Issue 16 / Week 9 / 2021
This is a hand-picked selection of last week's content from a keyboard builder's perspective. Posts that may teach you something, make you think and contribute to the common knowledge of the DIY builder community. Editor's note & behind the scenes.
Contents
Projects
Building the naked keyboard
A picture-heavy build guide to the naked keyboard by onebigdoor. No plate, no case, no PCB - no problem.
UnSplit
The UnSplit is a monoblock Kyria layout with modified thumb clusters. Built by dnlnrdn, designed by crunchyavocados (git).
Next Dactyl / trackball iteration
The next Dactyl / trackball iteration by crufia features integrated wrist rests (background).
Pico-based macro pad guide
A detailed guide by japunto to make a Pico-based keyboard/macro pad (guide).
BOP 112% handwired ortho
The BOP is a 112% handwired ortho with some build pics by bread-mayo-ham-bacon.
Amigo Punk
The Amigo Punk is a handwired ALPS project with OLED display and encoder by Tuka-Chinchilla (photolog).
Community
New podcast (in German)
Give some love to Click! Clack! Hack!, a new podcast (in German) by nerdbude (episodes).
Tips & Tricks
Filco "patch caps"?
A relatively new keycap profile/system I wasn't aware of. Spotted in a Filco teaser posted by ffbe_noctis.
Filco's "new gen patch keycap" comprises of two parts: the base one and a replaceable top part with the legends – with the latter being double-shot as I can see.
Single-column flexible PCB
Single-column PCB for Dactyl-like keyboards by Fmcraft. Per-key RGB, hotswap, ribbon connectors. Open-source but UNTESTED!
Adjustable tenting
A work in progress Corne with custom adjustable tenting. Links and details in the comments. Committed by ___Paladin___.
A case for small printers
A 60% keyboard case by WolfBlut you can print on a standard home printer (STL).
Crow's soldering guide
Soldering guide and tips for soldering mechanical keyboards by crowsnutnest.
Test
Keyboard Sound Database
The Keyboard Sound Database by dovenyi is a searchable collection of typing tests with metadata and comparison function (background).
Sound test compilation #3
This is another megapack of 15 sound tests published this week.
(Cover photo by dokidokeys.)
You can find and compare these and much more typing tests in the Keyboard Sound Database.
Videos
- TGR x Singa Unikorn w/ Gateron Milky Blacks
Classy TKL - 8008 Inks
Ethereal Panda on KBD67
Think6.5 V2, Milko-K, GeekArk BoW Keycaps
Nk65 Milkshake Edition Stock
Nk65 Milkshake Edition Lubed
RAMA Thermal Milk / Gateron Black Ink V2 / GMK Bleached
KBD67v2 Mii w/ Lubed and Filmed Gateron Yellows Sound Test
YMDK Melody96 w/ Lubed 62g Ergo Clear (Cherry Clear/Grey Tactile) Switches Typing Test
IBM Model M15 Adjustable Keyboard (buckling springs)
Voice65 Cinematic Showcase and Sound Test
TGR x Singa Unikorn w/ Bobagums | Typing Test
C3 Tangerine Switches v2 Stock Sound Test
C3 Tangerine Switches v2 Lubed Sound Test
Gateron Optical Red Switches Typing Test ASMR + SK71 Mechanical Keyboard
References
- TGR x Singa Unikorn w/ Gateron Milky Blacks by Sean Dunne.
- Classy TKL - 8008 Inks by Kiyoboard.
- Ethereal Panda on KBD67 by dokidokeys.
- Think6.5 V2, Milko-K, GeekArk BoW Keycaps by :3ildcat.
- Nk65 Milkshake Edition Stock by Teach Tech.
- Nk65 Milkshake Edition Lubed by Teach Tech.
- RAMA Thermal Milk / Gateron Black Ink V2 / GMK Bleached by Jacob See.
- KBD67v2 Mii w/ Lubed and Filmed Gateron Yellows Sound Test by IceKeyboards.
- YMDK Melody96 w/ Lubed 62g Ergo Clear (Cherry Clear/Grey Tactile) Switches Typing Test by Justin Hirata.
- IBM Model M15 Adjustable Keyboard (buckling springs) by Chyrosran22.
- Voice65 Cinematic Showcase and Sound Test by Jp Quindara.
- Typing Test by Sean Dunne.
- C3 Tangerine Switches v2 Stock Sound Test by Jun Keebs.
- C3 Tangerine Switches v2 Lubed Sound Test by Jun Keebs.
- Gateron Optical Red Switches Typing Test ASMR + SK71 Mechanical Keyboard by Kagan.
Contributors
Thanks again to all the contributors, namely: :3ildcat, Chyrosran22, dokidokeys, IceKeyboards, Jacob See, Jp Quindara, Jun Keebs, Justin Hirata, Kagan, Kiyoboard, Sean Dunne and Teach Tech.
History
Keyboard Spotting
Inspiration
Making a keyboard with handtools
A modern tool built with old tools. Making a BFO-9000 with handtools (by the5andmany).
Cable coil holder
Diderot effect in action: cable coil holder (wtf?!) spotted in a post by Crushader.
In progress
Concrete keyboard
Another concrete keyboard in the making, this time by Chrislybaer. First try failed.
That was Issue #16. Thanks for stopping by.