Bill of materials
Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your own Kamaji buttons. The quantites shown are per single button. Multiply that by the number you need and consder ordering some spares.
Everything (except the custom PCB) can be found on Aliexpress or similar websites for cheap.
| Item | How many | Search query |
|---|---|---|
| Custom PCB | 1 | N/A |
| Cherry MX switch | 1 | cherry mx keyboard switch |
| 2×3×4 square LED | 1 | 2x3x4 square LED |
| M2.5 6mm bolt | 1 | M2.5 bolt |
| M2.5 threaded insert | 1 | M2.5 threaded insert |
| RJ10 (4P4C) socket | 1 | RJ10 socket |
| Telephone cable | 1 | telephone cable 4p4c |
PCB
For information on how to get the custom circuitboards manufactured, see the next section.
Switch
The Kamaji button uses standard mechanical keyboard switches compatible with Cherry MX. You can buy original Cherry switches of your choice (e.g. blue, brown, black, red), or go for a compatible alternative from Kailh or Gateron.
We would not recommend saving pennies by going with no-name clone switches. The ones from respectable brands are cheap enough, and you only need one per player button.
TODO: add photos
LED
The LEDs in the buttons are mounted into the slot of the keyboard switch. We recommend using 2×3×4 square LEDs, as they fit well. Other LEDs with the same lead spacing might work too. For more information see this thread on Geekhack.
TODO: add photos
Bolts and inserts
TODO: add explanation
TODO: add photos
RJ10 Socket
TODO: add explanation
TODO: add photos
Cable
Now, with cables you have two options:
- Buy pre-made.
- Make your own.
The former is simpler, the latter is cheaper and more flexible.
If you’d like to buy pre-made cables, search for 4P4C telephone cables on Aliexpress or in local hardware stores.
For making your own cables you’ll need a crimping tool. Make sure it supports 4P4C plugs, not all tools do. Then buy flat 4-wire telephone cable and 4P4C plugs and crimp cables of the desired length.
TODO: Insert a photo of crimping tool, cable, and plugs.
An added benefit of having a crimping tool and plugs is that you can easily repair broken cables by trimming and re-crimping them.