How I built my first mechanical keyboard [Tutorial] [Part 1]

In the world of mechanical keyboards, there is a wide range of switches, keys, and customization options that can be overwhelming, but don't worry, in this series I'll explain the core concepts of mechanical keyboards and then we'll build split ergonomic mechanical keyboard together!

In this first article, I'll begin by defining the core concepts:

• PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
• Keyboard plates
• Middle Layer
• Switches
• Keycaps

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What's a keyboard PCB?

PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board and it is the keyboard's brain. It sends signals to the computer everytime we press a key. This is what they typically look like:

PCBs for mechanical keyboards come in various sizes and layouts, and it also determines compatibility with switches and keycaps. Here is what you need to know:

Size

Have you ever wondered what those percentages next to the name of the keyboards mean? 🤔 It's common to find keyboards called 75%, 80% Mechanical Keyboard, and so on. These percentages mean how much of a 100% 104-key Keyboard (AKA Full Sized Keyboard) the PCB represents. You can look at an example of this in the image below 👇

The larger the keyboard, the more keys you can access without needing to customize or press special keys.

Layout

A keyboard layout is the arrangement of keys on a keyboard. There are lots of options. Here are some of them 👀

• Happy Hacking Keyboard
  

• TMO Keyboard
  

• Ergodox
  

• Keebio Iris
  

When searching the ideal layout for you, you may come across the following terms and concepts:

Staggered vs Ortholinear

• Staggered keyboards: These are the most common keyboards, like the ones we find on most laptops and desktop computers. In these keyboards, keys are arranged in a zigzag pattern, which comes from old typewriter designs! 😵‍💫.

• Ortholinear keyboards: These have keys arranged in straight columns and rows, forming a grid. Ortholinear keyboards are often associated with a better typing experience because they reduce finger movement and can be more comfortable over long periods.

Standard vs Split keyboard

• Standard keyboards: The keyboard we are most familiar with, in which all the keys are in one block.
• Split keyboards: These keyboards are divided into two separate sections.This division helps reducing strain on your wrists and shoulders by letting you place your hands in a more natural position 🙌.

Hot-swappable vs Soldered

• Hot-swappable PCB: It means that we can swap out switches easily whenever we want by simply putting a switch into a socket.

• Soldered PCB : A soldered PCB, in contrast, requires technical expertise to solder switches with the PCB using soldering iron 💪.

💭 Hot-swappable PCB models are an excellent choice for those who want to try out different types of switches since It's a fast and uncomplicated process.

Backlit PCB

The term backlit means that the PCB includes built-in lighting (usually LEDs) 🌟.

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What are Keyboard Plates?

The PCB can't provide switch stability or keycaps support by itself, so that's when plates step in. Keyboard plates are flat, rigid layers that serve as the base for the switches and keycaps.

This is what they typically look like 👇

There are two keyboard plates necessary to support the PCB, one at the top and one at the bottom.

Sometimes, the bottom one can be replaced by a case, as shown in this picture.

They come in different materials and models such as brass, aluminium, steel, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, etc.

📌 The keyboard plate must match the PCB model.

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What's a Middle layer?

A middle layer is a layer that goes between the keyboard plates and protects the PCB from dust and damage by covering it up. Adding a middle layer to a keyboard is entirely optional. They are often used to adjust the inclination angle of split mechanical keyboards.

There are two types of middle layers 👇

• Normal Middle Layer: These are the middle layers that do not have any feet to adjust the inclination angle. Therefore they are perfectly horizontal.

• Tented Middle Layer: These ones involve angling or sloping the middle layer using feet as support to create a tent-like shape, which can be adjusted. This type of layer is most commonly found in split keyboards.

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Switches

Switches dictate the feedback your hands will receive when typing.

We classify switches by:

• Operating mechanism
• Stem style

Types of switches by operating mechanism
There are 3 basic types of switches:

• Linear Switches: There is no tactile feedback when pressing the key down.
  Example: 🔴Red Switches

• Tactile Switches: When you press the key down, you will notice a small bump, so that you know you press a key successfully.
  Example: 🟤Brown Switches

• Clicky Switches: When you press the key down, there is a noticable sound as feedback. It's the loudest one out of the three types.
  Example: 🔵Blue Switches

These are the most representative types of switches. However, there are several other varieties, each offering unique differences in feedback, the force required to press a key (AKA actuation force), and sound, as shown in this video.

Types of switches by stem style
In the first row, we have MX switches, which are the most popular switch stems available on the market. These switches are widely used and easily accessible.
At the bottom, we have Choc and Alph switches respectively. These are vintage switches.

💭 When choosing keycaps, it is essential to know the stem style of your switches. This knowledge ensures compatibility for your keyboard.

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Keycaps

Keycaps are small covers placed over keyboard switches, providing the surface your fingers touch when typing. They come in different profiles, each designed to enhance the typing experience.

Keycaps can be classified by its height and curvature, as seen in the next picture. Note how it changes depending on the row 👀

In addition when the term ✨ shine through ✨ is added to keycaps it means that those keycaps allow light from the keyboard’s PCB (Printed Circuit Board) to go to the surface if the PCB is backlit.

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Now that you know the basics you can start looking for better mechanical keyboards alternatives that adapt to your preferences and needs but, most importantly, that contributes to your good health and posture. 😊

Buying a new keyboard that works out of the box is always an option but if you are interested in building one yourself stay tuned for part two of this tutorial where we will build a split mechanical keyboard from scratch! ⚒️

Thank you so much for reaching the end! If you have any questions please leave them in the comment section down below, I'll be happy to help. Until next time 👋