How to Build a Handwired Keyboard
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- Purchase the Scotto9 3D-Printed case here: scottokeebs.com/products/scot...
In this video, I hope to show you the concepts that are used to handwire mechanical keyboards. We're going to be using a simple 3x3 macropad to do this.
~ Links ~
Files: github.com/joe-scotto/keyboards
QMK: github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware
Cases, Keyboards, and Keycaps: scottokeebs.com
~ Parts ~
1N4148 Diode: amzn.to/3Ccljbb
16g Copper Wire: amzn.to/3xLDVvJ
Wire: amzn.to/3E3q1cD
Pro Micro: amzn.to/3dyy6ei
Spacers & Screws: amzn.to/3UwpkOD
~ Tools ~
TS100: amzn.to/3LCsrkb
63/37 Solder: amzn.to/3DOBv3y
~ Timestamps ~
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Matrix
2:10 - Controller
3:41 - Columns
4:31 - Diodes
5:02 - Rows
5:47 - Case
6:25 - Wire
7:23 - Matrix Wiring
12:28 - Firmware
19:51 - Controller Wiring
20:44 - Outro
~ Social ~
/ joe_scotto
/ joe_scotto
ko-fi.com/joe_scotto
~ Disclaimer ~
Some links may be affiliate links where I will make a small commission. Nothing in this video was sponsored by any outside party and I wasn't paid for the content in this video. - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
The copper wire technique is absolutely brilliant. Adding heat shrink to bare wire is so so so much better than stripping out a bunch of tiny segments. I wish I could like this video twice.
Glad it was helpful! The other benefit to the bare wire is that it somewhat makes the board more sturdy as well.
I added my like for (in part) that reason hahaha
Do you get interference issues with the bare massive wires? Have you ever needed to add shielding to a keyboard? Copper wire and coiling is looking great, will need to try that on a build soon.
@@wtfusernamecrap Nope. They aren’t used for audio or anything, just the very simple diode circuit.
I would use enameled wire so no shorts and no need for heat shrink ! On the other hand, the soldering is a bit more difficult.
I've handwired a lot of stuff but never seen copper wires used like that, it's super clean, I love it! I'm definitely trying this on my next board, and I'm putting it in my toolbox for my custom peripherals in the future.
FINALLY, I find someone that doesn't speak in equations when describing electronics.
Absolutely love it when members of a community make great informed guides like this for complete beginners! Definitely going to be making my own keyboard very soon. Thank you for the awesome video!
For a quick explanation of of the dfu mode it’s basically a mode that let’s you access the bootloader (the place where you flash firmware) different MCUs have different bootloaders and different bootloaders have different ways to enter them (so dfu the board) and QMK has too know which you are using to enter it
Super helpful! You’ve inspired me to try to hand wire something wireless.
Minor suggestion: when in VS code, zooming way in on text is helpful, especially for viewers on their phone.
I agree, i have it on 1080p on PC and its still blurry.
I respect the detailed information and techniques you outlined in the video. Props to you man :)
Ok homie, I normally dont comment on things but at 13:01 you explained the one thing that none of the QMK documentation covers well at all. Thanks
actually you'd be surprised how much more a viewer can understand about the process by you also showing things that went wrong.
some of the best videos i've watched that has helped me understand a concept even more has been when they show how they failed and corrected an issue.
this is honestly part of a copout to making a more complete/complex video.
Month ago I bought Kinesis gaming split keyboard but I was not happy with build quality so I started digging up some info how to build my own split keyboard. I'm really glad that your video showed up on my recommended page, very straight forward and informative.
Very nicely explained! My advice on troubleshooting the wiring is: continuity test to check for shorts, check correct diodes direction and reflow solder joints (this helped me get rid of multiple keys on single press issue).
Most informative video on the topic i've seen, saying that after having a bachelors in EE, 5 years experience in semiconductors industry, and watching other DIY keyboards videos while holding a bunch of MX switches and some diodes and remaining clueless on which switch pin connects to what
I've been doing a bit of research on building a custom keyboard and this is the most inspiring video. Nice, clear explanation with a really tidy build.
Glad it was helpful!
This video is SUPER GOOD!! Your explanations are super detailed and well done. Thank you very much for the video. I really want to make my own handwired keyboard but I didn't know where to start... This is exactly what I needed to lose the fear to it!!
This is one of the best videos I've ever seen. Really, this has been extremely helpful and educational. Thank you so much, you just got a new subscriber.
This is the best instructional video I’ve seen on… anything. Thank you
Im embarking on a 60 key split ortho build. This was immensely helpful so thank you!
This video is gold, thank u very much! Time to build my own macropad.
Super helpful, beginner-friendly video. Thank you!
best video of explaining how it works, i should probably have some practice by my own
dude, i just want to say thanks for making the tutorial video, your video helping people to start to take the first step how to build a keyboard
fantastic video, made this way more approachable than I expected, glad I found your Reddit post!
I built my first handwired keyboard in 2021, and I'm still using it to this day. Sure, it wasn't easy per se, but definitely less complicated than I would have feared. Definitely gonna use this way of wiring the "busbars" on my next build, definitely an upgrade from the spaghetti I've got contained within mine lol
FINALLY! After watching so many macro pad / keyboard buildling videos, this is the first video that spells out how to connect everything, including how the diodes work for matrixes. Thank you!
Edit: Built my first macropad successfully thanks to this
Thank you for this tutorial... very well explained!
It's great you're doing this - even rudimentary info makes the field more inclusive. 👏
This wasn't as clear as I'd hoped since there's a bunch of stuff glossed over, versus taught. FYI, it's really hard to follow along on the code when you can't see the text because you're viewing the video on a phone - it's like maybe 1/8 of the screen. I'll be checking to see if you've got still shots of the wiring, the code, etc. so I can figure it out with the video transcript as a loose reference. 👍 I'd love if non 3d printer options & specs were available, too, because most of us just don't have that $$$ equipment, or access to somebody else's.
I think starting on a 3x3 macro pad is a great place to start, thank you
Just finished my first handwired keyboard, made a split crkbd. This video was very informative, and a great resource for someone looking to take the dive and create a handwired keyboard. thank you for the amazing content.
Glad it helped!
excellent video, man! Thanks for posting!
Thanks! I still haven’t soldered my first switches to a PCB but handwriting seems very interesting. =]
Especially because I already have a QMK compatible microcontroller, and such a nice guide…
You're a hero Joe
Dude this is the gold i've been mining for. Wish I could contribute more than just a comment and sub. Keep at it
Great video! So informative
I really enjoyed and loved the way you have explained things from scratch, i am a newb and figuring out layout and board combinations was tricky ,
Specially in case of STM32F103 board. But this helped thanks a ton.
Will go through other videos as well on drone too…
As i build fpv drone in 2020 , but never flew much
Glad it was helpful :)
use decoders, like 2 x 74hc138 for the column outputs and a shift register like 74hc165 for the row inputs. This gives you a 16 x 8 = 128 matrix with only 7 wires: 4 wires for the decoders, 3 wires for the shift register -> reset, clock and data input. If that is not enough add another shift register with no extra wires and get a 16 x 16 = 256 matrix.
This is amazing -- thanks!
Hi, Im glad to found ur channel, great content!
感谢你的视频，近期我也打算做一个dactyl键盘，对于焊接还不太了解，感谢你的讲解
this is probably my third time watching this 😅 and there will be more viewings when im actually setting out to build my first ortho layout! this seems like a cost-effective way to find out if i like ortholinear without potentially wasting money incase i decide it's not for me (i just love the oddly appealing look of them haha)
This is so neat ❤
Thanks for a great video 👍
Excelente video para los que no sabemos nada de electrónica, ni en español he encontrado un video tan bien explicado.
a true custom keyboard
If you don't have a 3D printer, I recently launched a shop where you can purchase cases for handwired projects, including the Scotto9: www.scottokeebs.com/shop
This doesn't look too terrible to do. I'd have to upgrade my soldering skills, but definitely worth it. Now I have to get me a resin printer so I can make caps for it haha. It's Jeremy from the 3d printing group.
bro, this is the best tuto that i ever seen, ive had a little problems cus english is not my first language, but with this i think that ill can my own handwired keeb, thanks a lot.
Glad I could help :)
joe, ive followed all steps, but at the flash step my toolbox dont recognize when i short the reset and ground, can u help me? in one of my 2 pro micro the flash done but the promicro dont work and in the other one the flash option dont be able to click.
My suggestions would be theee things:
1. Make sure the cable you’re using supports data. Not all cables do so try a different cable if the current one is not working.
2. It’s possible you fried the pro micro, I’ve done this to many over the years. If QMK toolbox isn’t detecting it and you changed the cable, that’s the most common other issue from my experience.
3. It is also possible that QMK Toolbox is just being buggy. You can try running the same command but instead of “compile” change it to “flash” which should then allow you to flash the pro micro from the command line.
@@joe_scotto i´ve tried with a bm40 that has a atmega32u4 and flash option turns available, now i really dont know why my pro micros dont work with toolbox, maybe my version of atmega arent compatible? cause i bouhgt them at aliexpress
Thanks!
Hi. Great vid. Got it working. The only thing that i cant figure out is adding macros in Vial. Whenever i add one the program requests an unlock by pressing 2 keys. I can not get the board to unlock! Thanks
This is fantastic, thank you. Hopefully I can build a stenography keyboard like this. I am not sure how to add a stenography layer to my current keyboard using the QMK configurator.
You would probably have to configure it with code. I know QMK supports it and I believe it uses a program to convert the key codes into steno.
What extension changes the color of nested JSON keys?
Is it possible to use RGB switches and set the lights using the pro micro and/or the firmware?
Hey! What do you use for having that Terminal and the Always on Top image? Loved the explanation and how clean the matrix looked, great Vid!
The terminal is just iTerm. I pin the images with a Mac screenshot too called “Cleanshot X”
Thanks for sharing this and your files. I just made this over the weekend and am fairly inexperienced in coding etc but was able to figure out what applications to download (VS code, QMK Toolkit) and if the directory for the firmware wasn't found while at the cd step, lookup how to link the appropriate drive.
One thing I noticed (unless I messed up) is that the wiring to the pro micro around 20:20 in the video seemed off as I was getting 1,4,7 etc.. in my top row rather than 1,2,3. Wasnt a big deal and instead of re-soldering the board I just updated the keymap and reflashed the pro micro and problem solved.
Any suggestions on good shortcuts to program into the macropad? Thanks again for sharing as it makes me want to design my own number pad in fusion360.
Glad you could build it :)
As for shortcuts, really anything you would want. I set mine up as a numpad where if you press 1 and 2 at the same time it fires 0 since there aren't 10 keys on it but then the rest is just the standard 1-9. Media keys are very common, emoji shortcuts, or have buttons launch specific apps.
Came here from Reddit - great video, very informative!
Glad it was helpful!
I wish you could explain why the diodes are needed as well as how the mCU gets which letter is pressed when multiple at once (sweep of all the row collums combination ? )
nice video
If you tin the wires before you won't need to heat the copper so high on the switch to get a solid joint
This is cool - can you program these to perform more complex key-combos? like Command + F9 or something along those lines? could you also add an LED to show some sort of status, like mute/un-mute?
Yup, what you’re looking for is a “macro” which allows you to basically program the key to do anything you want. You can program the board to show caps or num lock status but it can’t get info from the computer so no volume or mute status.
This might be a year or two too late, but I'm wondering if it's possible to do a programmable keyboard that simply simulates keyboard input?
Press X, Y, Z at various intervals and send to the PC through the use of USB cable ?
Спасибо, чувак. Я наконец-то нашёл видео, в котором мне объяснили!
can you make an explanation video on keyboard knobs?
For the copper wire when you say 16 Ga is that swg or awg?
very helpful video, thanks a lot ! I was wondering, is it possible to an irregular matrix ? Like 4x9 ?
Yeah, you could even do like a 1x1 matrix lol. It’s really whatever you decide as long as your controller has enough pins for the rows and columns.
@@joe_scotto would you recommand to use resistors ? I saw that in other tutorials
how do the controller differentiate 3 combination in a square because the 2 row and column are on in every combination
I actually looking this kind of video like months ago, so happy to finally find this.
Also , are there any alternative to soldering ? I dont have the tools , so can I use other way to replace the soldering part ?
There are some methods that use 3D printed hot swap sockets. However, to my knowledge there isn’t any way to not have to solder the matrix together and to the controller.
@@joe_scotto can i somehow use like some kind of tape ?
@@peastfist1602 I mean in theory you could wire everything up and glue it but that is EXTREMELY likely to have issues.
great tutorial/intro to the world of handwired keyboards. Do you think you would add VIA to your code or create a video explaining how to add VIA?
I might eventually but it’s not on the immediate list of things.
What was that floating image window, how did you achieve that. P.S great video thanks
Read through the comments, it is "Cleanshot X"
you should make a diy for a all button hitbox with a pcb,for figting games!!
does this design have n-key rollover? I'm trying to make a steno keyboard
Bump up your font size in vscode next time, it will be much easier to follow along. Specially on mobile. Great video. Thanks
Yup… I learned that on my newer videos lol. Glad you enjoyed it otherwise!
hi everyone.
I need help on this one.
I did already lots of research ansd I wasn't able to have a key that do a combination of 2 combinations.
In my case I want to do Ctrl+K and Ctrl+C to comment a line of code on VSCode.
Is it possible?
thx
Does anyone know if it is possible to wire up multiple controllers to a single keypad in order to send out a keypress to, for instance, 3 computers with a single keypress? Could you just come off the end of each grid with 3 wires instead of 1? With each one going to a different controller?
are those keyboard projects TKLS?
I am about to wire my first keyboard matrix. This is by far the best guide I have found. But I am confused, do I not need any grounding on a diode style matrix?
Nope, no grounding is needed for a matrix with diodes. If you did direct wiring, all switches could share ground then get an individual pin each.
What a reaction speed for a year old video. Thank you!
@@joe_scotto
how do you pin the screenshot of the microcontroller as a window like that? seems really useful
It’s a program called “Cleanshot X”
@Joe Scotto Can i use a Pi Pico instead of a Pro micro for this build?
I don’t think it would fit in the macropad but QMK does seem to support the Pico so I don’t see why not.
hello, i want to built a cheap split keyboard and have been looking into the cheapino. I am concerned about the soldering fumes but don't have enough money for a fume extractor. Do i have to be concerned?
You’ll be fine if you just sit by a window with a fan. You don’t need a fume extractor especially if you’re just building a board once in a while.
I can still use an Arduino Nano right? No difference? Or will I encounter some delay when typing?
It is very unlikely that any MCU you use would have noticeable input delay. However, I know some people have a hard time flashing firmware onto a Nano so take that into consideration. You would be better suited using a Pro Micro or RP2040 board.
So I am planning on making your scotto40 but I have a question. Does the code and layout for that build include function keys or secondary keys, or can they only be mapped to 1 function?
There is a layer on the number layer for function keys.
The board basically has 4 layers, the main one (Colemak), code layer, number layer, and function keys/QMK bootloader
@@joe_scotto ok I am not familiar with the code but I really like building this stuff. I just finished an azeron copy yesterday. The code was very easy for that . I have a spare pro micro and might as well use it. Do you have a discord group or something you can be reached on easier?
Hm.. I keep having trouble with my last row (the one that doesn't need shrink wrap) I have it wired the same as the rest if the 3x3 but that row doesn't work -- Does it matter which side I solder to on the copper wire when connecting it to the microcontroller?
Nope, it doesn’t matter where you connect the copper to the wire but you need to make sure you’re wiring it to the correct pin on the controller.
My handwired ortho keyboard was listed from qmk!!!!
Oh nice! What’s it called?
This can work with Arduino Leonardo?
@joe_scotto does the diameter of the copper wire matter that much, you used 16 gauge (1.3mm) but I can only find 18 gauge (1mm). Should I be fine using it?
Anything from 14-18g is what I use but it really doesn’t matter. You could use even smaller but I wouldn’t go larger than 14g.
@@joe_scotto thanks a lot, also how are you securing the metal standoffs into the case, is it just hot glued to the case floor above the screw holes?
@@chimage532 The standoffs are just screwed in, they have holes on each side.
Will you show how to handwire a split keyboard using TRRS, like crone for example ?
I have more builds coming soon and one of them is a split that uses two controllers
You can 'encode' the outputs of some of the row or column lines, and then add a decoder chip. The 74HC138 will decode 3 lines into 8. This gives you an extra 5 IO lines. Use two of these chips to encode 4 lines into 16. This gives you 12 extra IO lines. Some changes will be needed to the software, but that isn't rocket science.
You don't need to clip the rows diode legs flush with the copper wire - you can bend them back g firth several times, they will snap exactly where the solder ends and they will be flush
Sure, but then you’re putting additional stress on the solder joint which isn’t good to do.
we're doing the scotto9 file. Everything is ready, but there are some points that we can't understand because we don't use a mac; I can't upload these files to the pro card. Can you tell me how it was loaded? The key links you made are not the same as the file. is it enough for us to connect it to the ends numbered 2 3 4 5 and 6 and change the row columns from the program? Thank you
You can change the pins on the controller to whatever you feel is best, they don’t have to be exactly what I showed. As for uploading you can use QMK Toolbox after compiling.
Can I wire every individual switch to the microcontroller for a single row board? If so do i have to use both pins or just one?
Yes, that's called direct wiring. You will need one GPIO pin for each switch and then they all can share the ground pin. So for my 3x3 example, you'll need 9 GPIO and then 1 ground pin.
@@joe_scottoso one copper rod through all of the switches' ground pins and direct wiring to gpio with each switches' other pin? Sorry if my wording is weird and thanks for the quick reply.
@@christianslaughter8724 yup, that’s correct :)
@@joe_scotto got it. Thanks for the support, your vids are amazing.
Could you please expand on your closing note about running into bugs?
Do you mean fixing soldering issues or firmware bugs?
I have built a number of split boards from kits but never hand wired. The only ‘debugging’ I have come across is having to reflow solder etc.
I’m about to embark on my custom, so any input would be greatly appreciated.
Both. You will end up messing up something in the firmware or wiring stuff up incorrectly, it’s just part of building handwired boards. The most common issue I encounter is wiring my rows/columns backwards either on the physical board or in firmware.
@@joe_scotto Thank you for your time.
Can I use zmk instead of qmk and how do I flash firmware for the Pro Micro ?
Thanks you
ZMK doesn’t run in a Pro Micro, it’s incompatible with the chip.
So the advantage of a PCB is simply that all this wiring is embedded in the board, and the reason those are difficult to design is because when they are embedded so close together, their em fields disrupt each other if it's not designed well enough
Nope, not anywhere near as complex as what you’re saying. PCBs are simply what I showed in this video but easily mass produced and easier to wire up. They get complicated with integrated micro controllers however.
where do i download the qmk firmware?
have you ever used enameled copper wire?
Can you make a wireless one that has light speed wireless
Can we just flash the micro controller using the kb firmware builder??
If you build a handwired version of one of the supported boards within the online tool it should work. But, if you're building one completely from scratch, it won't be in the tool.
How did you pin that screenshot, is this a macos thing ?
Cleanshot X
@@joe_scotto thanks for sharing
@@joe_scotto also many thanks for creating these videos on keyboards and firmware’s I learned a lot from you. God bless you.
what's the keeb on the thumbnail? thanks!
github.com/joe-scotto/keyboards/tree/main/Scotto36
How do i know what pin to link the rows and columns to
When you define them in info.json.
How do i get those copper wires? I can only find enameled ones
Its called “dead soft copper wire” and this is the exact stuff I use: amzn.to/3xLDVvJ
Hello, I'm not expert. Someone can explain how can it works without vcc/gnd wired?