Building my Custom Keyboard (FaceW, FMJ #2, etc)

[HPE1000]

This will be a build log for my keyboard. I had been wanting to do this for months and I can finally start, I have been getting parts for it since October last year. The PCB and Plate are in the mail and should get here today or tomorrow and I will start assembly shortly after.

Keyboard "specs"
-Cherry MX Clears (67g Limited Springs, Lime Green Switch Stickers, Krytox Lubricant, Transparent Switch Tops)
-GMK Classic Beige Doubleshot Keycaps
-FMJ Design #2 Grey
-Sprits "FaceW" 60% PCB (Black)
-5mm Acrylic Plate
-Green LEDs
-Cherry PCB Mount Stabilizers (Clipped and Lubricated)

This will be my first real custom keyboard, and the first keyboard I fully solder. I am soldering the Diodes, Resistors, Switches, and LEDs.

Here are some pictures of the parts going in this keyboard.

[Signature]

Loving this! Can't wait to get some updates!

[b7ad]

Look forward to updates. Those transparent switch tops look great!

[CPTBadAss]

Is that screw there just to hold down the drawer liner or do you just have it threaded in there for safe keeping? Nice pictures too

[HPE1000]

Is that screw there just to hold down the drawer liner or do you just have it threaded in there for safe keeping? Nice pictures too

What screw? 

[CPTBadAss]

Looks like there's a screw center right in the case holding in the drawer liner? Close to the right edge.

[SpAmRaY]

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Looks like there's a screw center right in the case holding in the drawer liner? Close to the right edge.

Isn't that just the stand-off in the bottom of the case?

[Photekq]

C'mon CPT, step it up. You should've known that was a standoff for the PCB.

[CPTBadAss]

C'mon CPT, step it up. You should've known that was a standoff.

Which is why I asked if it was a screw or it was just a placeholder for something else. Was kinda hoping to see something different in a case design.

[HPE1000]

Nope they are just standoffs.

Well, it is technically together (no leds or led resistors installed though) I have some problems. Lots of keys aren't registering and I don't know if I messed up some soldering(diodes) or what, so I am just going to wait to see if sprit has any advice. (this could all by my fault, first time putting together a keyboard in this fashion)

[CPTBadAss]

If you have a multimeter handy, you can check to see if your solder joints are ok by running a continuity check.

[HPE1000]

If you have a multimeter handy, you can check to see if your solder joints are ok by running a continuity check.

I don't. I mean, I am wondering what it could be because it seems so consistent (maybe not the right word) how the whole bottom row isn't working then the little stripe up the side.

[CPTBadAss]

Maybe you can take a pic to show us the solder joints? That might be a little faster than waiting for sprit's reply?

[jdcarpe]

Probably a couple diodes installed backwards, or maybe the firmware isn't programmed correctly?

[HPE1000]

Probably a couple diodes installed backwards, or maybe the firmware isn't programmed correctly?

I was thinking one of the two, I will flip diodes later today to see.

[HPE1000]

Maybe you can take a pic to show us the solder joints? That might be a little faster than waiting for sprit's reply?

Okay lol

My solder joints are great I think, pics incoming.

[HPE1000]

Working Keys


Non Working Keys (Bottom Row)

[CPTBadAss]

Hm...your joints look ok so I think jdcarpe's got the right idea.

[HPE1000]

Well I have got about 20 mins here before I have to go run off and do something, so I will flip a couple diodes and see what happens.

Edit: Flipping them didn't work

Maybe I should get some through hole diodes and see if that would work.

[Jokrik]

Hope you find the problem soon
You are building a beast as I can see,  well done

[sprit]

It has fixed!  Thanks! HPE1000   
The PCB I sent to HPE1000 was an early hand soldering sample from a factory.  I did not like it, no more samples with them.
We found a cold soldering issue on the MCU, retouched several pins, fixed it.   
I am doing soldering, checking and inspecting all the PCBs to ship.   

[exitfire401]

Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!

[HPE1000]

Hope you find the problem soon
You are building a beast as I can see,  well done

Thank you, it is my dream keyboard

It has fixed!  Thanks! HPE1000   
The PCB I sent to HPE1000 was an early hand soldering sample from a factory.  I did not like it, no more samples with them.
We found a cold soldering issue on the MCU, retouched several pins, fixed it.   
I am doing soldering, checking and inspecting all the PCBs to ship.   

Correct, everything is working now.

Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!

Thank you, I just put on the resistors and I am working on getting all the leds in right now. It is 2 AM currently though lol

[exitfire401]

Correct, everything is working now.

Those stickers look great, and your solder joints look good as well. Good job so far, buddy!

Thank you, I just put on the resistors and I am working on getting all the leds in right now. It is 2 AM currently though lol
[/quote]

Been there haha. Soldering is the easy part though. De-soldering everything on my race took multiple days while soldering took an afternoon. (also helps that all of the SMD components were already soldered.)

[HPE1000]

True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.

[exitfire401]

True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.

That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.

[sprit]

That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.

Great Job!!!        Thanks for Your TIP!
No desoldering is same as what I do, when I put LEDs on the pre-soldered (lead covered) pads in PCBs like Pokers.
- place a LED to the position, heat up positive pad, let the positive LED leg pass thru the pad a little bit. (till the shorter leg touch it's pad)
- Heat both pads to let the both Legs pass all thru, and check all.   

[exitfire401]

True that, desoldering isn't fun at all. I just put LEDS in my poker 2 last night, those stupid presoldered pads over the led holes are annoying.

That can actually be dealt with pretty easily. Just apply heat to the pads, and push the led through from the other side. No de-soldering required =) At least, that's what I did on my friend's poker.

Great Job!!!        Thanks for Your TIP!
No desoldering is exactly what I do, when I put LEDs on the pre-soldered (lead covered) pads in PCBs like Pokers.
- place a LED to the position, heat up positive pad, let the positive LED leg pass thru the pad a little bit. (till the shorter leg touch it's pad)
- Heat both pad to let the both Legs pass all thru,  check it.    That's all.

Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.

[sprit]

Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.

    Yes Sir!  My  Maestro!! 

[exitfire401]

Yup, and then touch up the pad with a little bit of extra solder to make sure the joint is completely filled.

    Yes Sir!  My  Maestro!!

I am but a mere peon compared to the likes of you sir, haha.

[HPE1000]

It's done

[exitfire401]

It's done

YAY!

[HPE1000]

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

[exitfire401]

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

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Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.

[HPE1000]

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

Show Image

Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.

Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40

[exitfire401]

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

Show Image

Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.

Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40

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Looks awesome. And I agree, clears are so spectacularly silent. I've actually been rotating my race 2 in with my alu skin for after the fiancee goes to bed since I finished it because it feels amazing and is almost quieter than my vintage blacks.

[Lain1911]

yummy sour apple.

[n0rvig]

That's such a beauty! Great job HPE1000. I love the green LEDs & stickers.

[HPE1000]

 

[n2k]

So so sexy

Good work! 

[Photekq]

Slick as hell. Nice one

[SpAmRaY]

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

Show Image

Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.

Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40

Show Image

I'd love to see that wich dolch on it

[pmh1410]

Hi HPE, I'm curiour about keymap with FaceU PCB. Can you guide me and everybody to keymap this PCB? Thanks in advance

[HPE1000]

Hi HPE, I'm curiour about keymap with FaceU PCB. Can you guide me and everybody to keymap this PCB? Thanks in advance

I think I will try it soon, I have flashed the firmware already and that was super easy.

Here is a little guide sprit made for it, seems simple enough. He did say he would be working on a more in depth guide soon though.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50580.msg1256970#msg1256970

Slick as hell. Nice one

Thanks, I am so happy to have it done.

So so sexy

Good work! 

I will post more pics tomorrow, it is 3:20 AM but yeahhh  )

Show Image

Looks great! Congrats on the awesome board, and yeah, I don't blame you at all. Go get some sleep...I'd do the same, but I'm working until 7am.

Thanks :D

I am typing this message with the new keyboard. It is SO SO SO silent, this is actually amazing how quiet this thing is. @________________@

Terrible picture, but I am done, 3:40

Show Image

I'd love to see that wich dolch on it

I would too, hopefully dolch will available soon from ivan.

[CK Briefs]

Awesome custom, HPE!

I think I'm more obsessed with the quality of the PCB than the board itself hurhur

[HPE1000]

Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears

It's so nice to listen to.

[pichu23]

Looks great ! I really can't wait to receive mine.

[Jokrik]

Well done!
That looks amazing,  I know how you went through all the troubles to collect all the parts.  And to see it assembled, I can't even imagine your satisfaction

Thumbs up

[sprit]

Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.     -  No Mod?
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.   - Lubed?
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears

It's so nice to listen to.

What makes the difference?  I am interested 
If You have chance, Would You please put the Face +Clear SW +5mm Acrylic Plate combo to the Poker2 case, and compare both, vice versa?

[HPE1000]

Here is a little sound comparison.

Stock poker 2, WASD keycaps, MX Black switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/poker-2-mx-blacks-430

Face W, Cherry keycaps, MX Clear switches.
https://soundcloud.com/user343835333/face-w-clears

It's so nice to listen to.

What makes the difference?  I am interested 
If You have chance, Would You please put the Face +Clear SW +5mm Acrylic Plate combo to the Poker2 case, and compare both, vice versa?

I will do that tomorrow, as I am now interested to find out.

I have a feeling it is a combination of everything, the thick metal case, shelf liner, acrylic plate, and non clicky switches that make this keyboard so quiet.