Customized computer keyboard

The first time I saw a steampunk keyboard on the internet  was a couple of years ago, and since then have seen a few on Instructables.  From the very first time I saw one of these keyboards I knew I would have to make one.

The keyboard projects I've seen on the web seem to fall into two categories:  those that use actual typewriter keys and those where the maker fabricates his own keys.  I chose to take the approach of making my own keys since so many of the keys on a pc keyboard are not found on a typewriter, plus it just seemed like a waste to tear up a couple of vintage typewriters just to cannibalize the keys.  Of course, making keys uses adhesives, lot's of adhesives......

Step 1 Materials and tools required

The materials used in this project were:

- old pc keyboard
- hot glue and other various adhesives
- approximately 2 feet of 1/2 inch copper tubing
- 2 inches of 3/4 inch copper tubing
- antique looking paper
- laminating sheet
- spray paint
- 3/8 inch vinyl tubing
- masking tape

The tools used were:

- tubing cutter
- shop knife
- vise
- 1/2 inch hole cutter
- hammer
- wire cutters
- needle nose pliers
- hot glue gun
- computer printer

Comments

[Kiteman]

It's more work, but you could wrap the space bar in copper - split a length of your half-inch tubing along its length, open it op and hammer it flat, then fold it around the space bar.

Imagine the patina that would build up over time!

[knife141]

I considered wrapping the space bar, then considered splitting a piece of tubing and attaching it to the top (where it would be slightly curved), and then considered using copper wire around the top. In the end, however, i just decided to leave the space bar as it was. Thanks for your comment.

[gweeds]

That keyboard looks good, a lot of hard work though! I'd get a bit bored after the 5th key :-) Does it still type the same?

[knife141]

It still has the same typing feel as the original keyboard. I know what you mean about getting bored after the 5th key. I started out thinking I'd first cut all the copper pieces, then trim all the keys, etc. What I wound up doing was tackling the keys ten at a time -- cut ten copper pieces, trim ten keys, assemble ten keys, etc. It helped to break up the monotony a bit. Thank you for your comment.