First custom board

[raxander]

I'm very happy with my first custom board!



Components: 
FaceW SPRiT edition PCB: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1351
Plate from 1upkeyboards.com: https://1upkeyboards.com/diy-universal-60-keyboard-kit-ss.html
67g Zealios: https://zealpc.net/products/zealio
PCB-mounted Cherry Stabilizers:  https://zealpc.net/collections/accessories/products/pcb-plate-mount-cherry-stabilizers
Doubleshot PBT keycaps: http://www.wasdkeyboards.com/index.php/products/keycap-set/doubleshot-pbt-104-key-cherry-mx-keycap-set-black-slate.html

Case will be a Lambo 60% on order from KBDFans:  https://kbdfans.myshopify.com/collections/case/products/iqunix-lambo-60-aluminum-case
...and a custom cable from Pexon when it's ready.

I'm typing on it right now without a case and it feels fantastic.  Deeply satisfying!  The sound of the zealios with PBT keycaps is really nice.

Some build notes that might be helpful for beginners like me thinking of taking the plunge:
1. I thought I would use holtites because I wanted to be able to change switches, but I found them to be fiddly to install, and too easy to pop out once installed. Also I had some trouble getting the switches to sit flush on the PCB so I was afraid the plate would ride up off the PCB without soldering.  I'm sure these are not issues for more experienced builders, but in my case I found soldering easier and more worry-free.
2. The soldering took about 5-10 minutes all together and I had exactly zero prior experience.  Maybe I was lucky. Just watched a couple of videos and the first switch went ok - nice little cone.  I did have a few big balls, but I tested those keys and they work so I haven't fixed them but I think it's easy to do.
3.  I did not lube or clip the stabilizers. Not really getting any rattle and the feel seems fine, though I'm not a connoisseur.  I might grease them later if it's noticeable.
4.  I had some trouble mounting the stabilizers on the plate. One thing to note on the FaceW is the wire for the spacebar stabilizer should go up instead of down because of the way the mounting holes are set.  This gave me some palpitations until I stumbled on a video of someone installing them on this PCB.

The main point is: Go for it!  It's way easier than I thought it would be. 

[tp4tissue]

Good stuff..

Looks k00..

[SBJ]

The main point is: Go for it!  It's way easier than I thought it would be.

Will definitely give out some confidence to people. I am inspired by your words.
Also: great board man looks really sweet.

[Bi0]

Nice work!  Soldering isn't too bad once you've done it a few times and the satisfaction you get from making or repairing something on your own is 100 fold better than just ordering a completed board.

[tp4tissue]

Nice work!  Soldering isn't too bad once you've done it a few times and the satisfaction you get from making or repairing something on your own is 100 fold better than just ordering a completed board.

This is not universally true.

[raxander]

Lambo case arrived today!  Love it!



The metal case definitely makes the keys much louder.  I kind of like it though.  Might add some shelf liner if it gets annoying.

I was getting a very weird problem where I'd be typing, and suddenly 1-2 keys would not register, then I'd press another key and one or both of the previous keys would magically appear, along with the last one pressed.  I used Switch Hitter to test and saw that in some cases I would get a key down event with no corresponding key up after release.  I thought maybe the USB packets were getting dropped somehow, and sure enough when I connect directly to my laptop instead of through the docking station the issue doesn't arise.  I didn't experience the issue with my Filco so maybe there's some difference in how the FaceW communicates?  Anyone experienced something like that?