Thread: Custom Keyboard Creation?

ok, so i was sitting down and watching Karas, when BAM!
An idea struck, i thought of an idea for a custom keyboard. Now I need help in how to come about getting the parts for it, or just getting someone to bring the idea to life. I personally would love to do this myself, someone else doing it I wont mind though.
Simple. I kinda want most of the keyboard to be metal, if not, just the keys.
The the keys will not have the letters printed on it, but instant have it cut right into in. Reason being I want a back light [preferably orange] so it can shine through the cut out.
Probably after ill give it a nice finishing touch to make it nice, smooth and shiny.
Anyone got any ideas on how to do this, I really wanna get this done.

http://www.fentek-ind.com/keyboard.htm

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/eclipse.htm
http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/pcgake.html
Get the red one.

thanks guys

http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/eclipse.htm
http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/pcgake.html
Get the red one.

not my style, and i dont think the keys are metallic, thanks tho

http://www.fentek-ind.com/keyboard.htm

good one, but not much help

http://saitekusa.stores.yahoo.net/ecspedred.html
They're not metal if thats what you mean.

Originally Posted by fliptonic

Anyone got any ideas on how to do this, I really wanna get this done.

lol. USB powered keyboard (so you know you have enough power), take the casing off, build your own casing out of aluminum. Basically you'll need to buy some stock and learn metal working. You'll probably need a lathe, or a CNC machine to work on.

After that, you'll need to find how to extract power from either the main board of the keyboard, or straight from the USB chord and run it to some lights, which you'll need to have layed out ahead of time to make room for them in your case design.

Keys you'll either have to cut out from stock (eww ><) or casting would probably be a better choice. If you cast them, then you have to finnish them, which is basicly... err... cut the excess tree cast off (if you do all the keys at the same time), grind off any burrs, and make sure you have them level. Letters are minor, worry about them later.

I'd take to learning the electrical first. See if you can find how to get the power you need, and find the availability of they type of lights you want. After that go to a metal working shop and get a figgure on how much having that done would cost, if it's feasible, and if my ideas are even the best way to go about it.

Oh... and note that aluminum can conduct electricity, so you'll have to insulate everything. XD

If you want something truly custom, then you have to first learn how the normal one's are made... then how to customize... then all that's left is doing it. ^^

Originally Posted by Volvogga

lol. USB powered keyboard (so you know you have enough power), take the casing off, build your own casing out of aluminum. Basically you'll need to buy some stock and learn metal working. You'll probably need a lathe, or a CNC machine to work on.

After that, you'll need to find how to extract power from either the main board of the keyboard, or straight from the USB chord and run it to some lights, which you'll need to have layed out ahead of time to make room for them in your case design.

Keys you'll either have to cut out from stock (eww ><) or casting would probably be a better choice. If you cast them, then you have to finnish them, which is basicly... err... cut the excess tree cast off (if you do all the keys at the same time), grind off any burrs, and make sure you have them level. Letters are minor, worry about them later.

I'd take to learning the electrical first. See if you can find how to get the power you need, and find the availability of they type of lights you want. After that go to a metal working shop and get a figgure on how much having that done would cost, if it's feasible, and if my ideas are even the best way to go about it.

Oh... and note that aluminum can conduct electricity, so you'll have to insulate everything. XD

If you want something truly custom, then you have to first learn how the normal one's are made... then how to customize... then all that's left is doing it. ^^

Basically, for the amount of work, the cost and the problems, its not worth it.

Of course you could just go and buy a metallic keyboard and try to figure out how to give it custom backlighting.

Originally Posted by 98abaile

Basically, for the amount of work, the cost and the problems, its not worth it.

Of course you could just go and buy a metallic keyboard and try to figure out how to give it custom backlighting.

That would not be l33t (well... not as l33t). XD

What is and is not worth it is in the eyes of he who is creating such a thing. The casing shouldn't take much, and if you cast the keys, you still have the casting for another set. Could have potential if it turns out alright. $.$

Actually... I think I'd cast the entire thing.

Originally Posted by Volvogga

lol. USB powered keyboard (so you know you have enough power), take the casing off, build your own casing out of aluminum. Basically you'll need to buy some stock and learn metal working. You'll probably need a lathe, or a CNC machine to work on.

After that, you'll need to find how to extract power from either the main board of the keyboard, or straight from the USB chord and run it to some lights, which you'll need to have layed out ahead of time to make room for them in your case design.

Keys you'll either have to cut out from stock (eww ><) or casting would probably be a better choice. If you cast them, then you have to finnish them, which is basicly... err... cut the excess tree cast off (if you do all the keys at the same time), grind off any burrs, and make sure you have them level. Letters are minor, worry about them later.

I'd take to learning the electrical first. See if you can find how to get the power you need, and find the availability of they type of lights you want. After that go to a metal working shop and get a figgure on how much having that done would cost, if it's feasible, and if my ideas are even the best way to go about it.

Oh... and note that aluminum can conduct electricity, so you'll have to insulate everything. XD

If you want something truly custom, then you have to first learn how the normal one's are made... then how to customize... then all that's left is doing it. ^^

ok dude, thats a pwnage idea. Hmm but I live in Jamaica so i dont think there would be any metal workers around. So i might haveta contact my friend.

the keys would become a probem actually getting them in a metal form. But i guess i can find a way to coat the plastic with something so they're a bit stronger. A very light coat of something...
You've been a great helper.... THANK YOU ^^

Originally Posted by 98abaile

Basically, for the amount of work, the cost and the problems, its not worth it.

Of course you could just go and buy a metallic keyboard and try to figure out how to give it custom backlighting.

nice idea, but all the metal keyboards i searched for, was for security, not style. So they looked sucky and i usually go thru with my projects. So Im hoping to probably learn something from this.....like how to no get shocked by a keyboard and so on and so forth.