for fellow mkb users here, this is the brief walk-through on how to build your own 60% custom CIY boards based on gk64 pcb. the reference that i am referring to is this:
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imo the advantages of a CIY board are that it makes custom board building very convenient for anyone, and it provides additional convenience, including on-the-fly switch hot swapping.
note that i'm not comparing this to custom boards with soldered switches. imo they are still the best option for a custom board, because soldering switches provides a solid reinforcement of physical structure to a board in the long run. however, i think it's much better than key switch testers, so as to give a better idea to individuals on the actual typing experience (with a functional board).
for assembly of CIY boards, you just need three tools:
1. keycap puller
2. switch puller
3. a philips-head screw driver (for laptop repairs; a cheap box set found in computer shops will also do the jobs fine)
base parts that you need (sources: taobao, kbdfans)
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1. 1x gk64 pcb,
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5646103957392. 64x switches; kbdfans usually sells cheaper switches; if possible, get some extras so that you can have buffers when there are bad switches;
3. 3x 2u stabilizers, 1x 6.25u space bar stabilizers (basically just get a normal 60%/tkl set will do); note that gk64 uses cherry style plate-mount stabilizers; use genuine cherry stabilizers if possible;
4. 1x top plate, layout-a from
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5586961123805. 1x bottom case, cnc aluminum:
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=558688486590 , acrylic:
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5626728680696. 1x compatible key caps (2u-lshift, 1u-rshift, 1u-del key; all for r1, as demonstrated in one of the images at the next link) like this one,
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=5636227850887. 1x usb type-c cable, plenty of choices;
8. screws, this one i'm not sure yet. i think you can ask them to supply a set for backup purposes when you buy parts from them. there are two sets of screws for the original gk64 (one set is to secure top plate to pcb, while another set is to secure the former to bottom plate)
the assembly process is simple and very straight forward (with some basic mods to make it relatively better)
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1. lube the switches if they're not pre-lubed. you must do this. it brings a lot of significant improvements to typing feels;
2. assembles stabilizers (you should do clipping mod and lubing with thick lubes before assembly), and secure them into top plate;
3. apply band-aid mod on pcb;
4. secure top plate and pcb with screws;
5. add a layer of anti-slip mat between the pcb and bottom case; this helps reduce pings, and makes the typing feel more 'firm' and 'solid';
6. secure top plate + pcb and bottom case with screws;
7. install switches; be sure not to use force. if switch legs are aligned properly, you just need to push the switches a little/very lightly, and they will secure and sit flush properly on top plate. if you feel resistance when doing so, that usually means the legs are not aligned properly for the pcb sockets on the pcb. just use your finger nails to adjust the legs very lightly to ensure they are aligned. you can always cross-check the alignment with another working switch; and finally
8. install key cap set of your choice.
that's about it actually lol
usually you can complete all the above in under 15 minutes, or less. (if you minus time-consuming tasks like switch lubing and mods, because you can always apply them later if you want)
note that the current problem with gk64-based boards is that its layout is not compatible with almost all 60% bottom cases. however things might change with time in near future.
Feb 3 2017, 09:48 AM
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working my way down the notifications in my 'notices' tab 
or is there any local alternatives that I could go with?
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