Websites for DIY keyboard parts and help...???

[undertheradar]

I seem to remember a site for DIY keyboard makers (geekhack.org), but also, I wanted to know if there are any online places where I can purchase my own cherry switches and other keyboard parts to make my own game controllers and keyboard. Thanks for any input and help!

 

[Wihl]

Might be cheaper to get them from China or Taiwan but here are some alternatives:

PCB mount (stabilizing pins at bottom):

Black: MX1A-11NW
Blue: MX1A-E1NW
Clear: MX1A-C1NW


Faceplate mount (no plastic pins at bottom)

Black: MX1A-11NN
Blue: MX1A-E1NN
Clear: MX1A-C1NN

Links:

http://onlinecatalog.digikey.com/We...kCode=dsu10flx&SectionIndex=0&PageIndex=2264#

http://www.mouser.com/Electromechanical/Switches/Keylock-Switches/_/N-5g2u?Keyword=cherry+mx&FS=True

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/br...cale=en_UK&catalogId=&prevNValues=2031+204318

 

[Ruahrc]

You might also check the group buy and buy/sell forum on geekhack. Some members there sell switches that may be hard to find online or in your country, as well as people getting rid of keyboards they don't like/don't use, or have stripped some parts off of for projects.

 

[Pylon]

It also might be cheaper just to harvest switches from Cherry point-of-sale boards for clears and blacks rather than buying them new.

 

[undertheradar]

Okay, I think I can handle the switches from here... thanks guys. But how about the controller/interface with the USB end of things? What is the best way to go about this?

 

[Pylon]

Geekhack has some info on custom controllers (mostly Teensy-based).