Phopojijo's Ideal Keyboard... thoughts?

[Phopojijo]

Hey guys,

So I'm going to post a picture of my ideal keyboard...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Phopojijo/pckeyboards_2075_1033946.jpg

I really like the old clicky keyboards... what can I say? But alas, it won't finish there, of course. It turns out the old IBM Model M buckling-spring keyboards are quite easily modifiable with a bit of technical skills and a lot of patience. You can really make them look however you want. (http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/Kb41.jpg)

Here's my idea:

Case: Out with the old plastic, in with an aluminum -- likely brushed, possibly polished but more likely than not brushed case.

Keys: Remove the caps from every key -- leaving just the buckle-spring mechanism. Attach to that some casing. Place one (or more for larger keys) white (if possible) LED(s) inside the casing. Atop the LED would be a sheet of white plastic to diffuse the LED light and make the entire back of the key appear to glow roughly the same amount. The key label would be atop that to block the light... and the whole lot would shine through 1/4 inch-or-so of glass... somewhat shaped to comfort.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v342/Phopojijo/explode.jpg
(Side-On Exploded View of Key)

Extras:

1) Switch to interrupt the Windows Key... like Logitech G15's "gaming mode".
2) 2 USB ports.

I'm going to try to make this a summer project either this summer, or the next... or I guess whenever it's warm enough in the garage if I'm not busy.

********

Thoughts?

[CrAsHOvErRide]

Sounds like a lot of work. Have you tried it on a single key? Idea sounds good though.

[Good_Apollo]

That steampunk keyboard is awesome. If I had the time, money, and knowhow I'd do that to my entire rig.

[Phopojijo]

Sounds like a lot of work. Have you tried it on a single key? Idea sounds good though.
Yeah a shitload of work... expecting it to be a good 3-4 months of work. And, no I haven't tried it yet. My "todo list" has too much "life stuff" at the top of it that most of my hobbies are below the cutoff line.

[Warsaw]

Ohai, a picture of one of Datamancer's steampunk keyboards. :iamafag: Those run about $1200 a piece (protip: finding the keys is hard and expensive).

[legionaire45]

Next keyboard I end up getting will probably end up being this (http://www.daskeyboard.com/).

While the G15 I was using didn't have the greatest feeling keys (was a bit mushy), it was still more than adequate for me. I traded it for one of my mom's old Apple keyboards so my dad can actually use the keyboard in the dark...Apple keyboard is usable but something about it just doesn't feel 'right'. Hard to describe.

But yeah, having a backlit mechanical-switch keyboard would be really cool - good luck with the project and make sure to post updates around the time you start working on it.

[Phopojijo]

Ohai, a picture of one of Datamancer's steampunk keyboards. :iamafag: Those run about $1200 a piece (protip: finding the keys is hard and expensive).I mentioned it as an example of people modifying the Model M. I *really* don't want a typewriter keyboard... especially not for gaming. I also don't really think it looks all that good to be honest... I mean it looks wellcrafted -- but I wouldn't want it in my home.

[Warsaw]

Oh, that's just one of his early ones. More of his work can be found here (http://www.datamancer.net/) for anyone interested.

Also, Model M.'s are really nice, I do agree; I have one connected to an ancient (read: 20 years old) AT form-factor computer. Not even sure how fast it runs. But the keyboard remains one of the best in the house, noise aside.

[Bodzilla]

while i admire your courage and your retro sheek, After living with a keyboard that has back lit keys for 2 years i dont think i could ever go without it.

Seriously,

And the Saitek Ecclipse II i've got is just like a regular old keyboard.

My opinion anyway.

They're really good trust me.


E: It appears that i'm an idiot.
i decided to read your post again and face palmed to the ultimate power of infinity.
:facepalm:

[Warsaw]

I see your Saitek Eclipse II and raise you one Saitek Eclipse I! =þ

I need a new keyboard, actually. Keys are wearing off on mine, backlight is extremely dim now, and the space bar is all wobbly. If I weren't too busy to mod a Model M. myself for backlight, I'd get one too. Alas, the Logitech Illuminated is looking very attractive at the moment.