use autohotkey to reprogram a smaller layout. Look up pok3rahk for running a poker style layout (60%) on a full size keyboard.
After these two steps are done, you can easily decide U want a [blie/brown/red/black] [104/TKL/60]
In the article, it's spelled Outemu, not Oetemu.
Thanks, it has been fixed and missed in the draft reading
Thanks, it has been fixed and missed in the draft reading
The only reason I noticed is that I spend way too much time on r/mechanicalkeyboards, so I picked up a few things.Similar threads
