Mechanical
keyboards are no longer just about buying finished products nowadays. Many
enthusiasts began to use the custom keyboard PCB to design and manufacture
keyboards by themselves. They can choose different layouts, switches and
firmware according to their own needs. Whether you are a novice or an engineer,
making a DIY keyboard enables you to control its feel, functions and
appearance.
This
article will teach you step by step how to design and manufacture a custom
keyboard PCB. The content includes how to select the layout, do the keyboard
PCB design, prepare the required mechanical keyboard components, and finally
complete the assembly. Whether you want to make a 40% keyboard PCB or a
full-size keyboard PCB, everything you need is here.
What Is
a Custom Keyboard PCB?
The
custom keyboard PCB is the most crucial part of a mechanical keyboard. It is a
keyboard PCB specially designed for a particular key layout, used for mounting
the switches and connecting the microcontroller. The switch pads, circuit
traces, and firmware interfaces are pre-arranged on the PCB. Some designs also
reserve lines for LED backlighting or bottom lighting effects.
Unlike
the generic PCBs used in mass-produced keyboards, custom keyboard PCBs are
designed for users with specific needs. You can choose the type of switch, key
layout, the expansion of functions according to your preferences, and even
customize the firmware logic. Whether it's a 40% keyboard PCB that pursues
ultimate portability or a full-size keyboard PCB that requires complete
functional areas, the core that ultimately determines the performance and
experience of the keyboard lies in this PCB.
Common
mechanical keyboard PCBs support hot-swappable or soldered switch mounting,
allowing users to replace the switches. It usually supports open-source
firmware like QMK or VIA and can achieve fully programmable keymaps and
functional layers. The control unit can be an onboard microcontroller or an
external independent module. Meanwhile, many keyboard PCB designs also
integrate built-in lighting control, facilitating the realization of
personalized appearances.
Designing
and using a custom keyboard PCB is the core link in the entire DIY process of
mechanical keyboards. It not only determines the functional range of the
keyboard but also provides a high degree of freedom, allowing users to build a
keyboard that fully meets their needs from scratch.
Understanding
Mechanical Keyboard Components
Understanding
the components of a mechanical keyboard is an important step before the
keyboard PCB design. A standard DIY keyboard is usually composed of the
following key mechanical keyboard components, each of which plays an
irreplaceable role:
• Switches: Switches
are the core components that determine the feel of the keys. Common types
include linear, tactile, and clicky switches, which correspond to different actuation
feedback respectively. Switches can be soldered onto the keyboard PCB or
installed via hot-swappable sockets for easy replacement.
• Stabilizers: Stabilizers
are used for large keys, such as the space bar, Enter, and Shift, to prevent
left and right swaying when pressed and maintain a consistent feel. They are
usually installed together with switches between the keyboard PCB and the
plate.
• Keycaps: Keycaps
are plastic enclosures installed above the switches and are the parts that
users directly contact. It determines the appearance of the keyboard, the feel
and the sound when tapping. Common materials include ABS and PBT.
• Case: The case
is the structural framework of the entire keyboard, responsible for
accommodating all internal components. The case material can be plastic,
aluminum or other composite materials. Different materials will affect the
weight, stability and sound performance of the keyboard.
• Plate: The
plate is located between the switches and the keyboard PCB and is used to fix
the position of the switches and enhance the overall structural strength of the
keyboard. It will also have a direct impact on the typing feedback and sound.
• Microcontroller: The
microcontroller is the brain of the keyboard. Common models include ATmega32U4.
It is responsible for reading key input, controlling LED lighting effects,
executing firmware logic, and transmitting data to the computer.
All
the above components need to be correctly mounted and connected to the custom
keyboard PCB. They work together to enable your DIY keyboard to function
properly and offer an excellent user experience.
Choosing
Your Layout: 40%, 60%, 65%, 75%, or Full Size
When
designing a DIY mechanical keyboard, choosing the appropriate keyboard layout
is a very crucial step. The layout will directly affect how many keys your
keyboard has, the size of the casing and the experience during actual use.
Different layouts are suitable for different usage scenarios, so the choice
should be made based on personal needs.
40%
Keyboard PCB
The
40% keyboard PCB has the smallest layout, with only 40 keys. It removes the
function row, direction keys and number pad, making it very compact and
suitable for users who pursue ultimate portability or a minimalist keyboard
design.
60%
Keyboard PCB
The
60% keyboard PCB is a commonly used layout by programmers and gamers. It
retains the primary key area and removes the function key row and the numeric
keypad. Although there are fewer keys, complete input requirements can be met
by setting multiple layers of function keys. It is compact in size and flexible
to use.
65%
Keyboard PCB
The
65% keyboard PCB has added dedicated arrow keys and some navigation keys on the
basis of the 60%, making its functions more complete. It retains a compact
design while enhancing practicality, achieving an ideal balance between size
and functionality. It is suitable for users who wish to customize functions but
do not want to use a too-large keyboard.
75%
Keyboard PCB
The
75% of the keyboard PCBs retain the function row and arrow keys but compress
the overall layout to be more compact. It is suitable for users whose desktop
space is limited but still needs most of the standard key functions.
Full-Size
Keyboard PCB
The
full-size keyboard PCB offers complete key configuration, including a function
row, navigation areas, and an independent numeric keypad, making it an ideal
choice for traditional office work, data input, and table processing tasks.
Each
layout requires a specially designed custom keyboard PCB to ensure the correct
arrangement of the switch positions and firmware mapping. Choosing the right
layout is the foundation of building a functional, efficient, and personalized
DlY keyboard.
About PCBasic
Time is money in your projects – and PCBasic gets it. PCBasic is a PCB assembly company that delivers fast, flawless results every time. Our comprehensive PCB assembly services include expert engineering support at every step, ensuring top quality in every board. As a leading PCB assembly manufacturer, we provide a one-stop solution that streamlines your supply chain. Partner with our advanced PCB prototype factory for quick turnarounds and superior results you can trust.
Keyboard PCB Design Basics
Before
creating a custom keyboard PCB, it's important to understand the basic keyboard
PCB design process. This process is typically divided into three main stages:
schematic design, PCB layout, and design validation.
Schematic
Design
Use
tools like KiCad or EasyEDA to create the schematic. This step involves
connecting all switches into a key matrix and linking them to the
microcontroller. The schematic usually includes the rows and columns of the
matrix, diodes to prevent key ghosting, power connections, and microcontroller
pins. If your keyboard needs RGB lighting, an OLED display, or rotary encoders,
you should also add those circuits during this stage.
PCB
Layout
Once
the schematic is complete, you can move on to PCB layout and routing. Start by
placing the switch footprints based on your chosen layout, such as a 60%
keyboard PCB or 65% keyboard PCB. Then, route the traces to connect all matrix
lines to the microcontroller pins. Finally, define the board outline so that
the finished keyboard PCB fits the case and plate properly.
Design
Considerations
After
routing is done, check the design carefully to avoid electrical problems. Use
DRC (Design Rule Check) tools to find issues like shorts or open traces. Make
sure power traces are wide enough to handle the expected current. If you plan
to do testing or debugging later, add test points in key areas.
The
entire keyboard PCB design process affects how well your custom keyboard PCB
works in real use. For example, a 40% keyboard PCB has very limited space, so
the layout must be compact and efficient. A full-size keyboard PCB requires
longer traces, so you need to consider signal integrity and current flow to
make sure every key functions reliably.
From
Design to Production: How to Make a Custom Keyboard PCB
After
you finish your design, the next step is to turn your custom keyboard PCB into
a real product. This process includes preparing production files, selecting a
PCB manufacturer, and choosing the assembly method.
Generate
Production Files
Export
all the necessary files from your PCB design software. These usually include
Gerber files, a bill of materials (BOM), and Pick & Place files. Before
sending them to the manufacturer, check everything carefully. Make sure the
pads are aligned, the hole sizes are correct, and all components and traces are
included.
Choose
a PCB Manufacturer
Pick
a reliable factory to produce your board. Common choices include JLCPCB,
PCBWay, and OSH Park. When selecting a manufacturer, consider delivery time,
cost, surface finish (such as ENIG gold plating), and minimum trace width.
These factors can affect the quality and performance of your keyboard PCB.
Decide
on the Assembly Method
You
have two options for assembly. Manual soldering is good for experienced
builders who enjoy hands-on work with DIY keyboard PCBs. The other option is
full SMT assembly, where the factory handles all the soldering for you. This
method is faster and more precise, especially for small surface-mount
components.
At
this point, your keyboard circuit board goes from a digital file to a physical
board. Receiving your finished custom keyboard PCB from the factory is a
rewarding moment for any DIY mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Assembling
Your DIY Keyboard
Once
you have your custom keyboard PCB, it's time to start building your DIY
keyboard. This process includes installing stabilizers and switches, soldering,
mounting everything into the case, and flashing the firmware.
Install
Stabilizers and Switches
If
you're using stabilizers, you may need to clip and lubricate them before
installation. Then, insert the switches into the keyboard PCB. Whether you're
using hot-swap sockets or soldered switches, make sure all pins are aligned
correctly and fully inserted into the pads.
Soldering
If
you choose to solder the switches, use a soldering iron and high-quality solder
(63/37 tin-lead is recommended). Solder each switch pin to the keyboard board
carefully. The joints should be solid and clean, with no cold joints or shorts.
Mount
the PCB into the Case
After
soldering, secure the keyboard PCB to the case using screws and standoffs.
Install the plate and keycaps according to your selected layout, such as a 65%
keyboard PCB, making sure everything fits tightly and looks clean.
Flash
the Firmware
The
final step is to flash the firmware. Use tools like QMK or VIA to load your
custom layout. Configure layers, lighting effects, and macros as needed. Then,
use a key testing tool to check that every key works properly.
Building
a complete DIY mechanical keyboard is not just a technical task—it’s a creative
project. It combines electronics, design, and personal expression, resulting in
a fully customized device built by you, for you.
Conclusion
Designing
and manufacturing a custom keyboard PCB is a highly technical yet highly
personalized project. It combines circuit design, board wiring and hands-on
assembly.
From
mastering the function of each mechanical keyboard component to being
proficient in keyboard PCB design, the path to creating an ideal DIY keyboard
begins with the mastery of knowledge and tools.
