How to Build a Mechanical Keyboard | Simple Step-by-Step Guide | MODE Sonnet

Learn how to build a custom mechanical keyboard from start to finish and how to customize the look, feel, and sound. Details & links below 👇🏽
Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this video: https://squarespace.com/matthewencina

❓ Building your first keyboard? Read the build guide I made with ‪@sampakpak‬ on 👉🏽 https://www.modmusings.com/how-to-bui...

▬▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
Using some of the affiliate links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost. This is the easiest way to support me and helps me continue making content like this for you. Thank you 🙏

⌨️ Mode Sonnet, 75% Keyboard: https://modedesigns.com/modmusings

🖌 Get your hand-lubricated switches from: https://loobedswitches.com/?ref=KGPdWGkp
For 5% off your purchase, use code: modmusings

🖥 Other items featured (leave me a comment if you're looking for something specific):
Logitech Lift Mouse: https://geni.us/Logi-Lift
Custom LEMO USB-C cable: https://geni.us/Custom-LEMO
Black cutting mat: https://geni.us/Alvin-Cutting-Mat
Desk pad by Grovemade: https://geni.us/Grovemade-Desk-Pads
HOTO electronic precision screwdriver: https://geni.us/HOTO-E-Screwdriver
Small wood tray: https://www.designcraftworkshop.com/c...
Black cutting mat: https://amzn.to/3LR2yyp

🗳 Stackable Storage Bin system (for switches and parts:
Slim: https://geni.us/artbin-slim
Medium: https://geni.us/artbin-med
Large: https://geni.us/artbin-large
Mini-bins, to go inside: https://geni.us/mini-bins
Long Mini-bin: https://geni.us/long-mini-bin

🖥 Details about my office can be found here: https://www.modmusings.com/blog/home-...

▬▬▬▬▬ Mode Sonnet Builds featured ▬▬▬▬▬

Configuration 1: Baseline
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. Copper accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Isolated top mount. FR4 plate. No sound mods.
Switches: Gazzew Boba U4T tactile (L+F)
Keycaps: GMK Nines – https://geni.us/GMK-Nines

Configuration 2: Muted Copper
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. Copper accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Stack mount. POM Plate. Silicone + foam mods.
Switches: Gateron Black Inks v2 Linear (L)
Keycaps: GMK Nines, DIY copper spacebar – https://geni.us/GMK-Nines

Configuration 3: Black & Silent
Case: Silver top. Black bottom. Black accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Stack mount. POM Plate. Silicone + foam mods.
Switches: Gazzew Silent Boba U4 tactile (stock)
Keycaps: PBT Fans Neon – https://geni.us/PBTfans-Neon

Configuration 4: Bright & Loud
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. DIY wood accent. Copper weight
Build details: Isolated top mount. No sound mods.
Switches: Durock Koala tactile (L+F)
Keycaps: GMK Minimal R2

▬▬▬▬▬ Keyboard Online Shops ▬▬▬▬▬
⌨️ Here are a few places to get your keyboards and accessories:

Novelkeys: https://novelkeys.com/modmusings
Mode: https://modedesigns.com/modmusings
KBD Fans: https://kbdfans.com/r?id=p3hc9o
Omnitype: omnitype.com/MODMUSINGS
Kinetic Labs: https://kineticlabs.com/?ref=modmusings

▬▬▬▬▬ Misc ▬▬▬▬▬
📱 Live by Design, Not by default Wallpaper: https://matthewencina.gumroad.com/l/b...

🎧 Do you like the music in this video?
The tracks are from Artlist. Get two free months when you sign up through my affiliate link: https://bit.ly/artlist-matthewencina

🎥 The gear I use to make my videos: https://kit.co/MatthewEncina/matthew-...

If you're reading this, drop a ☕️ emoji in the comments

▬▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 – Introduction
1:39 – About the Mode Sonnet Keyboard
2:03 – Parts needed to build a keyboard
2:38 – Tools needed to build a keyboard
3:03 – How to Test your PCB with VIA
3:49 – How to tune, lube, and install stabilizers
4:51 – Choosing a plate for your keyboard
5:38 – How to install MX style keyboard switches
7:25 – How to fix a bent switch pin
7:35 – Mounting your keyboard to your case
8:45 – How to install keycaps
9:31 – Remapping keys on VIA
9:46 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 1 Sound Test
11:20 – DIY spray painting keycaps
12:00 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 2 Sound Test
12:48 – Laser engraving a keyboard
13:07 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 3 Sound Test
14:04 – DIY wood keyboard accent
14:56 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 4 Sound Test

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DISCLAIMERS:

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

▬▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬▬
My Website: https://www.matthewencina.com
My blog: https://www.modmusings.com
Home projects on Instagram:   / modmusings  
Personal Instagram:   / matthewencina  


▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by Matthew Encina
Renders created by Yuzu Studios ‪@AvinashKunjamboo‬
Wood accent made by ‪@DesignCraftWorkshop‬

#MechanicalKeyboards #DeskSetup #ModMusings #MatthewEncina