Hotswap Build Guide: Assembly Steps

Welcome to the wonderful world of hotswap keyboards! Hotswap PCBs are the perfect entry point into the custom keyboard hobby because they give you the full build experience without requiring any soldering. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

The hotswap build process is straightforward, but attention to detail in each step will ensure your keyboard functions perfectly and lasts for years.

Prerequisite: Before you begin, make sure you have all the tools listed in our Tools and Preparation guide.

Step 1: Test Your PCB

This is the most important step. Do not skip it. Before you assemble anything, plug the bare PCB into your computer. Use a pair of metal tweezers to test each hotswap socket. Touch the tweezers to the two metal contacts inside each socket simultaneously. This should register a keypress on your computer. You can use a keyboard tester website like VIA's testing page or a simple text document. Test every single key. It's much easier to troubleshoot, fix, or return a faulty PCB now than after you've fully assembled it.

Step 2: Prepare and Install Stabilizers

Your stabilizers play a huge role in how your larger keys (Spacebar, Enter, Shift, Backspace) sound and feel. Properly preparing them is the difference between a rattly, cheap-sounding keyboard and a premium one.

  1. Disassemble the Stabilizers: Separate the stem, housing, and wire for each stabilizer.
  2. Lube the Housings: Apply a thin, even coat of lube (like Krytox 205g0) to the inside of the stabilizer housings where the stems move. You want to coat the inner walls without gumming up the mechanism.
  3. Lube the Wires: Apply a thicker amount of lube (like dielectric grease or Krytox XHT-BDZ) to the ends of the stabilizer wires where they clip into the housings. This is the most critical part for eliminating rattle.
  4. (Optional) Holee Mod: For an even more effective result, some users place a small strip of band-aid or specialized foam inside the stabilizer stem where the wire rests. This is known as the "Holee Mod" and can further dampen rattle.
  5. Install on PCB: Reassemble the stabilizers and snap them into the PCB. Ensure they are flush and securely latched. For screw-in stabilizers, gently tighten the screws until they are snug—do not overtighten.

Step 3: Mount the Plate and PCB

If your keyboard has a separate plate, now is the time to attach it. Often, the plate is held in place by the switches themselves, but some designs require you to screw the plate onto the PCB first. If your keyboard uses a "gasket mount" system, you will also apply the gasket foam strips to the plate at this stage.

Step 4: Install the Switches

This is the most satisfying part of a hotswap build.

  1. Inspect the Switch Pins: Before installing each switch, take a moment to look at its metal pins. They should be perfectly straight. If they are bent from shipping, carefully straighten them with tweezers. A bent pin is the most common reason a key won't work in a hotswap build.
  2. Align the First Switch: Take your first switch and carefully align its pins with the hotswap socket on the PCB. Pay close attention to the large central plastic post and the two smaller metal pins. They should line up perfectly with the holes in the PCB.
  3. Support the Socket: When pressing the switch in, support the hotswap socket from behind with your finger. This prevents you from applying too much force and accidentally pushing the socket off the PCB, which is very difficult to repair.
  4. Press Firmly: Press the switch straight down until it clicks securely into place on the plate.
  5. Repeat: Continue this process for all the switches. It's often easiest to install the corner switches first to ensure the plate is aligned correctly, then fill in the rest.

Step 5: First Test with Switches

Before moving on, plug the PCB back into your computer and test every key again, this time by pressing the switches. This ensures all your switches were installed correctly, the pins are making good contact, and none were damaged during installation.

You're almost there! The final step is to put everything in its home. Let's move on to the Final Assembly and Testing.

External Resources