design and create a custom mechanical keyboard

Growing up, I loved playing video games. For me, it was the best way to relax and interact with my friends. While playing video games, I have come to enjoy the small accessories I use to play games with, the headphones, keyboard, and mouse. When I got my first mechanical keyboard, I instantly fell in love with the feeling of using it. However, after using it for 2-3 years, I encountered several issues; the keyboard was too big, too loud, and was too old. That made me explore further and found a Youtuber named “Taeha Types,” he makes mechanical keyboards luxuriously and beautifully. When watching him, I was immediately inspired and wanted to learn more about these keyboards.

The inspiration that “Taeha Types'' gave me, ignited a greater desire to create my own custom mechanical keyboard, he used his soldering skills to create these keyboards. At the same time, I was interested in 3D modeling as it was the future of innovation. My goal is to design and create a custom mechanical keyboard and develop soldering and 3D modeling skills. Then design and produce a mechanical keyboard that would suit my personal preference.

This is a highly challenging goal as I need to learn these skills from scratch and develop these skills to the point where it becomes second nature to myself. These skills would require trial and error, meaning that I’d have to dedicate my time, commitment, and practice to avoid mistakes as the resources needed are costly and rare to find in Indonesia.

I chose this project as it was an excellent opportunity to create something I’ve always wanted in the past and create it in a way that would suit my preferences. It’s also a great chance to develop skills, which I have always been interested in but have yet to touch on. I would build my skills and express my creativity in personalizing the product for myself. Additionally, it would solve my problems that I’m facing with my current keyboard.

Global Context

The global context of my project is Scientific and Technological Innovation. This global context focuses on how science and technology fit in people’s environment. I would explore mechanical keyboards that would suit my preferences. The product would solve the problems that I have faced using my previous keyboards.

Product

My product is a mechanical keyboard that shows innovation and unique ways to improve a keyboard through modifications. The final product is a 60 % mechanical keyboard, meaning that it’s smaller than a regular keyboard, though it keeps its functions through key combos, which are customizable through the QMK application.

The keyboard is composed of four parts, which create the overall build. The PCB, which is a dz60, the plate made out of aluminum, the switches which are gateron yellow, and the casing which is 3d printed made out of PLA. The switches were modified using Krytox 205g0 lube, to make the overall experience better. Ultimately, this created a keyboard build that suits my preferences, being a small compact build that functions as well as a standard keyboard, through changing the functions through the QMK application and offers a more significant typing experience due to the smoothness of the switches caused by the modifications done, although there could be improvements done especially during the 3D modeling process as there could’ve been more personalization. Overall, I am satisfied with the product, although there could be improvements in creating my keyboard, especially focusing on time management.

Reflection

At the beginning of the project, I thought that soldering and 3D modeling were balanced in difficulty and skill. Soon I realized my mistake, I quickly learned the basics of soldering in an ample amount of time, though the focus was needed elsewhere, learning 3D modeling. I underestimated the difficulty of using Fusion 360 for 3D Modeling, it seemed like a simple job. In reality, it's a time-consuming and gruesome job that’s done through a trial and error process to get the measurements right. Thus, most of my time was focused on developing my skills in 3D modeling instead of a balance. This brought to the realization that 3D modeling is a demanding task even when it is as simple as a casing.

Along with this, my knowledge of keyboards has significantly broadened, understanding the differences between the types of switches, linear, tactile, and clicky, understanding how they individually work, and the benefits of each kind. In terms of functionality, I learned that there is an abundance of different formats of a keyboard. At first, I was reluctant to make a 60 % keyboard as it removes the Function keys and the Numpad which reduces much functionality. Personally, I don’t really use these keys, but through research, I found out that by changing rALT to FN, using the QMK app, the function keys are still accessible.

Concerning the global context of Scientific and Technological Innovation, the standard keyboard could be upgraded in many ways, which improves the typing experience and maximizes the given with maximum functionality. The design itself should be efficient, practical, and should follow the user’s needs. Personally, the keyboard being small dramatically decreases the amount of space it consumes on a desk, though keeping the same functionality of a full keyboard, therefore fulfilling its purpose. Ultimately, my keyboard would inspire others to create their own keyboard suiting their own environment, depending on their needs and conditions. This brought me to realize that everything in this world is imperfect and could be further improved and simplified using Scientific and Technological Innovation.

IB Learner Reflection

At the beginning of the project, I was always hesitant to ask questions and inquire about highly challenging and confusing things. Upon completing my product, I’ve noticed that I became an inquirer throughout the whole experience. Throughout the project, I faced unfamiliar situations and problems that I hadn’t encountered before. I needed to learn new skills from scratch. This made me inquire about ways to be able to learn 3D modeling and soldering. There were numerous concepts, terminologies, shortcuts, techniques that I needed to explore. This experience forced me to explore the things I was confused at. I contacted people online, I interviewed people, and I watched tutorials. I did all these to answer all my questions and solve the issues I face while creating my project.

As a thinker, I needed to solve my issues using critical thinking skills and develop a solution—each decision made from choosing parts, designing, doing measurements, and thinking skills. At the beginning, I didn’t need to use my thinking skills well, although I was faced with unfamiliar situations and issues, especially ones concerning 3D modeling and measurements. I thought these issues were the most problematic as they were hard to get right the first time. Though, I solved these issues through research and the knowledge, and creative ways which might not be orthodox, though it was successful in the long run. Especially, I used analytical and creative thinking skills to design my keyboard case.