building
Download the gerber file here.
The PCB is reversible, so you'll be able to build two keyboards with the minimum sold by JLCPCB or PCBWAY. Drop the .zip in their website, select these options and keep the others on default:
| PCB Qty | 5 |
| Different Design | 1 |
| PCB Thickness | 1.6 |
| Via Covering | Tented |
| Remove Order Number | yes |
| PCB Color | your choice |
| Surface finish | your choice |
(The most beautiful is blue + ENIG)
Pay and wait.
You can use a flux pen to make it easier and a bottle of isopropyl alcohol to clean it.
I used my solder pen at 330°C, don't forget the hottest part of the pen is not the peak so use it with tilt and always moist.
And to desolder, use a good solder sucker like this one.
To have the MCUs in the correct direction, solder all pads on the front side of the PCB.
Apply some flux and put your solder pen on the largest pad part (with tilt!).
Then add some solder iron on the smallest pad part.
Do it on both PCBs.
The best choice for the controllers is to use sockets.
If you have any doubts, trust me or read this article on splitkb.
Cut and insert them in their holes.
Then use tape to maintain the position.
Try to keep it as vertical as possible.
Turn the PCBs over, apply some flux and solder all the pins.
Once it's done, turn the PCBs over again and use a needle to break through the tape on each hole.
Now, stay cool and insert a pin in all the sockets.
Do it gently with the flat side of your nail. (you'll probably fail several of them 😅)
It's recommanded to flash the controllers once before soldering.
See the Firmware flashing section to do it.
Then place them as picture below.
Maintain pressure on the controller and solder all its pins.
Once again, for this step, stay calm and remove the controllers gently.
Try to pull it vertically all the time.
In fact it's almost impossible, so some pins are going to be bent, it's ok though.
Remove the tape but don't reattach them right now.
The hardest part is done, now place the jacks in their holes, maintain them with some tape if needed and solder them.
The PCBs allow you to solder your switches or use hotswap sockets (be careful to buy the Choc V1).
As usual, apply some flux, put the hotswap in place, insert your pen in one side and add some iron.
Maintain the socket in position with your finger while the iron is still liquid.
And do that 68 times.
Time to wash !
Remove all the flux and iron spots with a toothbrush and the isopropyl alcohol.
Scrub and don't forget the controllers !
You can use your PCBs as they are or mount the two beautiful backplates 🤩.
This part is up to you, I personally found a compromise with:
- 8mm screws ø2
- 2mm bolts
- 1.6mm bolts
- 4mm EVA foam
My purpose was to have the tenting puck slightly above the plate.
Insert the controllers, switches and keycaps !
