Customizing a stainless steel metal keyboard can be an attractive option for those seeking durability and a unique design. However, before embarking on such a project, it is essential to consider the cost implications.
The cost of customizing a stainless steel metal keyboard can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the size, design complexity, and the number of units required. Here are some of the cost elements that you need to consider when analyzing the cost of a customized stainless steel keyboard:

Materials Cost
The cost of the materials used to manufacture a stainless steel keyboard is a significant cost component. Stainless steel is the primary material used to make the keyboard, and the price of the steel can vary depending on the grade of the metal. Additionally, the keyboard may require other materials such as switches, keycaps, and LEDs.

If custom keyboards can use some of the existing components of the manufacturer, such as keys and silicone, it will greatly reduce costs and time. This is because it will save the cost of tooling for these components. For example, for a 67-key keyboard, the cost of opening a large tooling for the internal silicone mold is about 2350 USD, and the cost of the silicone mold for some 3X4, 4X4, and 4X5 keyboards is about 1500 USD.

Design and Engineering Cost
The cost of designing and engineering the keyboard is another significant cost element. The design and engineering costs may vary depending on the complexity of the keyboard design. If the keyboard design requires special engineering or programming expertise, the cost may increase.

For example, if a keyboard requires an interface other than USB or PS2, such as CAN, I2C, RS422. the cost will increase. some customers may require the addition of KVM functionality or higher protection levels (IP67, IP68) on the keyboard, which can add to the cost.

Manufacturing Cost
The manufacturing cost of the keyboard is another critical cost element. The cost may vary depending on the manufacturing process used to make the keyboard. Most metal panels are molded or laser cut. For instance, CNC machining is a popular manufacturing method used to make customized keyboards. CNC machining cost may vary depending on the complexity of the keyboard design and the number of units required. The cost of CNC is much higher than that of laser cutting.

Labor Cost
The cost of labor is another cost element that you need to consider when analyzing the cost of a customized stainless steel keyboard. The labor cost may vary depending on the location of the manufacturer and the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Shipping and Handling Cost
The shipping and handling cost is another cost element that you need to consider. The cost may vary depending on the shipping method used and the distance between the manufacturer and the customer.

In conclusion, customizing a stainless steel metal keyboard can be an attractive option for those seeking durability and a unique design. However, it is essential to consider the cost implications before embarking on such a project. The cost of a customized stainless steel keyboard may vary depending on various factors such as the size, design complexity, and the number of units required.

the cost of producing a sample touchpad or trackball keyboard would be approximately $750, excluding the cost of the mold. The cost of producing a custom keypad would be approximately $600. However, the price for bulk orders would be quoted separately.

Please get in touch if you wish to know more about how DAVO can help in your industrial stainless steel keyboard project.

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