Noob Questions

[alteredorange]

Very cool project! Trying to dip into the custom keyboard space, and this looks like it would be a sweet build.

Couple of questions:

1. What's the total ballpark price for these if I don't have any parts? Under $200?

2. For the parts list, is there a preferred site/s to get parts? Googling stuff like "diodes 1N4148W" gets multiple results and sites and looks like you can buy different options and vendors.

3. It looks like trackpad code is still incoming, or was trackball the only option? The https://shop.yushakobo.jp/products/adtb7m recommended seems to be sold out.

Thanks for any help/advice you could point me in, or if there's a much simpler build that would be better for a complete beginner (although I would love to give this a shot!)

[psi4j]

I bought my parts from Amazon and AliExpress. They're cheap enough that if you don't mind paying a little extra, you can get that 2 day shipping from Amazon on some of the parts. Make sure your OLEDs match the schematic with GND and SDA on the outside two pins. There are some going around that have GND and VCC switched. Check the photos up close or these will damage your build. As far as minimum price, it really depends on what keycaps, switches, and case materials you choose. Mine came out a lot more expensive than I anticipated, but it was well worth it Lol. You can 3DP your cases directly from JCLPCB as well and combine shipping if you want to save. If you know someone with a printer or a laser cutter, go with them and save. Your switch plates can also be made through JCLPCB using the same material you use for your PCBs. Be sure to buy a few extra of everything in case you mess up and have fun building! Good luck!

[psi4j]

Be sure to read the build process for your selected model all the way to the end before buying anything and before trying to build. You won't regret it if you do.

[Verantor]

How expensive was it?

[psi4j]

More than double that, but that could have been avoided had I not thought those DES keycaps were the pinnacle of keycap design. You could choose any simple materials and then upgrade later if you'd like and keep it at around $200 or less. I saw a KLOR Konrad going for $140 on Etsy with a cheap 3DP case. You can definitely keep it cheap if you're thrifty.