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Soldering Free Mini Keyboard
Hello everyone I have a quick little question. I love the ideas of DYI mini keyboards but I have one tiny problem. I don't have soldering equipment. Because of this I was wondering if there are keyless mini keyboards that you just have to add in keys to assemble. Thanks!
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keyboard_arrow_downFreqout
31
Apr 10, 2019
You can get hot-swappable small KBs. I just picked up a Kumo (made by TheVan), and it took all of 15 minutes to replace the included kailh custom linear switches with a set of Zilents and some nicer keycaps (though it's a 40% KB so making sure I had caps that were right for all the spots was tricky).
You can also get either hot-swap KBs or fully-built (via their assembly service) keyboards with your choice of switches from placed like KBDfans. My daily driver at home is their dz60 fully-assembled kit, with a nice set of MaxKey SA Foundation caps.
erickong
7322
Mech Keys Moderator
Apr 8, 2019
EpsilonGammaAre you talking about desoldering/harvesting switches from a keyboard just to put them into a hot swappable keyboard?
Moguri
84
Feb 1, 2018
Not too mini but there is the GMMK TKL that is hot-swappable and you can get it bare bones for somewhat cheap: https://www.pcgamingrace.com/collections/glorious-gaming-modular-cherry-gateron-kailh-mechanical-keyboards/products/glorious-modular-mechanical-pc-gaming-keyboard-tenkeyless-tkl-87-key-gateron-cherry-kailh-switches
I have been looking at the GK64 PCB which comes with SMD LEDs pre-installed and is also hot-swappable: https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/pcb/products/gk64-rgb-60-64keys-hot-swap-pcb The GK64 has a 2u left shift but otherwise looks pretty nice.
I have been looking at the GK64 PCB which comes with SMD LEDs pre-installed and is also hot-swappable: https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/pcb/products/gk64-rgb-60-64keys-hot-swap-pcb The GK64 has a 2u left shift but otherwise looks pretty nice.
evangs
1492
Feb 1, 2018
I'm working on a version of the MiniVan that you will literally just have to push switches into. No soldering required :D will be available in the coming months.
control
565
Feb 6, 2018
evangsFantastic! Bring it!
(Perhaps with that purple splatter case you're teasing with on your site?)
(Perhaps with that purple splatter case you're teasing with on your site?)
jceaser
359
Jan 26, 2018
Why don't you want to solder? It's not that you'll love it and it's great fun or anything, but it's also not to difficult to learn and you may find other uses for it down the road.
As for solder-less boards, I have an https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xd75-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit which seams to work pretty well. I was worried that the keys would wiggle out but so far it has been great.![]()
As for solder-less boards, I have an https://www.massdrop.com/buy/xd75-custom-mechanical-keyboard-kit which seams to work pretty well. I was worried that the keys would wiggle out but so far it has been great.
LevelSteam
Jan 3, 2018
Some boards have hot-swappable switch sockets, but those are more rare. If you want a diy mini board chances are you'll want to pick up a soldering iron. Don't panic though, it doesn't have to break the bank.
I use this iron- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MQD7M4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LEntAb6KZDVJ7
And this solder- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B61TWGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5GntAbBAD64MB
You may want to go with a lead solder if you've never soldered before since it's more forgiving and is easy to work with at lower temps, but that stuff, a stand for your iron, and a damp sponge to clean the tip with is really all you need to get started.
I use this iron- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MQD7M4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LEntAb6KZDVJ7
And this solder- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B61TWGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_5GntAbBAD64MB
You may want to go with a lead solder if you've never soldered before since it's more forgiving and is easy to work with at lower temps, but that stuff, a stand for your iron, and a damp sponge to clean the tip with is really all you need to get started.
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