Introduction to 60% Keyboard PCBs

A 60% keyboard PCB is a compact and efficient printed circuit board designed for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who prefer a minimalist layout without compromising functionality. This article will guide you through the process of building your own 60% keyboard PCB, from understanding the components and layout to soldering and firmware setup.

What is a 60% Keyboard?

A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard layout that omits the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster found on full-sized keyboards. This layout is popular among typing enthusiasts and gamers who value desk space and portability.

Benefits of Building a 60% Keyboard PCB

• Customization: Building your own 60% keyboard PCB allows you to choose your preferred switches, keycaps, and layout.
• Cost-effective: Building a custom keyboard can be more cost-effective than purchasing a pre-built one with similar features.
• Learning experience: Building a keyboard PCB is an excellent opportunity to learn about electronics and soldering.

Components Required for a 60% Keyboard PCB

Before you start building your 60% keyboard PCB, you’ll need to gather the following components:

Component	Description
PCB	The printed circuit board that holds all the components together
Switches	The mechanical switches that register keystrokes (e.g., Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh)
Stabilizers	Stabilizers for larger keys like the spacebar and enter key
Diodes	Used to prevent ghosting and ensure proper key registration
Microcontroller	The brain of the keyboard, usually an ATmega32U4
USB Connector	A USB-C or Mini-USB connector for connecting the keyboard to a computer
Resistors	Used for pull-up resistors and other circuitry
Capacitors	Used for power regulation and filtering
LEDs (optional)	Used for underglow or per-key lighting

Designing Your 60% Keyboard PCB Layout

Choosing a PCB Layout

There are several popular 60% keyboard PCB layouts to choose from, including:

• GH60: A standard 60% layout with a 7u spacebar and a 2.25u left shift
• DZ60: A versatile 60% layout that supports multiple bottom row configurations
• HS60: A hotswap 60% PCB that allows for easy switch replacement

Creating a PCB Design

To create your PCB design, you can use PCB design software such as KiCad or Eagle. These programs allow you to create a schematic and layout for your keyboard PCB. Some popular open-source 60% keyboard PCB designs include:

• ai03’s Voyager60
• Clueboard 60%
• Paladin64

Fabricating Your 60% Keyboard PCB

Once you have your PCB design ready, you’ll need to fabricate the PCB. You can either DIY using a CNC machine or send your design files to a PCB manufacturing service such as JLCPCB or PCBWay.

Ordering Components

While waiting for your PCB to arrive, order the necessary components listed in the table above. Make sure to choose compatible switches and stabilizers for your PCB layout.

Soldering Your 60% Keyboard PCB

Tools Required

• Soldering iron
• Solder
• Flux
• Tweezers
• Wire cutters
• Multimeter (optional)

Soldering Process

1. Start by soldering the diodes, resistors, and capacitors onto the PCB according to the schematic.
2. Next, solder the microcontroller and any necessary headers or sockets.
3. Solder the USB connector, making sure it’s aligned properly with the PCB.
4. If you’re using LEDs, solder them onto the PCB now.
5. Finally, solder the switches onto the PCB, making sure they’re seated properly and aligned with the keycap legends.

Flashing Firmware and Testing

Choosing a Firmware

There are several firmware options available for 60% keyboard PCBs, including:

• QMK: A popular open-source firmware with extensive customization options
• TMK: An older firmware that QMK is based on
• KLL: A firmware developed by Input Club, known for its ease of use

Flashing the Firmware

To flash the firmware onto your 60% keyboard PCB, you’ll need to:

1. Download and install the necessary firmware flashing tools (e.g., QMK Toolbox, dfu-programmer)
2. Put your keyboard into bootloader mode by pressing the reset button or shorting the reset pins
3. Open the firmware flashing tool and select the appropriate firmware file
4. Click “Flash” and wait for the process to complete

Testing Your Keyboard

After flashing the firmware, test your keyboard to ensure all keys are functioning properly. You can use online keyboard testing tools or simply open a text editor and type each key.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Solution
Keys not registering	Check soldering joints, diodes, and switch alignment
Firmware not flashing	Ensure bootloader mode is active and the correct firmware file is selected
LEDs not working	Check polarity and soldering joints
USB connection issues	Check USB connector soldering and cable integrity

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use any switches with a 60% keyboard PCB?

Most 60% keyboard PCBs are designed to be compatible with Cherry MX-style switches or their clones (Gateron, Kailh, etc.). However, some PCBs may have specific switch requirements, so always check the PCB specifications before purchasing switches.

2. Do I need to know how to code to customize my keyboard firmware?

While coding knowledge can be helpful when customizing keyboard firmware, it’s not essential. Many firmware options, such as QMK and VIA, offer user-friendly interfaces and documentation for customizing your keyboard’s layout and functions.

3. How long does it take to build a 60% keyboard PCB?

The time required to build a 60% keyboard PCB varies depending on your experience level and the complexity of the design. On average, expect to spend around 4-8 hours soldering and assembling the components, plus additional time for PCB design and firmware setup.

4. Can I add RGB lighting to my 60% keyboard PCB?

Yes, many 60% keyboard PCBs support RGB lighting, either through underglow or per-key LEDs. Make sure to choose a PCB that has the necessary LED pads and firmware support for RGB lighting.

5. Where can I find keycap sets for my 60% keyboard?

There are numerous sources for keycap sets compatible with 60% keyboards, including:

• Group buys on forums like Geekhack and r/MechanicalKeyboards
• Keyboard retailers such as KBDfans, NovelKeys, and Pimp My Keyboard
• Aftermarket sales on platforms like r/mechmarket and Discord servers

Conclusion

Building a 60% keyboard PCB can be a rewarding and educational experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. By following this guide and investing time in research and practice, you can create a custom keyboard tailored to your preferences and needs. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the community if you encounter any challenges along the way.