The world of key switches extends far beyond Cherry MX, so don’t feel locked into buying pricey Cherries because they’re popular in production keyboards. Consider picking up a switch tester to try some for yourself. If you’re not sure which switch is your favorite, consider picking up a hot-swappable PCB so you can try new switches without needing to desolder them from your keyboard. The Q Max has nearly all the features we’d want out of a high-end mechanical keyboard. It connects reliably over a USB-C cable, a wireless dongle or Bluetooth; with the latter, it can pair with three devices at once. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS, with special keys for both platforms in the box.
The V3 Mechanical Keyboard
If you’ve been following this hobby for some time, you may have heard of lubing your switches. This is an optional and time consuming step but can dramatically increase the smoothness of your typing experience, as well as improve their sound profile. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, see our article How to Lube Switches on Your Mechanical Keyboard. Compact layouts often feature non-standard key sizes, making it more difficult or expensive to find matching keycaps.
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Once you have placed all the switches, it's important to make sure they’re all working properly. Plug your keyboard into your PC at this stage and use a browser-based key tester like VIA to find out if any switches are malfunctioning and need to be reseated or replaced. Go through each switch one by one, making sure each one is highlighted in the software when pressed and remains in an “off” state when your finger releases it. If you come across a dead switch, you can use your puller to extract the switch and change it out for a new one. In the example picture below, we installed a couple of types of Cherry-branded switches we had around the lab. You'll likely want to pick just one type to use across your keyboard.
Keychron K Max
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There are also a ton of different stabilizer brands depending on the color and style you want. We recommend Durock or Everglide stabilizers depending on if you want the purple or gold color. Stabilizers are a surprisingly complex component, so we’ll briefly go into them.
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Customizations and software
The goal is to create a barrier between the metal end of the wire and the plastic interior of the stem, eliminating rattle. If disassembly is required, or you would simply like the case to be ready for its role in the build process, remove the necessary fasteners so the keyboard is open and able to be built in. Be sure to take special note of how the keyboard is assembled, taking pictures if necessary. If you’re planning on lubing your switches and would like them to be ready for the first time you use your keyboard, be sure you do that ahead of time. Switch plates come in a variety of different materials, from polycarbonate, to aluminum, brass,and copper, all the way to carbon fiber on the expensive end of the spectrum.
Sarokeys Strawberry Wine V2 Switch
And like food or wine, your tastes are constantly changing. Adding foam is an optional step, but it really improves the acoustics of your keyboard and adds some weight to the build. Great for clipping the small feet of your stabilizers as well as serve as a wire cutter for adding LEDs onto your keyboard or working on through-hole builds. We have found a rigid material makes it easier to install the switches, but a flexible plate may have a better typing experience. In addition to all of the different material types we mentioned, there are also different mounting styles for keyboard cases.
Keychron C3 Pro
In between, I've written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i'm focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector. 60% keyboards aren’t new, they’ve been shaking up the world of competitive gaming for years now.
For keyboards using gaskets or another novel mounting system, your build may require the application of foam strips in set locations of either the case or the PCB. If it’s hot-swappable, align the large, center mounting pin with the matching cut-out on the board, as well as any other guide pins your switch may have in addition to the two metal contact pins. If your keyboard uses plate-mounted stabilizers, you’ll need to install these before adding in the rest of the switches. Yes, the software still needs some fine-tuning, and there are multiple menus that really should have been streamlined when assigning functions, but the level of customization on offer here is incredible. USB Type-C connector are much more usable than Type-B, because they can be reversed. The USB circuit needs to be as protective as possible for the rest of the keyboard electronics as I don’t want the electronic components to be destroyed by an electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Finishing processes are used to enhance appearance, surface durability, and corrosion resistance. Options include powder coating, anodizing, plating, polishing and more. Laser cutting is often used to produce 2D parts from sheet metal. A laser beam vaporizes a cut path to achieve the desired shape. There are a lot of steps and a lot of decisions to make, but it’s all worth it at the end of the day. We recommend sorbothane but if you are on a budget, you can always use packing foam or whatever you have on hand.
It may look a little out of place in a typical office, but hey, more tech could stand to have a bit of fun. Keycap sets are available in several different shapes and sizes. Some are totally uniform; many others are distinctly sculpted to meet your fingers in (ostensibly) more natural positions.
For this guide, we’ll be working off of the Inland Gaming MK Pro 75% Barebones kit. (Inland is the house brand of PC retailer Micro Center.) We reviewed the pre-built version of this keyboard and enjoyed our experience with it. If your PCB needs to be screwed into the bottom case below the mounting plate, skip ahead to Step 8 to prep the case and proceed to attach the PCB.
Up to five different commands can be mapped to any key - you’ll just have to find the right way to use them. We could use rail to rail discrete diodes, but it’s way easier to use an IC. There are several possibilities, one of the simplest is the PRTR5V0U2X.
Though, the shield contacts don’t completely go through a standard 1.6mm PCB (which is not an issue with metalized holes or thinner PCBs). It’s an USB 2.0 Type-C connector, perfect for a keyboard that doesn’t require hi-speed transfer. We are continually onboarding new and interesting product from keyboards, keycaps, switches, to even the lubricant -- we're here to help you upgrade your keyboard...
If you purchased each piece separately and are unsure, consult your documentation or refer to this handy mounting style guide. If done correctly, the solder should flow onto the pin and contact pad creating a neat, cone-like structure. The important part is that the solder joint makes a firm connection between the contact pin and the PCB.
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