College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Computer Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Computer Engineering
Date
6-2018
Primary Advisor
Andrew Danowitz, College of Engineering, Electrical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Mechanical keyboards have a rich history alongside the development of personal computers with keyboards from leading manufacturers such as IBM and Apple, which are sought after by today’s enthusiast. As the hobby matured and hobbyist began straying from original equipment manufacturer, OEM, mechanical keyboards, enthusiasts sought to create their own keyboards.The custom mechanical keyboard hobby’s origins can be traced back to Korea on an online forum otd.kr. Custom mechanical keyboards has progressed far past the provided OEM solutions focusing on various aspects such as ergonomics, programmability, and portability. In today’s do it yourself, DIY, culture, hobbyists can play a role in the manufacturing process of each individual component from design to fabrication to testing. Cases or housings can be 3D printed, laser cut, and computer numerically controlled machined, CNC’d provided the correct machinery and design tools for fabrication. Printed circuit boards and components can be tailored to each specific use case and form factor and produced at a low cost at small and large scales. Mechanical switch production is no longer solely controlled by IBM and Apple, but companies such as Corsair and Razer have taken a large share of the market.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cpesp/268