{"product_id":"development-keyboard-encoder-board-104-keys-diy-controller-diy-kit","title":"Development Keyboard Encoder Board 104 Keys DIY Controller - DIY Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Development Keyboard Encoder Board, the reviewer evaluates a niche DIY kit for people building custom keyboards, arcade sticks, or media controllers. The bottom line: this board is a practical, affordable way to add a full \u003cstrong\u003e104 keys keyboard\u003c\/strong\u003e matrix and extensive media controls to a project, provided you are comfortable with assembly and basic wiring. It is aimed at makers who want a ready encoder with LED support and many media functions rather than a finished plug-and-play peripheral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e104 keys keyboard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides a full key matrix so builders can create a standard layout or map custom inputs for games and macros.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMedia and system controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Includes dedicated media, mail, calculator, web, search and my computer controls so a custom controller can handle shortcuts and multimedia functions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended circuit board:\u003c\/strong\u003e The included additional board and 26-pin cable simplify routing and let builders extend the encoder into larger control panels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLED support with 5V rail:\u003c\/strong\u003e Built-in 5V power and a red plug make it straightforward to connect LEDs for backlighting or status indicators.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCross-platform compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with Windows 10\/8\/7\/Vista\/XP and Mac OS, allowing the finished device to act as a standard USB HID keyboard or media controller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis board is best for hobbyists, makers, and small-scale developers who want to assemble a custom keyboard or arcade-style controller and need a full key matrix plus media keys. It suits projects where space for wiring and a separate encoder board is available and the builder prefers to solder or use included cables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less suitable for users who expect a ready-made, out-of-the-box keyboard with polished casing and customer support. If you need plug-and-play reliability without any assembly or occasional button mapping issues, a finished commercial keyboard will be a better choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull 104-key matrix delivers a complete keyboard mapping for standard layouts and complex controllers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtensive media controls add value for multimedia and workstation builds without extra components.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLED 5V power and connector make it easy to integrate lighting into your project.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCross-platform USB compatibility reduces driver issues on common desktop systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome customers report mixed functionality, so builders should be prepared to troubleshoot wiring or button mapping.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeing a development kit, it requires assembly and basic electronics skills, which may deter casual users.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDevelopment keyboard encoder board\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKey count\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e104 keys\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded items\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEncoder board, USB cable, 26-pin cable, 104 keys additional board, assorted cables\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5V supply for LEDs (red plug)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP and Mac OS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDIY game controllers and keyboard projects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Development Keyboard Encoder Board is a sensible buy for makers who need a complete \u003cstrong\u003eDIY keyboard\u003c\/strong\u003e encoder with media keys and LED support at a modest price. It gives a lot of functionality for builders willing to assemble and test their wiring; those expecting rock-solid plug-and-play behavior without setup may find it less reliable. For custom controller projects it represents good value when time and basic skills are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the kit include cables?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The package includes a USB cable, a 26-pin cable and several smaller cables for connecting the board and additional PCB.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it control media functions?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The encoder contains keys for media, mail, calculator, web, search and My Computer, plus music control and web control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhich operating systems are supported?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS as a USB HID device.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SJ@JX","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48249613451483,"sku":"B07QNVY7WC","price":37.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71wDuEZpJNL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1771089706","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/development-keyboard-encoder-board-104-keys-diy-controller-diy-kit","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}