Not a mechanical keyboard question but still I feel this is the best sub for that.

I would like to build a smaller keyboard like 30% or a numpad with the flat profile of a folio keyboard.

I have no idea if there are any parts I can purchase for that.
Probably my best bet would be to modify/try to shorten an existing one?

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darknessblades t1_iuekpxq wrote on October 30, 2022 at 7:03 PM

If you mean those tablet style keyboards: NO, this is not possible {YET}

One of the thinnest keyboards out there:

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Gaming-Keyboards/K100-AIR-WIRELESS-RGB-Ultra-Thin-Mechanical-Gaming-Keyboard---CHERRY-MX-Ultra-Low-Profile-Tactile/p/CH-913A01U-NA

It might be down into the future, once copycat switches of that ultra-low profile mech switch come out, and somebody designs a PCB for it. then you might have a keyboard that is slightly thicker than your tablet

v_span OP t1_iuem9xk wrote on October 30, 2022 at 7:13 PM

>tablet style keyboards

Yes that is what I mean and they dont seem to have a specific name to search for.

They've been around for many years, so I guessed there should be some info out on how to diy it.

I was looking for a numpad or anything with less keys in that style.

Thanks a lot!

darknessblades t1_iuesj5c wrote on October 30, 2022 at 7:54 PM

What is the amount of keys you are looking for? 16?. 24? more? less?

Also: Do you have soldering skills?

IAlwaysReplyLate t1_iuf6jr7 wrote on October 30, 2022 at 9:28 PM

A few years ago someone made a macrobar by folding the membrane of a Cherry G86 keyboard in half. They had to do it carefully so the traces didn't break, but they ended up with a working keyboard. You might be able to do something similar, perhaps. https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=233187&sid=76253b9b87174d7a5bfc67ebe650a1d7#p233187

BillyBuerger t1_iufsyto wrote on October 31, 2022 at 12:09 AM

Most keyboards in laptops and tablet folio things are scissor and membrane things as those can be made very thin. The membrane part specifically doesn't lend itself to individual switches that you can arrange yourself to make a custom keyboard with. Same reason you don't really see any custom Model M keyboards. You could do it but you'd have to make your own membrane at least. Assuming you harvest the scissor switches and domes from another keyboard. You'd also have to come up with a custom plate that would work with the mounting of the scissor switches.

So, yes, you could. But it would be a lot of very custom work and would probably cost a lot of money for a dome/membrane keyboard.