# Building a Mechanical Keyboard Topics: [[Mechanical keyboard]] ## Building process Switches and stabilisers are lubricated using [[Keyboard Lubricants]]. The keyboard PCB holds the electronics as well as the [[Key switches]]. There are two types of keyboard PCBs: "Hotswap PCBs" allow the easy replacement of [[Key switches]] but only support the most common [[Keyboard layouts]] like ANSI. Custom layouts such as [[HHKB#^c51cd9]] require [[Soldering|soldering]] the switches in the desired places on the PCB. ## Firmware Most custom keyboards use the [[QMK keyboard firmware]]. ## Special features - [Using a rotary encoder](https://docs.splitkb.com/hc/en-us/articles/360010513760) ## Parts - M2 Standoffs: [[Mechboards]] - M2 screws: [[Mechboards]] - Case and plate foam: - [StupidFish](https://stupidfish.design/products/planck-case-and-plate-foam-set) foam for Planck --- ## Related -