Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
ErgoStrafer
CustomMK's David designed ErgoStrafer, a mechanical replacement for the Merc Stealth's gaming pad.
Published July 14, 2023
The ErgoStrafer, which started out as a recreation of the discontinued SteelSeries Merc Stealth membrane(!) keyboard's gaming pad, is available with mechanical switches now.
David Hoelscher of CustomMK wondered why anyone would spend $2,000 for a rubberdome keyboard. It turned out that the now discontinued SteelSeries Merc Stealth has a pretty fanatic fanbase, with madmen (and even madwomen) willing to pay up to $2,000 for their beloved keyboard featuring a unique gaming pad – a piece of gaming history, which has been unavailable for years and is sold used or damaged for hundreds of dollars these days.
Fulfilling a commission by Doug to convert an original Merc to mechanical, David ended up creating a brand new PCB and 3D printed case. The project has everything from custom keycaps to cutting up switch housings to make things fit, as described in this great blog post.
The result?
"It's even better than I expected, a flawless recreation of the Merc Stealth" – Doug, patron of the first ErgoStrafer.
Realizing the demand, David sells the ErgoStrafer as a prebuilt gaming pad at CustomMK, or you can buy it as parts (PCB, keycaps) if you want to cut the costs by putting in your own manual labor.
Specs
- MX-style switches (no hotswap option, the switches are too close for sockets)
- STM32F411 microcontroller
- Optional inclusion of new Z and X keys
- Up to three rotary encoders & knobs
- Load/PrtScr/Save keys
- QMK firmware with VIA compatibility
- USB-C connector
- 3D printed keycaps and 3D printed case provides opportunities for customization of color, material, and surface finish
- Integrated buzzer
Faithful reproduction of the Merc Stealth gaming pad layout (placement, key shape, and key heights) as well as the same 5, 8 , and 11 degree tilt options ensures that ErgoStrafer will seamlessly replace the well-used membrane keyboard you've relied on for years – CustomMK.
Resources
- ErgoStrafer product page
- Making a Merc Stealth Replacement Keyboard – blog entry.
Published on Fri 14th Jul 2023. Featured in KBD #127.