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Custom built folding mechanical keyboard 40% (self.mechanicalkeyboards)
submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 4 hours ago) by to c/mechanicalkeyboards@lemmy.ml
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My custom 40% keyboard is complete!

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My requirements:

  1. Smallest possible size for portability. I move from workstation to workstation at my job. All the computers have the cheapest Dell keyboards with sticking or malfunctioning keys or some major problem. I want to be able to carry around my own keyboard without taking around a big slab of a keyboard.
  2. Must be wired. Because I'm moving around constantly, I can't really have a wireless keyboard that needs to be paired with every computer. And don't want to look after 2 separate halves floating about.
  3. QMK/VIAL compatibility. There are a lot of actions that need to be done repetitively at work and I need a lot of programmed macros. The microcontroller in my current office keyboard (also made that myself) has very little memory.
  4. I want a staggered layout as I need to regularly use normal keyboards and there's no space in my little brain for more muscle memory and relearning typing. Also everyone seems to split the keyboard with "B" going to the left side and I want it on the right.
  5. Silent operation in an office environment. I've uesd Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Silent Black Switches. I love how absolutely silent they are. The bottom-out is a bit mushy with the dampening rings, but that's a small price to pay for how well they're working out.

There are a lot of options for split keyboard builds online, but I wanted the 2 halves tethered securely. The only folding keyboard I found online was this, and this is a stupid way to fold a keyboard that doesn't really make the footprint much smaller.

I'm used to making things for myself:

laptop salvage emulation console, macropads, SFF PC, Hitbox controllers for fighting games, keyboards from a kit. So I decided to go ahead and make my own custom build keyboard.

Design:

I follow Joe Scotto on Youtube and made a couple of his macropads before (pictures linked above). I commissioned a 3D model of the case from my design and he did a great job. Found a local guy to 3D print for me. I've spent a bunch of weekends building, troubleshooting, refining and re-ordering parts....and now it is finally complete. I'm typing on this keyboard now. I'm back at work this weekend and looking forward to using this keyboard. I get endless questions about why this is required and how odd I am for being so obsessed with keyboards ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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[–] 3 points 19 hours ago (1 child)

This is genuinely impressive work. I love that the halves stay tethered, nothing loose to forget in a laptop bag, and the fold-out layout still reads like a normal keyboard when it's open. Also a smart pick on the KS-33 low profile silents; a clacky build in an open office is a fast way to make enemies.

How are the hinges holding up after some days of commuting? That would be the part I'd be most nervous about wearing out over time.

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  • [–] [S] 2 points 19 hours ago

    Thanks.

    I've only had it for a couple of days, but the hinge is leather and should easily last years of regular use. Even after that it is easily replaceable. The wires are silicone multicore cable and should also last, but can be replaced if needed.

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