Building a Mechanical Keyboard

Topics: Mechanical keyboard

A custom mechanical keyboard build combines a PCB, switches, case components, and firmware.

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 require 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

Parts

• M2 Standoffs: Mechboards
• M2 screws: Mechboards
• Case and plate foam:
  • StupidFish foam for Planck

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