../

Ergonomic Split Mechanical Keyboard - Parts

I have been into ergonomic split mechanical keyboards for a while now. Starting with the Glove80. Then moving onto more DIY solutions such as the Sweep. For this post I will be ordering parts to build the Temper.

Building this keyboard requires multiple steps, from part procurement to assembly and configuration. In this post I will layout my vendors and methods for dealing with these steps.

PCB

To start we will need to order some PCBs. I have been using JLPCB to order my PCBs for the keyboards I have built.

To order the PCBs we will need to download the temper-pcb-gerber.zip file from the repository Releases.

We will upload this file to the JLPCB Order Page. I have included the options I use for ordering bellow.

PCB Order Details

This ended up by being around $15 CAD with shipping.

Parts

This is the list of parts we are using.

Switches, hot swap sockets and keycaps

For the switches, hot swap sockets and keycaps, I order them from lowprokb. I find their prices very reasonable and am always happy with the quality of their products.

This keyboard has 36 keys:

  • 2 homing
  • 2 1.5u
  • 32 1u normal

I will be ordering the Robin clicky switches for this build, I have used their Sunset Tactile Switches in the past and have been very happy with them. They are the best tactile Choc switches I have used.

These parts ended up by being around $80-90 CAD with shipping.

Control boards and batteries

There are two directions you can take with the control boards you order. The original nice!nanos or the knockoffs. I have used both in the past. I really have not been able to find a difference between them. This will have to be a decision you make, but I will lay out both options here

nice!nano

Nice Technologies, the company that created the nice!nano provides links to stores that sell the board here. I order mine from Clickety Split as I am from Canada. They also sell a lot of the components you will need to build this keyboard, such as the batteries.

Ordering from here works out to be around $120 CAD with shipping.

Knockoffs

For the knockoffs, you can get the boards and batteries from Aliexpress. It is worth knowing that the shipping times can be quite long and the quality of the products can be inconsistent. In the past I have ordered extras to make sure I end up with working products.

Ordering from here works out to around $40 CAD with shipping

Electronic components

For the remaining items, I order them from Digikey. This is a great electronic supply retailer with very fast shipping and good pricing.