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January 2026: Acquired a FW 13 Mainboard

A project log for WorkBook (Framework 13 + Classic KB + TrackPoint)

Re-implementng the ThinkPad keyboard with mechanical switches and TrackPoint in the FW13 Laptop (Work-In-Progress)

kartoffelstolzKartoffelstolz • 01/31/2026 at 05:34•0 Comments

If you've made it this far, thanks for taking a look at my project. Still terribly busy with my new job, but it keeps the lights on. Despite the state of the economy and the computer parts market, the stars aligned and I have finally sourced a Framework 13 mainboard and RAM within my budget.

Still as motivated as ever, perhaps more so after having just poured a chunk of money into the aforementioned parts. X230 remains my daily driver and no new laptop to date scratches that itch for an indefinitely upgradable chassis with the classic ThinkPad-like experience.

The next objective is to pick up where I left off with the keyboard. Test it out when that's done. Then we will address the chassis.

A new cost breakdown for the build, sans mainboard/RAM/storage due to their highly variable cost:

PartVendorCost (USD, estimated)
Aluminum Chassis*TBD900
Kailh Choc keyswitches*eBay50
Keycaps and stabilizers**TBD80
Keyboard PCB*PCBWay30
Keyboard supporting components & connectors*TBD20
TrackPoint module*eBay
20
LCD Panel (Equivalent to first-party)eBay70
4 expansion cardsFramework60
Webcam cableFramework15
eDP cableFramework9
Audio daughterboardFramework14
61 Wh batteryFramework69
4.0 kg hinges (the custom lid is likely heavier)Framework24
SpeakersFramework19
Speaker kill switch and Worklights*TBD8
WebcamFramework39
Fingerprint readerFramework24
Antenna***Framework25
Fasteners*TBD15
Various 3D-printed parts*TBD10
Total$1501

*This estimate is for one-off production. May be lower with larger batches.

**It turns out that Kailh Choc keycaps are a very niche category already, so it might be worth investigating 3D-printed keycaps.

***May need investigating due to it no longer being sold separately and design differences of a custom aluminum lid.

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