Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Am I the only one that likes the _idea_ of customizable keyboards, but just can't stand how the mechanical keyboarsd feel?

I wish the customization options and custom keycaps, etc. would trickle to down to the non-mechanical market.

I understand that's not where the money (probably) is, but I actively dislike the noise and physical feeling of mechanical keyboards, but would _love_ to be able to build and customize one.

I want a low-profile keys, scissor switches, but with cute colorways and in layout that doesn't make my wrists feel like they'll explode after 30 minutes.




> I wish the customization options and custom keycaps, etc. would trickle to down to the non-mechanical market.

Just get a 3D printer and all your cheap, completely custom keycap desires will be answered...

https://github.com/riskable/keycap_playground

I'm typing on Keycap Playground keycaps right now:

https://gfycat.com/costlyglaringhyracotherium

Also, that gif is of my completely custom analog hall effect keyboard that uses 3D printed Void Switches which you can also customize to your heart's delight:

https://github.com/riskable/void_switch

(Make them feel however you like since the design is parametric and you can customize the feel by changing the total travel, distance between the magnets at rest, etc)

For reference, I'm spending most of my time working on the firmware so that I can start selling some (though "the plan" is mostly surrounding selling PCBs/kits and "print it your damned self!" hehe). Here's the numpad I've been working on lately (to develop the firmware):

https://gfycat.com/softfixedfanworms


There are plenty of options, however they do require at least some time and money investment.

With low-profile switches, you can have switches that are as light or heavy as you want. I guess the travel distance is what makes the feeling the most different from scissor switches.

I'm alternating between two radically different keyboards and a semi limited budget: a GMMK Pro with extremely silent heavy tactile switches (Boba U4s) and high profile keycaps, and a Ferris Sweep, split columnar ergo with Low profile switches (Choc burned orange so still heavy tactile but that's my preference).

Both are more quiet than an standard plastic rubber dome keyboard. I can hear the springs in the low profile one but it is apparently easy enough to mod, it's just not worth it to me as I don't bother my colleagues and I'm not bothered by it myself.

It seems like a lot of work is needed to emulate scissor switches but it may be worth it. Depending on your area, you might find someone willing to lend/send you a keychron low profile to try out.

I guess most people who enjoy scissor switches are content with what is already on offer.


They make low-profile mechanicals that feel and sound much different than the full profile versions you're probably thinking of. I have one of these, it's quiet enough for work and feels great with the banana switches I threw in it: https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k3-wireless-mecha...




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: