How to build a Mechanical Keyboard

Written By Sarah Altouq

Intro 

More and more people are getting roped into the world of mechanical keyboards. Building something that you use on a day-to-day basis with your own two hands can be really fulfilling, however, I’ve yet to see someone explain the entire process from start to finish for someone who knows close to nothing about it. In short, the process can be tedious however, this guide will help you through it, step by step.

Materials 

In terms of materials, I created a separate guide on keyboard parts and the ones that fit you the best. If you are unsure about the parts I suggest you take a look at that guide, as it describes each material and its function in detail.

The required parts for any keyboard build are:

  • Case

  • PCB

  • Switches

  • Keycaps

  • Plate

  • USB-C Cable

  • Stabilizers

Some optional yet recommended parts are:

  • Foam

  • Your lube of choice

The top mechanical keyboard part store, in my opinion, is KBD fans. They offer a wide variety of parts, great customer support, and fast delivery.

Keyboard parts used in this guide 

The specific parts I used in today’s build are:

  • Tofu75 Aluminium Case

  • Brass Plate

  • KBD75RGB Hot-Swap PCB 

  • PBT Retro 80s Keycaps

  • Ink Pink Gateron Switches

  • KBDfans Handmade USB-C Cable

  • Durock V2 Stabilizers

Although these are the parts I personally selected for this build, the instructions are valid for anyone using a build with any type of hotswap pcb. I do definitely recommend these parts as they are very high quality.

Before we get into it… 

  • Although the switches and stabs I used in this build are pre-lubed, it is completely optional and it just makes your build a little bit better. If this is your first keyboard, lubing it may not be the greatest idea as the switches are easily ruined by using too much lube.

  • I did create a separate guide on lubing switches and stabilizers in detail so if you do end up wanting to do that, definitely go check it out.

  • This guide is for people using HOTSWAP PCBs, I am an anti-solder keyboard user (sorry). 

Step By Step Keyboard Building

Step One: Assemble the stabilizers.

Stabilizers usually come disassembled and you’ll need to assemble them before installing them on the keyboard. They have three parts; the housings, stems, and the wire. The housing acts as a shell for the smaller pieces. 

  • First, carefully insert the stem in the bottom of the housing. You need to make sure the side with two holes is facing the front of the housing. You’ll be able to see guides that are going to help you hold the wire.

  • Next, you’ll need to slide the end of the wire through the housing and into the bottom hole. The wire needs to pass through the stem and not out the bottom. If it does go out the bottom, it could interfere with its movement.

  • Snap the wire in place gently. Be careful, the wire is easily bent.

Step Two: Mount the stabilizers (PCB mounted only).

  • If the PCB you’re using uses PCB-mounted stabilizers you can go ahead and install them. Locate the holes where your stabs should be on the PCB. 

  • If you are using screw-in stabilizers, the smaller hole is for the actual screw, while the larger hole is used for the clip. As for Snap-In stabs, the larger holes should be on the same side as the wire. 

  • Insert the stabilizers (snap-in or screw-in) and snap or screw it into the PCB.

Step Three: Assemble the larger components.

  • If your PCB came with foam, lay it on top of the PCB and make sure to line it up properly (If you already plugged in your stabilizers make sure to pop them through the foam).

  • Next, you’ll need to mount the plate to the PCB. If your plate comes with separate standoffs, screw them in now. If it does not, install 4 switches to the corners of the plate and one in the middle then attach it to the PCB.

Step Four: Mount the stabilizers (Plate mounted only).

  • First, locate the position of the keys that actually need stabilizers. You’ll need to slide the wire into the long slot until each housing is in place. Then just press down to snap them in place.

Step Four: Install switches.

Installing switches is my personal favorite part of building a keyboard. The process can be long but I really enjoy the satisfying “pop” when each switch is installed.

  • First, align your switch’s mounting pin in the center with the cut out on the PCB board (as well as the other pins if your switch has one).

  • Press firmly to install the switch but DO NOT FORCE IT, if the switch refuses to enter, the pins probably are not aligned the right way. If one of your pins gets bent during the process, it’s okay, you just need to straighten the pin before attempting to install it again.

Step Five: Prepare Case.

  • If your case comes in several parts, you’ll need to take it apart before assembling. If your case looks like a hollow rectangle, then you probably don’t need to do anything.

  • If your case came with foam, apply it now. Just simply lay the foam at the bottom of the case. This helps with noise dampening.

Step Six: Mount the PCB assembly.

  • Insert the PCB assembly into the case. Where you attach it depends on your case but you need to locate the standoffs to just insert it. 

  • Be careful when doing this, the PCB is the most important part so breaking it is very inconvenient.

Step Seven: Reassemble & Add Keycaps.

  • With almost everything in the case, reassemble it if necessary now. This would just mean screwing the second half of your case if yours even has one. 

Now that the case is back together, you need to install your keycaps.

  • You’ll see a little plastic cross on the top of each switch. That’s the stem. If you look underneath your keycaps, you’ll see a cutout that matches that shape. That’s where you need to put the stem in. 

  • Make sure the key is facing the right direction, then just press down on the stem. And you’re done!


Good luck making your own keyboard!

Sarah Altouq
Next

Keyboard Parts for Dummies