How to Make a Mechanical Keyboard from kemove's blog

Step 3: Assemble the keyboard

We recommend starting with the PCB first. First plug the PCB into the PC using the USB cable and make sure each switch input is working properly.

Using anti-static tweezers, such as the tweezers in this kit, stick the two ends of the tweezers to the two copper holes on the PCB.

When done, the PCB will trigger the key as a key. We recommend downloading the QMK or VIA software to see in action.

Once you are sure all the inputs are working properly. Time to start assembling.

Step 4. Install the stabilizer.

Stabilizers are used to "stabilize" those larger keys on the keyboard. Any keycap larger than 2U (the size of 2 keycaps put together). First, we have to assemble the stabilizer ourselves and have it ready to mount on the PCB (or board, just in case)

This is how the stabilizer sees the final result.

First, place the valve stem (the cruciform part) into the larger housing part. Once this is done, immediately take the wire and place it in the lower chamber of the stem. Once this is done, the wire will clip into the stab if pressed. Repeat this process and your 2U stabilizer will look like this:

After assembling the inserts, we have to install them into the PCB. If your stabilizer of choice is a screw-in type, simply clip the tabs into the PCB holes or screw in and you're done.

Step 5 Install Plate and Switch

The board can be mounted by creating a sandwich with your PCB and mounting switches in different corners of the PCB. Switches are built in to clip in and hold steady, securing the board to the PCB. Don't worry if the board starts to bend, as the more switches you put in, the board will correct.

Step 6 Solder the switch (optional if the PCB is hot-swappable)

Soldering can be intimidating for many people. Hotswap PCB allows newbies to skip this entire process. Of course, if you want a specific layout, you'll most likely have to solder your switches.

The process itself is very simple and requires more muscle memory than explaining, but by heating the solder tip to melt the solder and create a volcano-shaped figure.

We highly recommend watching a video tutorial or practicing soldering. There are dangers in this process, such as inhaling toxic fumes or burning yourself, so be sure to watch the welding guide and take proper safety precautions.

Step 7 Assemble the PCB/PLATE into the housing

This may vary depending on the mounting method (eg enclosure mount, tray mount, etc.). For the most part, the process is fairly straightforward, as all it requires is to screw the pcb into an enclosure or other type of mounting system.

Step 8 Install the keycaps

This is what connects the boards together and is the easiest step to building a keyboard. However, we'll develop some pointers further in our in-depth keycap guide.

All in all, keycaps are very diverse in terms of choice, style, material, type of manufacture. Therefore, you may encounter compatibility issues. The keycap size required for your board may not be included in the package. Make sure you know the keycap sizes included in the set before buying!