Custom mechanical keyboard build: S60-X

January 10, 2017

Final shot of the board, programmed with orange underglow.

Background

This was my second custom build after the PS2AVR. It was built using a S60-X RGB kit from Sentraq.

The kit is a 60% sandwich style similar to the PS2AVR but without all the extra keys. I've since found that 60% is my ideal keyboard size.

Everything for this build came in the kit, so I didn't have to order separate components or keycaps from any other sources.

The customised kit I ordered consisted of:

I figured I'd give Gateron Browns a go on this build. Other boards I have use Cherry Clears, Blues, and Zeal 65g switches.

The PBT 'Blank' key se was really nice quality actually for the price of the kit.

The PCB runs TMK firmware, not the easiest thing to flash and setup for a noobie but I got there in the end using dfu-programmer via command line.

Stabilizers in place first. These were super rattly, ended up lubing them a fair bit after.

Switches all soldered in.

Case assembled. I'm looking at getting some black M3 screws for the top plate to make it match the caps a little better.

Below you can see the dark gray feet work well with the orange plates.

Next, I tested the LEDs and underglow before assembling the case.

White LEDs were a mistake, I've since ordered orange LEDs and will have to go through the process of desoldering all of these (!).

I did have to do a fair bit of digging around to figure out how to flash custom firmware/keymaps as I'm a complete noob to TMK firmware etc.

In the end this is how I got it all to work via command-line on OSX which you can read about here.