keyboard building handbook

[matt3o]

I started not long ago to write a handbook/manual/reference about DIY keyboard building. It will be a PDF/ebook for sure but I would also like to make it into a series of wiki pages (possibly on here on DT). It is "project based" so I present various step-by-step tutorials that shows hot to build keyboards from the ground up. On top of that an exhaustive introduction about switches, materials, soldering irons, tools and what-not.

The content will be released under very permissive license but I would like to cover some of the expenses (10 projects at €150 each are quite an investment... excluding the time to write the manual of course). Maybe I could offer a (paid) paper version or an ipad app (with added contents such as videos), or accept donations... I dunno and for now I don't care.

What I would like to know: 1) what you think about the project in general; 2) which are arguments you'd like to see covered?

So far I plan to talk about:

- which gear/tools to buy
- anatomy of a custom keyboard
- TMK firmware explained
- building a working switch tester / mini-numpad
- building a keyboard on the cheap
- building a case: 3D print
- building a case: laser cut
- building a wireless keyboard
- building a backlit keyboard
- designing a PCB

Also if you want collaborate or write a guest-chapter please let me know.

[XMIT]

Sounds great!

If I weren't so busy I'd love to write a chapter on sensing, actuation, and tactile response. I can't commit to it, though, so, perhaps some other time.

[Madhias]

That really sounds interesting! Especially to find everything you need to know in one place.

I am not sure about getting money from donations only. You could really make a paper or e-paper version out of it! At least I would buy it

[chuckdee]

This looks great! How about a section on Handwiring?

[matt3o]

This looks great! How about a section on Handwiring?

definitely

[Wodan]

So awesome, i can test drive the chapters on 3d print and laser cut case designs!

And I am specially excited about the pcb layout chapter. Still a big mystery to me.

[DiodeHead]

i think it's very interenting too, i would add a "tecnology" section with things like how capacitive works, and how the "analog" hack that a member of the forum did, to meke keys behave like an analog controller, etc

[matt3o]

the manual would more "practical" than "theoretical", also vol.1 would go from beginner to intermediate users. A Vol.2 might explore more advanced use cases

[lot_lizard]

Excellent idea, and kudos to you...

I'm assuming this is targeting switches where the mechanics of the switch are self contained (Cherry style, Alps, etc)? As neat as I think it would be to have it be "all switch" encompassing it would quickly become a difficult guide to follow because the design techniques are so different.

Maybe add the switches you are targeting to the OP to avoid confusion? Again... Very admirable undertaking

[matt3o]

yes, currently I'm targeting cherry mx, alps and the like. If I make it into a wiki the upgrades could be organic and more advanced topic could be explored, but it's too early to say.

I'd also like to add a keyboard-refactoring chapter, basically how to take an already made keyboard and add a custom controller to it.

[Wodan]

One horrible issue I get every time I retrofit an old keyboard with a simple controller like an Aikon or a teensy is the dirrrrty ghosting. The original keyboard controllers for sure had some anti-ghosting going on but a new controller will not know how and where so this makes me very SAD. HAven't done that yet but I am planning on ripping open some pcb traces and bridging them with diodes to give those keyboards some rollover where required.

Also you could have a guest writer help with the chapters on Buckling spring boards