Keyboard PCB: How to Make Your Own Keyboard

Introduction to Keyboard

A keyboard is a piece of peripheral equipment that lets users enter text into computers and other electronic devices. The simplest method for a user to interact with a computer is through the use of a keyboard, which is an input device. Although the keys or letters are organised in order to serve as electronic switches, this device is modelled after its predecessor, the typewriter, which gave the keyboard its layout. The keys contain punctuation, alphanumeric, and special keys with specified roles, such as the Windows key and different multimedia keys.

There are many types of keyboards, and they depend on the region and language spoken.

• QWERTY: The first six letters on the top row are the inspiration for the name of this layout, which is the most popular. Due to its widespread use today, this layout is the most common layout. Because it is so widespread, even in nations whose languages do not utilize the Latin alphabet, some individuals mistakenly believe that it is the only type of keyboard available.
• AZERTY: This is the typical French keyboard that came up in France as an alternative to the QWERTY layout.
• DVORAK: This layout has the ability to reduce finger movement when typing and produce faster typing speeds than QWERTY or AZERTY.

How to make your own Keyboard

This article will discuss how we can make a keyboard at home according to our choices.  This will follow some steps to achieve the goal.

Step #1 - Choose the type of keyboard that you want

Under this step, you have to identify the best appropriate keyboard for you. For example, the size of the keyboard, layout size, and colour are factors that depend upon the user's choice.

This makes it quite difficult to select the correct size because you need to know what each size entails and whether or not you find it comfortable.

Here is a quick list of every keyboard size available:

• Full-sized: This size is often only utilized on keyboards that were designed in old days. A full-sized bespoke keyboard might be available if you're lucky.
• 1800-Compact (96%): a really cool layout size that combines the number pad and the rest of the keys with the number pad instead of the navigational cluster. This site is only available through group purchases.
• Tenkeyless: a typical layout that retains the remainder of the keyboard's layout but removes the number pad.
• 75%: The navigational cluster is positioned vertically to save space, otherwise it is similar to tenkeyless. It's enjoyable and cosy to use.
• 65%: While keeping some of the navigational clusters, this style eliminates the function row. The specialized arrow keys are still there on the smallest keyboard size.
• 60%: the most popular custom keyboard configuration. There is no navigational cluster, function row, or arrow keys. 60% of the parts are the easiest to locate.
• 40%: the smallest surface area that still allows for typing. Without the number keys, it is essentially a keyboard that is 60%  full. A 40% layout necessitates a fairly protracted adjustment period.
• Macropad: Basically, a separate number pad on which macros are possibly applied. Very enjoyable to use in addition to your usual keyboard.

Step #2 - Gather the required parts

• 1) PCB (printed circuit board):

The core of your keyboard is the PCB. Your keyboard's size, features, and layout are all governed by the PCB you select. Choose carefully.

The PCB, which defines the keyboard's size and functions, is the most crucial part of the keyboard. The printed circuit board (PCB) is positioned inside the case and enables the communication between the switches and your computer. The metal plates of a switch make contact when it is pressed, signalling to the computer that a keystroke has been recorded. There are three different PCB kinds to watch out for: standard, hot-swappable, and through-hole.

• Standard PCB: The majority of keyboards share the common PCB. Then switches have to solder to the PCB, for the keyboard to function properly. It has a lot of freedom when it comes to key positioning; among other intriguing possibilities, you may decide if you want a split spacebar.
• Hot-Swappable PCB: The best PCBs for people who don't want to solder are hot-swappable ones. The switches are only pressed into the PCB. Due to the fact that no soldering is necessary, they are incredibly simple to swap out. Very quick and simple to set up, however you are limited to using the basic ANSI layout without any exciting extras like a split spacebar.
• Through-Hole PCB: A fun way to have a cool keyboard to exhibit and be proud of yourself, but not beginner friendly. In this case have to solder everything, including the diodes, resistors, USB ports, Microcontrollers, and more.

How interested you are in soldering will determine which of the three types you choose.

• 2) Case:

All the elements in the keyboard hold together with the help of the case. Depending on how tough, attractive, or transparent you want your keyboard to be, you can select different case materials.

Depending on what you need, there are a ton of various mounting options and materials available. It all comes down to selecting the case that works best for your configuration. The most popular cases are made of plastic since they are the simplest and least expensive to make. A metal plate that supports the case's structure is typically included with plastic cases, which are typically composed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic. Plastic is not the best material type by any means because it is prone to instability and rattling and lacks a hard and sturdy construction like an aluminium or metal case would. For individuals on a tight budget or who desire a lighter, more portable keyboard, a plastic case is ideal.

• 3) Plate:

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Although the plate is an optional part, it adds rigidity to the overall construction and holds the switches in place. Definitely advised. Different materials and colour options are available.

• 4) Stabilizers:

Stabilizer controls, the keyboard's larger keys' feel and sound. This element is crucial, so don't forget about it. The stabilizers prevent the larger keys on your keyboard from tipping over. The stabilizers cause the best typing experience and the ideal "thock" sound. The choice of stabilizer depends upon the PCB/plate compatibility.

• 5) Switches:

The switches are essential for adjusting the keyboard's tone and feel. Although there are many distinct switch kinds, they divide into three groups: linear, clicky, and tactile.

• Linear: Keystrokes that are quiet and consistent.
• Tactile: Each key press causes a little bump and a significant amount of noise.
• Clicky: Each keypress produces a tiny bump and a loud click sound.

The best switch to choose is mostly determined by your preferences.

• 6) Keycaps:

This section primarily establishes the look of your board. You'll be engaging with the keycaps the most when you sit down to type. The keycaps' profile, design, and endurance are crucial.

Above mentioned parts are the most important parts to design a keyboard. So in order to design your own keyboard, the above items are necessary.

Step #3 - Gather the required items for the fixing

• 1) Soldering Iron

Solder iron is useful for the soldering of the parts to the PCB. Better if you can use a heat-controlled soldering iron. The heat-controlled soldering iron will help you to solder the parts very carefully without damaging the SMDs in the PCB.

•  2) Solder Wire

Solder is necessary. Switch desoldering is made much simpler by the presence of lead solder. When not in use, it's a good size and simple to store.

• 3) Switch Puller

a lot more user-friendly than the metal switch pullers that come with hot-swappable boards. Additionally, it comes in a pack or two so you may use the keyboard in other locations.

•  4) Wire Keycap Puller

You can swiftly change keycaps using a wire keycap puller rather than trying to touch them with your fingers, and it won't scratch your keycaps.

Step #4 - Testing of the PCB

Making sure your PCB is functional should be your first priority. This can be done by connecting it to your computer and using tweezers to test each switch.
You may verify that everything is functional right out of the box and that you didn't receive any flaws by testing the PCB. For verification purposes, you can use an online keyboard tester site.

Step #5 - Connecting stabilizers to the PCB

Normally this is the hardest step. That's because so many errors can happen here. It's better if you can make the stabilizers in an order according to the layout and start fixing them. Once you end the soldering process, it will be hard to move the stabilizers and correct them again So double-checking is important here.

Step #6 - Installing switches into the PCB

Now is the time to plan where the switches will go. To allow the pins to enter the PCB, you must press the switches into the plate.
Please remember the plate.
You'll have to go back and remove all of the switches again if you forget the plate.
In this phase, you want to make sure nothing is misplaced and that none of the pins is bent.
The pins are quite prone to bending when fixing switches on to the PCB. If so, you'll need to use tweezers to straighten them again before trying again.

Step #7 - Soldering of the Switches

Unless you have a hot-swappable PCB you have to do the soldering of the switches. Soldering of the switches is a very important part. It is better if you can understand the basics of soldering. The main thing is soldering should make them stable and should not make the solder point short-circuited. Undergoing proper tutorials for soldering will help you a lot in this step.

Step #8 - Fixing the PCB keyboard to the case

It's time to put the PCB into the case that has the switches and stabilizers on it.
This step may alter depending on the mounting method used for the case.
The majority of the time, assembly simply entails putting the PCB into the case, however, your keyboard should come with some straightforward assembly instructions. After installation, you must ensure that the PCB is centred inside the casing and is completely stable.

Step #9 - Fixing the keycaps

Everything starts to come together with the keycaps. It's a pretty thrilling procedure.
Although adding keycaps is a reasonably easy process, you can find the key locations online by looking up a completed construction if you're unsure of where the keys should go.

Step #10 - Test the functioning of the keyboard

Once you have done fixing the necessary parts, the last step of this process is to test the functionality of the keyboard. For that, you can use an online keyboard tester and check whether the functionality of the keyboard is at a precise level. Once you passed this step you are good to go.

Conclusion

Building your own keyboard allows for a lot of customization options, from the size and layout to the switches and keycaps. However, one important aspect to consider is the PCB design. To ensure your PCB design is accurate, it can be helpful to use a Gerber viewer. NextPCB offers a great option for this with their free gerber viewer online. By using a reliable Gerber viewer, you can ensure that your PCB design is correct before sending it off for manufacturing. This is just one of the many ways in which building your own keyboard can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with the added benefit of a highly personalized and user-friendly end product.