How to Build a Mechanical Keyboard WITHOUT Soldering
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ม.ค. 2025
- Brief hotswap mech parts spreadsheet : bit.ly/2RMvKcG
Today we're going to go through how to build a mechanical keyboard with no soldering. Basically, we need a hotswappable PCB, and really that takes care of all the hard work! I couldn't cover everything, but hopefully this tutorial can guide you in knowing what to get and do.
Mi-Lo by Smith The Mister smiththemister...
Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-T...
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/mi-lo
Music promoted by Audio Library • Mi-Lo - Smith The Mi...
It Meant Everything To Me by Le Gang
/ thisislegang
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/it-mean...
Music promoted by Audio Library • It Meant Everything To...
Official website :
My Gear : kit.com/TaeKey...
Facebook : / taekeyboards
Instagram : / taekeyboards
edit : oooo out of stock lol. they wont be back till after chinese new year. gg guys. There's also a bunch of hotswap kits on KPrepublic, who also have TKL and full size! Updated spreadsheet.
Couldn't go through everything, so I tried to keep it concise. There's so much more out there, even with hotswappable builds. Hopefully this will help you understand how to go about it. and oooo yeh, soz ISO users.
Also, soldering is easy and awesome. So don't be scared to do so!
For ISO users, there's the HS60 v3 by Yiancar, sold by Mechboards.
whyyy tae I was planning to buy one tomorrow (I've been planning for a week) but your amazing vids made all the stock go crazy fast
This is cool and all but how do I go about building my own physical layout? Is that a thing?
you can get the tecware phantom elite 87
@@mjmjmjmj4229 you'd need to design and make your own PCB, and probably design a plate to cut out for the layout
this definitely the best tutorial for someone is getting into the community like me and needs a fair amount of explaining without it being boring
couldn't agree more, I've been really looking into building a custom mechanical keyboard and this tutorial was a huge help.
yeah, this video is so entertaining in a nice calm way
same
exactly xd
This switch should be perfect for me to play at 3am
TheRBLXnoob GamerDev 😂
Had some classmates complain about a keyboard I built with Cherry MX Blacks because I type relatively quickly... I couldn't imagine being a gigachad and throwing down 140WPM using any Kailh box switches like that.
Lol
@@derkaiser9881 my purples are pretty smooth.
Got Mx blues and didn’t realize how actually loud they are until I played without my noise canceling headset one day LOL
I woke up at 4:30 this morning to complete a build and you release this now...
Is anyone else considering building a keyboard over this corona situation?
flunf me but the pcb is out of stock and there are 1500+ people in the waiting list
Im trying to get some knowledge about how to build one
me lol
I am! although the site is still closed ;-;
Yup, been looking at sites and how to videos this whole week
Hey, a bit late, i got my kit today (bought the wrong plate cause i'm an idiot), but i just wanna say thanks, you were literally the only place that i found that explained how to actually use the plate. I thought it went over the PCB and then you placed the switches and since i couldn't find a guide for how to mount the plates i was just freaking out.
New to this whole different world of keebs. I got my first keyboard from Drop, the ALT. I was originally going for a 95% one, but they are soo hard to find. With a guidance of a friend, i swapped out the halos for zeal 67gs.....and new keycaps..... I really appreciate videos like yours. The 95% is still my goal, and this video plus your other ones, may help me reach that goal. Now im saving up for GMK's hopefully I get them "Fingers crossed"
Are you from India Nihal?
Got my first set of Jades in yesterday, so excited for a build. They sound amazing!
good luck!
was also my first switch for my hotswap GK61 build! highly recommend them. Love them so much and I use them for gaming and it isn't and issue for me.
@@moontoad I can't wait to try them on a board. My printer is busy with a printing an Iris as we speak.
MoonToad I just bought a gk61 kit on banggood and also planning to but jades in them as well
@@muchpear1950 same lol, HATED clicky switches like blues before i found out about jades. so satisfying...
Oh my God this is exactly what I needed, I learned a couple days ago that I really wanted to build my own keyboard after being a Razer fanboy all those years (I am still young LMAO)
Soldering made this all look intimidating and expensive as well, which made me lose hope till I discovered this video! Now I can actually achieve my dreams! Thanks so much!
nothing wrong with razer tho, especially with their newer keyboards
@@imaeri nah but they tend to be expensive as shit, I got a 60 euro membrane keyboard from them lmao
Me: chillin in discord
That dude in vc: 9:43
Lmfao
Lmao
I'm that guy lol
theowhaat my ears are still ringing
@@sa1nt4u me too
Me: How much do mechanical keyboards cost?
Mechanical Keyboards: Yes
When he started testing the keys, I think I finally figured out what ASMR is all about.
firm believer if the sound of a expensive keyboard doesnt do it for you nothing will
@@Finesto_ you're kinda weird ngl
@@Finesto_ you're kinda weird ngl(1)
Bro clicky switches sound like shiiiiit
@@DiddyBom the high frequency hurts my ears lmao
9:38 kinda sounds like mr krabs walkin
Noodle look up fjell with holy pandas if you want a keyboard that really sounds like him
Yoinked comment
Noodle this is an underrated comment
Puppies running on linoleum. :)
100th like
Thank you for this. I came here looking for something like this for my brother. Now I'm thinking I'd like to have a go myself. My keyboard is the same size and cost more than the one you built here. I'd always wanted to make a customisable one but all the soldering was a bit much. This looks like something I could actually do!
Your videos gave me the confidence that I needed to take on building my own for the first time. Thank you! The production quality on this channel is impressive. If you set up a Patreon, I’ll be there!
huh that IS much easier than I thought. also that hail was absolutely nuts. And the muddy storm it brought with it (down here at least) was gross.
yeh cars were an absolute mess!
it sound so good!, I have a build with box pale blues and it doesn't sound even close, another great build!
this video is oddly calming
6:30 Do i spot a Reveluv or am I seeing things
yeri 🥺
love em
stream rookie
@@TaeKeyboards Who's your main
Psycho live
Definitely the best "user friend" tutorial for someone new like me getting into custom keyboard builds, Thanks!
This seems like a really good way for beginners (like me) to get into custom keyboards. Thanks for this video!
This gave me the courage to build my first keyboard instead of buying one. For like 2 months I'm traying to find the keyboard that I like without luck, but I was afraid of the idea of building my own, but thanks to your video I'll go for it , and build something that I would completely be satisfied using, thanks :)
Yo really love you're vids I am really intrested in keyboards and you are One of the best youtubers out there for this type of content in my opinion keep up the good work
Been looking for a tutorial just like this for awhile thanks for clearing up all the confusion and explaining things simply
Gluing two o-rings together and inserting them onto each standoff hole makes for a ghetto "gasket mount" mod for tray mount cases
2020 still waiting for a hot swap kailh 75% pcb, that would be instant buy for me, I really like the 75% form factor right know I have 2 60% and 1 tkl hot swap, I really hope some company will go that way this year I'll gladly pay extra money for that! Tae your videos and guides are the best as always keep it up!
Whats the TKL pcb u own fam?
@@Baf0102 the one from Glorious GMMK - TKL, not bad but micro usb not type c
@@LevvyKlister oh alright. Thanks for the fast reply.
In case you hadn't heard, the GMMK Pro is 75%. Got announced the other day
@@louisgarbour2737 I was going to buy a Bella from KBD then I saw the rotary on the on the GMMK Pro and went for that, I already have some 67 zealios and a GMK Hyperfuse ready for that build.
Thanks for the video. It was literally only the soldering that made me hesitate starting something, I'm sure I'll want to try a vareity of switches.
I'm 100% new to building my own keyboard and this is 10000000% helpful. Thank you!
Most pleasing keyboard ever
First.
Another awesome video. People need to also watch out for hotswap boards that don't have switch legs holes, which mean having to clip them off PCB mount switches. Some people are ok with that but it's extra work and would destroy the resale value of the switches if they're on the expensive side.
The GMMK is a good example of this. Last I checked, they still don't have those holes.
why does it say 7 hours ago for you but the video cam out 7 mins ago?
Ram Gundapwar ik I’m confused
Resale value degradation I doubt, especially now that the alt is so popular
Magic
$300? Lol! Here I was thinking I could save extra by building my own.
Nah, most keyboards that you build on your own is a premium option
Black ★ lol
Yea, me too. Wanted to go for a ducky and mod keycaps but then I read some opinions about mx keys being outdated and all. For 120€ as ducky price and 300€ for this I fcking choose mx keys, dont care.
@@JohnyMcNeal if you want gatoron switches you could get a gk61
Johnny_McNeil gk61 builds are pretty cheap and shit on ducky any day for hotswap. Ducky fanboys who don’t know shit bout custom keybs like you should just stay quiet.
ONE OF THE BEST IF NOT THE BEST TUTORIAL THANK SO MUCH MATE THUMBS UP!
0:14 Wow, that all blue keyboard.
@SqueeZ the blue keyboard
I saw your building a 60% from 2 years ago like an hour ago, your videos are good
perfect, just what I was looking for, you've given me the confidence to build my own so ta!
Gone down the same path. I have a soldering iron, but de-soldering is a pain with a cheap-o solder sucker!
I brought a HS60 v3 pcb and planning on getting a brass plate and alu case. Also, them switches are way to loud for me!
I prefer lubed linear switches by far.
After using this for the last few days, I went back to my lubed linear board, and it just makes you appreciate how good lubed linears are!
Literally thought about this process this morning!! Thank you for uploading this video!
just ordered this same build but with black inks 3 days ago then stubbled across this video. so stoked now
Me: Hmmm i think I’ll give that Twitch streamer another chance
Streamer: 9:39
I got a hotswappable keyboard from "Pawhits", it's a full size keyboard. It was cheap, something like 28 bucks so I thought it'd be nice to experiment with, since I'd never done it before. So then I bought some Gateron blacks to put in it (keyboard comes with "Jixian" blues. Never heard of that brand before), but to my dismay the holes for the pins seem to be too narrow for the Gaterons to fit. Ended up bending like 4 of them beyond repair without knowing. I'm not sure why a hotswappable keyboard comes with holes for pins that are too thin for switches as prominent as Gaterons but... here we are.
But I didn't give up. I searched the web for a 3D model of a switch opener and had it 3D printed at some weird cafe with 3D printers in it. Don't ask. It worked well for the Gaterons since their housing is the same as Cherry's (well pretty much anyway), but of course, lucky me, the "Jixians" have their own different locking system for their housing... so, I had to dismantle them manually with a paper clip (call me MacGyver if you will). After a few hours and a few drops of blood from my fingers after stabbing myself with the paper clip (unintentionally, believe it or not), I managed to grab the internals of the Gateron switches and put them in the Jixian housings, since those were guaranteed to fit the keyboard. So I am now left with these one-of-a-kind... "Jixerons". They're definitely an improvement. I'd love to lube them now that I'm more confident with this stuff but I am not about to go through the process of opening these up again. I hope my next experience goes a little more smoothly, but I guess I did pretty well for my first time messing around with mechanical keyboards. Not everybody's first venture has them make their own switch.
wow what a journey. Yeh i dont know what sockets are in that board. but a lot of the budget boards have outemu sockets that arent even compatible with other keyswitches. that board must be something similar.
@@TaeKeyboards Oooh, man had I known this in advance I might've gone for some Outemu Sky switches or one of those tactile purples. Sorry if I misused some terms in my story there, still learning as I go. And thanks for the reply!
this is very amazing content
love it
im currently trying to start in this
really helped me alot
thanks
You definetely need more subs for your really good quality videos:) keep up the good work..
You're crushing it with the video quality lately man. Keep it up!
Thanks mate! Appreciated :)
I just found your channel . I just got into keyboards yesterday and would like to make myself one but I have yet to learn to solder .
Good stuff
The keycaps alone are worth more than my keyboard
Any idea what they are?
@@arielcohen7672 SAME I NEED TO KNOW
@@arielcohen7672 miTo Canvas
@@metallicbanana7458 miTo Canvas
I never realised you were from aus, this is great for me because I’m also from aus and this means that all the parts you get should also be available to me
Great job mate! And that Red Velvet in the background though. 👌
5:34 It's notable that some pre-built Kailh socket hotswap keyboards don't have the holes for 5-pin switches. This is the case with Tecware and Rakk hotswap keyboards, for example.
yep, very good point
My man stans Red Velvet at 6:30 in the background hell yeah.
the Tofu is such a good starter case its high quality, simple and sleek, plus its cheap
"Lubing is the thing that can make the biggest difference"
-TaeKeyboards 2020
This advice will help everyone in the long run
Great Video Man! You explained everything very clearly, with what i have sitting on my y my desk - tofu 60
Me all the video : nice keyboard thinking about buying to build it
Me at 9:38 : OK IM BUYING IT NOW
this sounds like trash
Nice, super good beginners guide. You got a new sub my man. Keyboard is so pretty 😍👍🏼
Just clicked and realized it was posted on my birthday 😊
You just solved one of my biggest problems. Thank you so much!!!!!!!
the hardest part is getting the parts when they get back in stock
I'm bored, picky, have the time and money. I think this is the perfect video to blow me in the right direction. Thank you! . . . I subbed : P
6:30 I too am a fan of the Red Velvet 레드벨벳 - Psycho @ReVe Festival FINALE video. Good taste!
it sounds really good
This channel is so good.
Thanks I needed this, I'm still in high school and my parents would never let me buy a solderering kit
try browsing r/mechmarket I'm pretty sure there's at least someone that offer a build service near your area.
just make sure you check their credibility; karma, replies, previous posts, etc.
@@Looo0007 wow ive never thought of that actually. thx
That clicking at the end is like massage for my ears.
Super new to custom mechs and I love this channel for all the great content
Goes below the plate. It does support the ends of the keycap :)
it seems that the stabilizers part that support the keycap is the plus shaped plastic thing that slide into the keys, the metal bars simply makes the movement linear with each other
This might be a good hobby.
For now ill buy my own customized keyboard sometime soon.
Wish I'd had this video before I did my build!
omgg 6.30 rv and 6.35 yumeno garden!!
love your taste in music! and also keep up the good work!
wow, knowing both is pretty impressive lol.
Super clicky sounds like an understatement. Dang these things CLICK! Lol
Thonk > Clack
I want to build one, but it is such a daunting task. I would buy a regular off-the-shelf big name brand keyboard[just cz its cheap and I don't have a single mech keyboard yet]. Sure that I'll come back to this hobby later next year.
TaeKeyboaards: *Purchases everything online{Expensive}
Me: Big brain time
Also me: Disassembles my keyboard and re - assembles it
Linux users--If you just want to remap a couple of keys to make the small keeb more usable, xmodmap is your friend. Great video, btw. Thanks
im not a fan of clicky switches but those sound fantastic
Nice video Checkboy !
hehe
Wait I’m confused does he make these to sell? Because I’d love to buy them. Loved the keyboard sounds
you pick parts you want and he builds it for you for around 100$ service price
those switches sound so good 🤤👌
Really nice video! I am wondering what keycaps those are.
He says
Freaking love jade switches ❤️I’m getting Into MK community and it’s getting easier with these helpful videos thank you!!!
Good luck brother!
I have this same pcb, how do i switch the lighting modes?
Thanks I even understood as a person who does not know the end of English and I think that I am as good at it as you are
I’m looking to build a 96% with rgb lights for the switches and maybe the bottom. Can’t find anything besides the Kira. I’ve recently got a soldering iron so that is something I can do.
what is a 96% lol
@@ohyeahyeah1955 lmao literally like mostly rgb... mine as well get full rgb lighting..
9:39 i love the sound of those jades as i typed with with my jades watching and listening to this vid.
Amazing vid! And hey I spy Red Velvet at 6:36 :p haha
Your voice is satisfying to listen to
why is all the stuff always sold out?
Hey!! I ordered a DZ60 RGB build as well! I can't wait till it arrives (Early February tho)
where did you get it
Question: should you lube a tactile switch like the Jades? Or is it not as important as it is with linears?
you can benefit from lubing even clicky switches, as long as you lube the correct parts.
also use thin lube (like krtx 203 or trib 3203) for tactile.
the perfect tutorial for beginners like me! :)
Hi man, what’s be better? Hot swap or default soldering(for Reliable)?
hot swap all the way
Ernur Amangeldinov hotswap
Every answer to this question will be subjective. It comes down to personal taste and preference. Some people build really expensive keyboards with cheap gateron switches, because that's what they like. Other's build cheap keyboards, where the switches are the most expensive component, because that is what they like. :D
answer from a kb builder here:
your question really depends on how you use your keyboard.
- if you're starting out, go with hot swap. it'll help a lot especially when you dont know which switch is best for you.
(for these guys, my advice is go to a keyboard meetup near you, they usually have varieties of keyboard and switches for you to try. dont be shy to try them all.)
- if you're a person who's easily bored and want to change your switch/kb a lot, go with hotswap. they usually retain their value. (i.e. unsoldered switches usually go higher, hotswap PCBs is desirable for beginners)
- if you have your specific favourite switch and keyboard combo, and value your experience more than the resale, I say go with soldered PCB.
they're more stable, changing keycaps becomes a nicer experience, and less parts means less chance of stuff being broken.
Lol, you edited your comment and changed your question to something else entirely. xD
For us EU folks, Mechboards.co.uk has the hotswappable HS60 pcb with ISO, ANSI, and HHKB options.
Also, I would have mentioned that with hotswap boards and metal cases you should really consider using electrical tape to cover the mounts on the case, especially the middle post. On all the hotswap pcb's I've used, the middle post has come in contact with a socket on the pcb, causing the whole column to activate.
What do you need to buy to get the crews
Looks so advanced like a rocket science
What color is the tofu used in this video
Cyan
Jak ty
This was pretty epic
what about buying foam for the keyboard can you make a guide on that as I want to get more thunk out of my keyswitches.
they are great to reduce the pinging noise, especially inside a hollow metal case like this one.
a case foam (or simple shelf liner) cut and put inside the case should be enough, but a plate foam (the one you put in between the plate and pcb) will help reduce some more, and help with the plate feel (totally personal opinion)
Facts what’s all that about what does the foam do
@@Hc4697 absorbs vibration (noise), basically.
uwowowowow ohhh ok. Jesus there’s so much about keyboards it hurts my brain. I’m willing to drop $900 on my custom keyboard but I have no idea how or what to get to make it quiet
@@Hc4697 lubing and silencing foams. they are great
I love box Jade’s, nice click and good feel
"so i try not to cheap out and get the cheapest ones possible"
*visible confusion*
I think he meant try not to cheap out WITH getting the cheapest ones possible lol
soz english
@@TaeKeyboards ˙pooƃ llɐ s,ʇᴉ 'ɐɥɐɥɐH
@@YonkersDolphin I think 'by' would fit better than 'with'
makes sense to me. it all changes with tone and word emphasis
bro i litterally don't understand any of this... and i've been looking all day.
He builds a whole a mechanical keyboard
Theres me just buys it
The one part I needed help with, he sped up. Thanks TaeKeyboards.
ez pz. great video man!
This video helped so much! Thanks! My keyboard sounds so good!