Commissions

 

Build Service Status: open

For designers/prototype reviews, DM directly to assess availability within project timeframe.
Please request off-stream build if non-prototype/review and you prefer quicker fulfillment.

Lead-time:
Want it on stream? 2-3 weeks minimum after arrival of all parts.
Want it quicker? Request off-stream work. See FAQ below > Turnaround.
Priority given to vendors, designers, and makers requiring to build prototype or showcased production units.

To request a build service please fill out this form.
Only fill it out after reading everything below.

What I can do

1. You already have your keyboard parts and want me to assemble/disassemble. I can offer:

  • Soldering (switches, through-hole components, some SMD parts)

  • Desoldering (and additional build)

  • Case assembly

  • Stabilizer tuning

  • PCB testing and basic programming

  • Switch modification

  • Repair services (case-dependent)

  • Other (feel free to ask; no handwired builds)

2. You don’t have parts and require assistance

read the FAQ “Can you source parts on my behalf?”

Pricing

Pricing is calculated based on the time and labor required for each build.

Prices do not include: extra supplies provided by me (e.g. stabilizers, lubricant), switch modification costs, transactional fees (e.g. PayPal), import duties, sales tax, return shipping.
Below are base rates, and assume that necessary components are sent and are ready for assembly.

Assembly Costs:

(Solderable or hot-swap, does not include extra surface-mount components.)

  • Smaller than 40% (macropads, numpads, etc) // $50

  • 40% to <60% // $65

  • 60% to <70% // $80

  • 70% to <80% (sub-TKL) // $90

  • TKL // $95

  • Over TKL to 1800 // $105

Desoldering Costs: $35 (num, <40s) / $45 (40s, etc) / $50 (60-70%) / $55 (75%-TKL) / $65 (>TKL)

e.g., desoldering and rebuilding a 60% will start at ($50 + $80 + supplies) = est. $130+

Other

  • Switch Modding — only done with a keyboard build. Avg. ~$1.25 per switch

  • Mill-Max socket installation — per-case basis, installation + assembly cost = 2x the above

  • Topre Modding — please submit a form with specific details and contact me to get a quote.

  • Extensive consultation incur fees proportional to my time spent towards assisting a commission.

Media: any media posted from commission work is done optionally (courtesy).
Required media for promotion / social media incur an additional fee (read “For Designers or Vendors” section on the right).

Supplies: if required, extra supplies such as stabilizers ($18-$26/set) and lubricants ($8-13/ea.) are provided at MSRP.

What you need to do

  1. Find and gather all essential build parts (keyboard kit [case, PCB, plate, hardware, add-ons], stabilizers [+lube], and switches).

  2. Ship your parts to me. You must cover cost of shipping both ways. 
    Local to NYC? Drop-offs and pickups possible in Forest Hills, NY (or agreed upon location - usually LIC).

  3. Keyboard is worked on for you. Work may be done on-camera (stream), or off-camera. Please indicate your preference (off-stream has a quicker turnaround).

  4. Pay for services, and finished work is shipped or handed back to you.


Requests are first read through and approved upon review. Builds are worked on a first-come, first-served basis, with exceptions that may be made at my own discretion (e.g. time-sensitive items, sponsored or review products, etc.). When it is your turn for your build I will be in touch with you in private communication.

For Designers or Vendors

Promo/Advertising
Any content created for promotional purposes or for product review must incur a surcharge, per agreement:

  • Starts at $70 for small items, $140 for keyboards and similar, per showcase.

    • A large number of items in one feature may incur a higher fee.

    • Basic media content is included (e.g. live stream, photos, or typing sounds). This item applies to products just sold or to be sold through a pre-order, prototype builds, etc.

    • Please inquire for estimated quote.

References and helpful resources:

 FAQs

  • It depends.
    Tl;dr: Generally no. But yes for small parts, or for special, tailored commissions.

    No: Generally, I cannot assist clients in sourcing parts from multiple sources, especially from ended group-buys or preorders, limited-time or limited-unit sales, and from vendors who may no longer have stock. Keeping track of every client’s numerous individual orders and storing them over long periods of time are both beyond my means at the time.

    Yes: I can help source, for a premium, small supplementary items that you may be missing, like a bag of springs, switch films, lube, or stabilizers.

    Special cases: For commissions that require being custom / tailored, I may source any needed parts on your behalf, but keep in mind costs scale relative to required time and resources. Consultation and service fees may apply. This service is not available typically - please submit a form to make an inquiry. Include as much detail as possible.

  • (i.e. you have most things but may just want to ship directly to me instead of waiting to get them all in first).

    While I prefer that all parts come together in a single package, you may ask me if it is possible to ship any missing parts (1-2 at most from a single vendor). I will consider these on a case-by-case basis. For example, you can consider having a keyboard kit ship directly to me from a group-buy, while you ship all the rest of the parts to me, around the same time of shipping. Please plan accordingly and try not to have a partial shipment arrive to me way before the other.

  • I try to. You can indicate your preference while filling out a build form.
    For quicker turnaround, you always have the option to ask me to do the work off-stream. You can also ask to omit a stream for privacy reasons.

  • No, not really for general client builds. Much of my media is created and shared out of my own volunteered time, often as a courtesy to my clients, but they are not a guarantee due to time or work constraints.

    If you require media to be provided from the build, you should discuss this with me.

    For product features & reviews, and prototypes, a media commission fee is applied.