42 Keyboard – Build – Materials
The table below lists all the components needed for assembling the keyboard, their cost at the time of writing, and a link to buy them.
Quantities [in brackets] mean the component is optional.
| Description | Quantity | Cost (EUR) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mill Max Controller sockets and pins | [1 socket / 24 pins] | 7.74 | MK Ultra |
| Switches (Kailh Choc) | 42 | 21.50 | MK Ultra |
| Keycaps (Kailh Choc) | 42 | 12.90 | MK Ultra |
| 1N4148 diodes | 42 | 5 | Candy Keys |
| Elite C (rev4) | 1 | 19.90 | Candy Keys |
| PCB | 1 | 17.01 | JLC PCB |
| M3x12 Screws | 6 | - | |
| M3x4 Heat set inserts | 6 | - | |
| Enclosure | 1 | - | |
| . | |||
| Total (MK Ultra) | 42.14 | ||
| Total (Candy Keys) | 24.90 | ||
| Total (JLC PCB) | 17.01 | ||
| Total | 84.05 |
- Prices don't include shipping and potential import taxes.
- The minimum order on JLC PCB is 5 circuit boards, so the price above is for 5 circuit boards.
- JLC PCB offers DHL Packet European as a shipping method. It takes between 4-8 business days and you will not be charged import taxes as they will ship to you from their European distributor. Depending on where in the EU you are located, the cost of PCBs and how much you're willing to wait, this might be your best option.
- It's a good idea to check this page and your local customs agency website to get an idea of the fees you'll have to pay when ordering from outside the EU.
- QMK suggests to buy the Proton C from mykeyboard.eu if you're in Europe, but I've never seen it in stock there. My suggestion is to buy it from /r/mechmarket, or order it from the US.
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Switches, keycaps, and cables – plenty of resellers are listed in the /r/MechanicalKeyboards Wiki.
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PCBs – In my experience JLC PCB was always the cheapest option, but that might be different depending on where you are located. You can check PCB Shopper to compare PCB manufacturers in your location.
I'm in no way affiliated with any of the sellers/manufacturers mentioned here.