[Yusha Kobo] Make your own keyboard in Akihabara! [Akihabara News]

A corner introducing shops unique to Akihabara and unusual spots in Akihabara!
This time, we will introduce "Yusha Kobo" and had the opportunity to try making my own keyboard.

This shop sells everything you need to create a keyboard that's just for you, from keyboards of various looks to keyboards that emphasize practicality.

What is the joint project "Akibabura News"?

"Passion Conference" is a 30-minute live broadcast by Ichigo Animation that delivers various information about Akihabara.
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What is Yusha Kobo, the keyboard manufacturer?

It is about a 10-minute walk from Akihabara Station, on the outskirts of Akihabara, with Suehirocho Station being the nearest station.
This store sells parts for custom-built keyboards, and also houses a workshop where you can build your own keyboard. After purchasing the parts, you can build a keyboard on the spot and take it home.

Yusha Kobo is also equipped with laser cut printers and 3D printers, waiting for those who are more deeply immersed in the world of homemade keyboards.

What exactly is a custom keyboard?

Before I give you a detailed introduction to Yusha Kobo, I would like to first explain what a custom keyboard is.
As the name suggests, a keyboard that is made entirely from scratch for use with a PC is called a DIY keyboard, and it is attracting attention from many people.
Just hearing this might leave you with a question mark in your head, so let me first show you some images.



As you can see, many of these keyboards have slightly different shapes than those commonly sold, giving them a unique feel.
The fun of building your own keyboard is creating your own custom keyboard to suit your needs, such as one that aims to increase productivity by changing the key layout, or one that uses a single key for functions that normally require several key combinations.

Check out the DIY keyboard parts at Yusha Kobo

At Yusha Kobo, you can find everything you need to build your own keyboard.

Key switches determine the feel of pressing the keys.

Keycaps that add color to the overall impression of the keyboard.


a case to store them in.

Other accessories and tools

A reference book for building your own keyboard.

It has everything you need to build your own keyboard.
You can select parts from this list to create a keyboard, but if you are a first-time user or have a specific idea of ​​what you want to create, dedicated staff will help you select parts, so you don't have to worry if you're unsure or have any problems.

Purchase a DIY keyboard kit from Yusha Kobo

This time, I decided to take the opportunity to make my own keyboard, so I looked around at a few products.
I've modified devices before, but I've never made something from scratch, so I'm looking forward to it.

I am a beginner at making my own keyboard.
・Few keys
・Easy to make
・Kit items
So I chose the small keyboard kit "Meishi2".

I was torn between getting a keyboard with these knobs that would allow me to have more fun with them, but I decided to add a new one if I found that the Meishi2 was not enough.

Now, this is Meishi2.
・Switch and keycap set
- No switches or keycaps
There are things.

The weight of a keyboard key when pressed and the distance it takes to turn on vary depending on the switch, but you can choose the switch to suit your preference.
You can also choose from a variety of keycap colors and materials to suit your preferences.

This time I'mZilent V2 (78g)" two "Kailh BOX switch white shaft (45g)" 2 pieces.
I bought two pastel pink and two orange keycaps.

And since I have the opportunity, I would like to use the workshop attached to the store to make this kit.

Create your own keyboard kit at Yusha Kobo

Now I would like to create the kit I purchased this time in my workshop.
First, take it out of the bag and check the contents.
A circuit board, some kind of large chip, a capacitor, some rubber feet that look like they might be made of silicon, and a QR code for the instructions.

The assembly instructions are available online, so simply scan the QR code with your smartphone and go to the designated site.

The tools required for production are nippers, a soldering iron, and solder, but if you do not have these tools, they can be borrowed from the workshop.
The workshop fees are as follows:

Basic charge
Usage fee: 1,500 yen (tax included) for 2 hours
Extension fee: 500 yen per hour (tax included)

There are other options available, so it's best to consider using them depending on your own production process, procedures, and skills.

Option
Electric solder sucker rental: 1,000 yen/time (tax included)
Technical support: 3,000 yen (tax included) per session (debugging a broken keyboard/removing a broken ProMicro/technical consultation/soldering instructions)

*You are free to use the tools in the workshop. (There is a fee for the electric solder sucker.)
*We are not currently accepting reservations.
Please note that prices may change.
Basically, the parts only fit where they are meant to fit, so you shouldn't have too much trouble.
However, if you have never used a soldering iron before, it may be difficult until you get the hang of it.

▲Solder all of these terminals.

Next, install the capacitor.
The capacitors have a specific orientation, so be sure to check carefully before inserting them into the board to avoid any mistakes.

▲The orientation is written on the manual site, so be sure to check it!

Next comes the installation of the switch.
The location of the switch is easy to understand, so I don't think it will be difficult.
From this point on, it becomes difficult to keep the board parallel due to the components installed, so work carefully.

Once the switches are soldered and the keycaps are attached, your custom keyboard is at the final stage.
Once you connect the keyboard to your PC with a cable, write the firmware (a program that makes it work as a keyboard) and you're done!

It takes a little over an hour to get here.
I think the experience of using a soldering iron will make a difference, but the job was surprisingly easy.
It seems like a keyboard with a small number of keys could be easily made on the spot.

Surprisingly deep? Homemade keyboard

This time, I made my own keyboard at Yusha Kobo, but I felt that this was an incredibly deep quagmire.
People are weak to words like "one of a kind" or "exclusive to you."
It's also highly customizable, allowing you to create the keyboard you want, so imagine wanting to try out different things...
However, if you are particular about your PC, I would recommend that you visit Yusha Kobo at least once to see the custom keyboards.

Also, if you have already made your own keyboard, you might want to try your hand at making your own original keycaps using keycap printing.