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Thread: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

  1. #1
    The floppy drive is no longer obsolete. AmEv's Avatar
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    Default Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    I've always wondered what it would take to build a custom keyboard.

    I've got a few older keyboards I can rip apart to experiment with. And quite a bit of plexi.



    My idea is to cut out (carefully) three sides, and then (VERY carefully) thin out the top. Then a little nub to be able to touch the contacts.

    I'll have a plan in SketchUp, and it'll be easy to throw together.


    Oh, and of course, EL panel for lighting....

    *This is a quick throw-together of what I had in mind....
    Last edited by AmEv; 01-25-2012 at 12:02 PM. Reason: Fixed link.
    Two years. They were great. Let's make the next ones even better!

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  2. #2
    Moderator TLHarrell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    Sounds like a pain in the butt to do without a laser cutter. I'm not sure the keys would flex quite enough with the entire edge still attached. There are other cool ways to make it flexible though. Take a look at this: Hackaday.com
    I have a hammer! I can put things together! I can knock things apart! I can alter my environment at will and make an incredible din all the while! -Calvin

  3. #3
    The floppy drive is no longer obsolete. AmEv's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    Well, found out that the link is dead for whatever reason.....

    I found my file in the Recycle Bin!

    Refresh and try again.



    IMMA CHARGIN UP MAH LAZAH!

    Seriously though, you do have a point. Wonder if I could Dremel out a test piece?
    Two years. They were great. Let's make the next ones even better!

    Tri.fecta

  4. #4
    100% Recycled Pixels. Twigsoffury's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    if you gave it two arms instead of one full side, it ought to flex correctly.

    well until it falls apart from repeated use LOL

  5. #5
    The floppy drive is no longer obsolete. AmEv's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    OK, scratch pure plexi idea.

    Maybe plexi/aluminum?
    Two years. They were great. Let's make the next ones even better!

    Tri.fecta

  6. #6
    Overclocked Neodymium's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    Aluminum shell with plexi keys, backlit
    Quote Originally Posted by Twigsoffury View Post
    measure for two days.
    cut once.
    In the pipeline: PRO-49776

  7. #7
    The floppy drive is no longer obsolete. AmEv's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    You know you've got a good keyboard when two cables are going to the computer from it

    I'm going to find an old keyboard to do this with. Then SketchUp out the mesh.
    Two years. They were great. Let's make the next ones even better!

    Tri.fecta

  8. #8
    Overclocked Neodymium's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    I have to learn to use sketchup....big time...lots of ideas but without proper visualization, paper isn't always going help
    Quote Originally Posted by Twigsoffury View Post
    measure for two days.
    cut once.
    In the pipeline: PRO-49776

  9. #9
    The floppy drive is no longer obsolete. AmEv's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    If you're a student, I'd also recommend getting Inventor.
    Two years. They were great. Let's make the next ones even better!

    Tri.fecta

  10. #10
    Overclocked Neodymium's Avatar
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    Default Re: Scratch-build plexi keyboard?

    My student days are long gone, my friend... I wish I was...I'm looking for something maybe like Corel Draw...I remember that from about...hmmm....18 years ago...LOL
    Quote Originally Posted by Twigsoffury View Post
    measure for two days.
    cut once.
    In the pipeline: PRO-49776

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