Tools and Preparation for Assembly

A successful keyboard build begins with having the right tools on hand. A little preparation goes a long way in making the assembly process smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you're doing a simple hotswap build or a full soldering job, this checklist will ensure you have everything you need.

Good tools not only make the job easier—they can mean the difference between a satisfying build experience and a frustrating one.

For ALL Builds (Hotswap and Soldered)

These are the absolute essentials that every builder should have.

• A Clean, Well-Lit Workspace: You'll be working with small components. A large, clean desk or workbench with good lighting is crucial. A desk mat or cutting mat can provide a soft, non-scratch surface and protect your desk.
• Keycap Puller: Essential for installing and removing keycaps without damaging them or the switches. Wire pullers are strongly recommended over the plastic ring-style pullers, as the plastic ones can scratch the sides of your keycaps.
• Switch Puller: For hotswap builds, this is non-negotiable. It's a tool designed to grip the top and bottom tabs of a switch to pull it out of the hotswap sockets safely. For soldered builds, it's still useful for removing switches from the plate before soldering.
• Small Phillips Head Screwdriver: Most keyboard cases use small Phillips head screws (often size #0 or #1). A good set of jeweler's screwdrivers or an electronics-focused screwdriver kit (like those from iFixit) is a great investment for this and other hobbies.
• Tweezers: Incredibly useful for picking up and positioning small components like screws, stabilizer parts, or errant switch pins. Non-conductive (ceramic-tipped) or standard metal tweezers will work.

For Soldered Builds (In Addition to the Above)

If your build requires soldering, you'll need some specialized equipment.

• Soldering Iron: You don't need a top-of-the-line model, but a decent iron with adjustable temperature is highly recommended. A fixed-temperature iron can get too hot and damage the PCB. The Hakko FX-888D is a classic and reliable choice for beginners. A good quality T12-style soldering station is also an excellent, often more budget-friendly, option.
• Solder: Leaded solder (like a 60/40 or 63/37 tin/lead blend) is generally easier to work with than lead-free solder because it melts at a lower temperature and flows more smoothly. A thin gauge (like 0.031" or 0.8mm) is ideal for PCB work.
• Solder Sucker (Desoldering Pump): Mistakes happen. A solder sucker is a spring-loaded vacuum pump that allows you to remove molten solder, making it possible to desolder a switch if you make a mistake or need to replace it.
• (Optional) Desoldering Braid/Wick: This is a copper braid that also helps remove solder, especially from smaller joints. It's a great companion to a solder sucker.
• Flush Cutters: For trimming the legs of through-hole components like LEDs and diodes after soldering.
• (Strongly Recommended) Fume Extractor: Soldering fumes contain flux and lead particles which are not good to breathe. A small desktop fume extractor with a carbon filter will make your experience much safer and more pleasant. At a minimum, work in a well-ventilated area.

Nice-to-Have Extras

These items aren't strictly necessary, but they can make the process much easier and result in a better final product.

• Stabilizer Lube: Applying a bit of dielectric grease or a specialized lube like Krytox 205g0 to your stabilizers is the single best thing you can do to improve the sound and feel of your larger keys and eliminate rattle. Different lube viscosities work better for different stabilizer types.
• Small Brush: A small, fine-tipped brush (like a size 0 or 00 artist's brush) is perfect for applying lube to stabilizers and even switches. Natural bristles often work better than synthetic for even application.
• Parts Tray: A small tray with multiple compartments (like a pill organizer or a magnetic project tray) is perfect for keeping screws, stabilizer parts, and other small components organized and preventing them from rolling away.
• Switch Opener: If you plan on lubricating or filming your switches, a switch opener is essential for taking them apart safely and efficiently. Different opener designs work better with specific switch types.

With your toolkit assembled, you're ready to start the build. First up, the beginner-friendly path: the Hotswap Assembly Guide.