deskthority

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.

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.

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

This looks great! How about a section on Handwiring?

chuckdee wrote: This looks great! How about a section on Handwiring?

definitely

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.

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

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

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

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.

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