What makes the Sesame keyboard unique?

The Sesame keyboard is an Alice-like ergonomic keyboard that exclusively uses Through-Hole Technology (THT) parts, making it a unique project for enthusiasts who appreciate hands-on assembly and customization.

How does the ergonomic design of the Sesame keyboard benefit users?

The Alice-like ergonomic design of the Sesame keyboard helps reduce strain on the wrists and hands by providing a more natural typing angle, making it a great choice for those who spend long hours typing.

What components are included with the Sesame keyboard kit?

The Sesame keyboard kit includes a main PCB, a bottom plate and switch plate both made from FR4 material, all necessary electronic components, a controller with USBaspLoader bootloader, brass standoffs, screws, and an acrylic cover.

Why are 75ohm resistors used instead of 68ohm in the Sesame keyboard?

The 75ohm resistors included in the Sesame keyboard kit have been thoroughly tested and proven to work well as a substitute for the 68ohm ones mentioned in the build guide, ensuring reliable performance.

Can you explain the importance of capacitor placement on the Sesame PCB?

Correct placement of capacitors is crucial for the Sesame keyboard's functionality. The 104 capacitors should be placed next to the long sides of the ATmega chip, while the 220 capacitors should be positioned next to the crystal component for optimal performance.

What materials are used for the Sesame keyboard plates?

Both the bottom plate and the switch plate of the Sesame keyboard are crafted from FR4, a durable and reliable PCB material that provides stability and longevity to the build.

Is there a build guide available for assembling the Sesame keyboard?

Yes, a detailed build guide for the Sesame keyboard is available on Imgur, and the official guide can also be accessed through the GitHub repository, offering step-by-step instructions for assembling your keyboard.

How is the Sesame keyboard controller prepared for use?

The controller for the Sesame keyboard comes pre-flashed with the USBaspLoader bootloader, simplifying the setup process and allowing users to focus on assembling and customizing their keyboard.

sam Sesame Kit Starting at $39.99

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
sam Sesame Kit
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Sesame Kit
	Shipping to US			$40	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

sam Sesame Kit

Global

Check vendor

Visit shop

Sesame Kit

Shipping to US

$40

Visit Shop

Similar Alice keyboards

Same price range, layout, and form factor, from different brands.

$59

Keychron Q8

65%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare specs

Compare sam Sesame Kit vs Keychron Q8 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	sam Sesame Kit	Keychron Q8
		93
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	4.7 stars (34 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Built with the ANSI layout standard Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic layout standard Comes with a knob Compatible with both Mac and Windows Connects via USB-C Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 1820 g Sized at 20 x 136 x 358 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 42.2 Build Quality: 51.9 Productivity: 43.2 Customizability: 45.3 Portability: 58	Scores Performance: 66.2 Build Quality: 89.5 Productivity: 97.8 Customizability: 97.4 Portability: 70.5
Name	Name sam Sesame Kit	Name Keychron Q8
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Unknown	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-Nordic
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Alice	Layout Ergonomics Alice
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Acrylic, Plastic	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 20 x 136 x 358 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1820g

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Product Description

The sam Sesame is an Alice-style ergonomic mechanical keyboard kit designed for hobbyists who prefer through-hole technology (THT) components. It suits users interested in building their own keyboard with a focus on durability and straightforward assembly. The kit requires soldering and some electronics knowledge, making it less ideal for beginners or those seeking a ready-to-use board.

Key Features

Ergonomic Alice layout promotes a natural hand position, reducing strain during extended typing sessions.
All parts are through-hole mounted, which can simplify repairs and modifications compared to surface-mount technology.
Includes a controller pre-flashed with USBaspLoader bootloader, allowing for custom firmware installation.
Kit provides brass standoffs and screws, contributing to a stable and solid build.

Build Quality

Case and plates are made from PCB material (FR4), offering a rigid and durable structure but lacking the premium feel of metal or acrylic cases.
Includes an acrylic cover, which adds some protection and aesthetic appeal without increasing weight significantly.
Use of 75ohm resistors instead of the 68ohm ones referenced in the build guide is tested and functional, but may require attention during assembly.

Compatibility and Customization

Supports custom keymapping through compatible firmware, suitable for users who want to tailor layouts.
Layout is fixed to the Alice style, which may not suit users preferring standard or compact layouts.
USB wired connection only; no wireless options available.

Trade-offs

Assembly requires soldering and some electronics knowledge, which may deter beginners.
FR4 case material offers durability but less premium feel and sound dampening compared to metal or wood cases.
No wireless connectivity limits flexibility for mobile or multi-device use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)