Socketkeeb (keyboard) is a custom keyboard I designed in 4 days from PCB to CAD for HackClub's Highway program. This keyboard was inspired by my need for a keyboard that had low profile switches because those are my favorite type of switches but I could not find a budget one anywhere, so I said why not just make it myself, because that's the solution to most things in life unless its rocket science..
- Designing a PCB compatible with both RP2040 and Kailh Choc switches
- Sourcing components from multiple vendors while managing shipping costs
- Ensuring 3D printed keycaps fit properly on low-profile switches
- Aligning stabilizers and switches without a plate (plateless design quirks)
- I wanted a fully custom keyboard with low-profile Choc switches and RP2040 brain
- I wanted to learn about PCB design, BOM creation, and firmware flashing
- I like the idea of 3D printing keycaps for a unique personal touch
- It’s a fun project to build something that’s truly mine from scratch
- Successfully generated a clean BOM and Markdown table for GitHub
- Found all parts at reasonable prices from trusted vendors
- 3D printed keycaps turned out better than expected using PLA
- The design workflow in CAD + PCB tools was smoother than I thought
| Reference | Quantity | Value | Footprint | Manufacturer | Part Number | Description | Unit Price (USD) | Total Price (USD) | Source Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STAB | 1 set | n/a | PCB Mount | Gateron | n/a | Gateron PCB-mounted stabilizer set (various sizes) | 8.00 | 8.00 | Gateron |
| U1 | 1 | RP2040 | Pico W | Raspberry Pi | SC0918 | Raspberry Pi Pico W microcontroller | 7.65 | 7.65 | DigiKey |
| SW1-SW70 | 70 | Kailh Choc Violet | Kailh PG1350 | Kailh | PG1350 | Kailh low-profile Choc Violet switch (70 pcs) | 44.74 | 44.74 | AliExpress |
| D1-D200 | 200 | 1N4148 | DO-35 | ON Semi | 1N4148 | 1N4148 100V 200mA diode (200 pcs) | 6.76 | 6.76 | DigiKey |
| KC1-KC70 | 70 | n/a | n/a | 3D printed | n/a | Custom 3D printed keycaps | 0.00 | 0.00 | n/a |
| Subtotal | 67.15 | ||||||||
| Estimated total (with shipping/tax rounded) | 100.00 |