If mechanical keyboards have captured your attention with their stylish looks, the satisfying clicky sound they produce, or the customizable options they offer, and you are considering getting your hands dirty by building one from scratch, you’ve clicked on the right guide! Embarking on the journey of creating the perfect mechanical keyboard may be a daunting prospect for beginners, but with this beginner’s guide, we promise to take you through the process step by step.
Picking the Right Parts
- Selecting the Keyboard Size
Mechanical keyboards come in various sizes and shapes. The most common types include full-sized (104 keys), tenkeyless (80% of full size, removing the numeric keypad), 60% (smaller, without arrow keys and function row), 40% (minimized, lacks number row), and custom sizes. Your selection should be informed by your usage (programming, gaming, writing, etc.) and aesthetic preferences.
- Choosing the Right Switches
Switches are the soul of a mechanical keyboard. They determine the keyboard feel and sound. The three main categories are linear (smooth keystrokes), tactile (resistance to make keystrokes more pronounced), and clicky (added sound effect to tactile feedback). The most renowned switch manufacturers include Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh. For a beginner, popular choices can be Cherry MX Red (linear), MX Blue (clicky), or MX Brown (tactile).
- Keyboard Case, Plate, and PCB
The case and plate can be of plastic, aluminum, steel, acrylic, or even a custom material like wood. A weighty case and plate ensure stability. The flexible printed circuit board (PCB) enables the keypress signal registration. PCBs either support soldering (forcing you to stick with your design) or are hot-swappable (allowing switching keys around until you’re satisfied). Hot-swappable PCBs are highly recommended for beginners.
- Consider a Mechanical Keyboard Kit
For beginners, kits are a good starting point, already including the case, plate, PCB, and often additional elements.
Assembling the Keyboard
- Stabilizers
Before installing switches into the PCB, you need to mount stabilizers to the PCB. These are supports for larger keys and prevent them from wobbling. They can also be modified (‘clipped,’ ‘lubed,’ and ‘band-aid modded’) to improve feel and reduce noise.
- Switches and Plate Mounting
If the plate and PCB are compatible, install switches into the plate first, then push their pins through matching holes on the PCB. The switches need to be installed evenly and tightly. A switch puller or a flathead screwdriver can be helpful.
- Soldering
For solderable PCBs, once the switches are firmly installed, you need to weld them to the PCB. Heat the solder wire with a soldering iron and let the melted solder flow into the hole around the switch pin. The process should be done carefully to avoid burning the PCB.
- Testing
Before proceeding, use a keyboard tester program to see if all keys register properly. If not, recheck soldering or switch placement.
- Keycap Installation
The final step is installing keycaps. Pull them onto the switches evenly. They may require some pressure to install properly. Use a keycap puller if necessary.
Customizing the Keyboard
- Switch Modification
Different switch modifications are available for mechanical keyboards. ‘Lubing switches’ reduces friction between moving parts, makes keystrokes smoother, and reduces noise. However, do this before soldering, as it requires access to the switch interior.
- Custom Keycaps
Replacing standard keycaps with customized ones can enhance the keyboard’s aesthetic appeal. Beware of keycap compatibility with your switch’s stem type.
- Keyboard Programming
Some high-end PCBs allow remapping of key functions using custom firmware like QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard).
Maintenance and Improvement
Mechanical keyboards require regular cleaning. Use a keycap puller to remove keycaps and clean them with warm, soapy water. A small vacuum cleaner or compressed air can remove dirt from the keyboard base.
With patience and practice, you’d be able to build a mechanical keyboard that perfectly reflects your style, needs, and preferences. Remember, the beauty of DIY keyboard-building lies in enhancement and improvement, allowing endless customization and adjustments. It’s not about gaining an absolute perfect result from the get-go, but rather about enjoying the journey and learning along the way, always aiming for a better sound, feel, and look, gradually making the keyboard truly unique to you.
(Note: Always stay safe. Wear protective gloves and glasses when soldering, and ensure proper ventilation in the workspace.)
Finally, once you’ve dipped your toes into the waters of mechanical keyboard making and have navigated your first build, a world of countless tweaks, upgrades, and customizations awaits you. Dive into community resources, learning from the vast knowledge base of other enthusiasts who are always eager to help fellow keyboard builders enhance their craft. Happy keyboard building!
