Building your own mechanical keyboard can be an exhilarating journey into the refined world of personal computing. Most keyboard enthusiasts recommend starting with a 60% compact form factor due to its balance between function and size. 60% keyboards lack certain function keys and the number pad, but they make up for this by providing an ergonomic, space-saving form factor that frees up desk space for mouse movement — excellent for both gaming and general computer use. This article will guide you through creating your own DIY 60% mechanical keyboards.
The main components for a 60% mechanical keyboard are:
Case:
This is the shell in which all the other components will reside. Common materials range from plastic to aluminum or steel, however, wood and glass options are also available in the DIY community. The weight, sound signature, and aesthetic can all be affected by the case material.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board):
The PCB is the electronic heart of the keyboard, translating each key press into a readable signal for your computer. Look for a board that suits your desired layout, has a reliable MCU (microcontroller unit), and user-friendly programming options. In terms of layout, 60% keyboards typically come in a standard ANSI (American National Standards Institute) layout.
Plate:
The plate sits above the PCB, providing a solid base that the switches mount into. Materials for the plate commonly include aluminum, steel, and brass, each offering a unique sound and feel when typing.
Switches:
Choosing the right switches can greatly influence the overall experience. Factors to consider include operation force, sound, and keystroke style. Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and Zealios are popular brands in the mechanical switch market.
Keycaps:
Keycaps are highly personal, as different profiles, colors, and materials can drastically change the typing feel and aesthetics.
Stabilizers:
These are used to normalize the keystrokes of larger keys like the Spacebar, Shift, and Enter. The popular options are either plate-mounted or PCB-mounted stabilizers.
Soldering Iron and Solder:
Soldering is the process of joining switches and the PCB together with the use of a metal alloy. While several keyboards are hot-swappable (meaning switches can be removed and installed without soldering), level-up your DIY game through soldering.
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Prepare PCB and Stabilizers:
Before mounting the switches, the stabilizers need to be installed first. Slide the stabilizers into the appropriate spaces on the PCB.
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Mounting Switches:
Insert switches into the plate. For the first few switches, ensure they are properly seated in the plate and the PCB aligning the switch pins with the holes in the PCB. Once secured, solder the switch pins to the PCB. Continue this process until all switches are installed.
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Soldering:
Hold the hot soldering iron to the joint where you want to solder for a couple of seconds, then feed the solder alloy into the joint until it flows onto the PCB. Repeat this for all switch joints.
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Testing:
After soldering, it’s essential to test each key response. Use a keyboard tester online. If a switch does not work, inspect the solder joints for that switch.
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Assembling the Case:
Finally, fix the PCB and plate assembly into your chosen case. Attach it with the provided screws and make sure it’s snug and secure.
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Adding Keycaps:
Lastly, finish your keyboard with the keycaps of your choice. Use a keycap puller to accurately push them onto the switch stems.
To access missing keys due to its compact size, 60% keyboards rely on function layers. By pressing a designated Fn key in combination with others, you can execute commands on ice layers. To customize this, use software like QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) Firmware. After setting up your desired layout, flash the .hex file to your keyboard’s MCU.
Mechanical keyboards are a manifestation of personal preference. You can opt for different accessories such as custom cables that match your keycap set or artisanal keycaps that can express your personality.
Remember, building a custom keyboard is an iterative process of refining. No keyboard has to be a static, finished product. Your tastes might evolve over time, and the beauty of custom mechanical keyboards is that they can evolve with you, adapting to your changing preferences in aesthetics, feel, and sound.
By creating your own DIY 60% mechanical keyboard, you will get a unique, personalized device tailoring to your individual typing needs and aesthetic desires, promising an enhanced computer experience. Regardless of whether you are a gamer looking for competitive edge performance or a developer searching for typing comfort, a 60% mechanical keyboard is a worthy investment. The joyous journey of building your personal mechanical keyboard is just the beginning of your path into the rich, tactile world of bespoke computing.
