How to Design and Build Your Own Keyboard

In this tutorial you will design and build your own keyboard. You will also learn all the essentials to design and build any electronics.

This project guides you through designing your own custom keyboard, from the initial concept to the final product. Even if you've never designed anything before, this tutorial will show you how to:

1. draw schematic,
2. design a custom PCB (Printed Circuit Board),
3. design a box / case / enclosure,
4. order and manufacture PCB, Assembly, 3D Printing, CNC.

Throughout this project, you'll gain essential skills for designing any electronic product. The end result will be a fully functional keyboard you can use daily. The keyboard is highly customizable—you can modify key shortcuts, create macros, or adjust colors directly in your web browser.

This project is open-source. All necessary files are available on GitHub and other linked resources (mentioned below):

1. Finished project (EasyEDA): https://oshwlab.com/robertferanec/custom-keyboard
2. Github (HW + 3D + SW): https://github.com/FEDEVEL/custom-keyboard
3. Thingiverse (3D): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6784228

Software apps and online services used in the project:

1. EasyEDA - https://easyeda.com/
2. VIA - https://www.caniusevia.com/
3. QMK Firmware - https://qmk.fm/

Introduction & Project Overview

In this tutorial, you will design and build your own custom keyboard from scratch. Even if you have no prior experience, you’ll learn the entire process—from schematic design to PCB layout and case creation.

Steps:

1. Project Overview – Understand what we will design, including the PCB, custom key layout, and case.
2. Required Tools & Software – Install and set up EasyEDA, the software we’ll use for designing the schematic and PCB.
3. Creating a New Project – Learn how to start a new project and name the schematic, PCB, and project files.

Completing the Keyboard Schematic

Now, we’ll finish the schematic by adding switches, diodes, and essential components needed for a functioning keyboard.

Steps:

1. Understanding the Keyboard Matrix – Learn how keys are connected using rows and columns.
2. Adding Switch Sockets – Place switch sockets in the schematic to allow for hot-swappable switches.
3. Connecting Components – Wire the switches, diodes, and microcontroller to ensure proper functionality.

Converting the Schematic to PCB

With the schematic complete, it's time to turn it into a physical PCB layout.

Steps:

1. Placing Components on the PCB – Position switches, diodes, and the microcontroller on the board.
2. Optimizing Traces – Route the connections between components to ensure proper signal flow.
3. Adding Mounting Holes & Labels – Prepare the PCB for manufacturing by adding essential details.

Manufacturing the PCB

Once the PCB design is complete, we’ll prepare it for production and order the necessary components.

Steps:

1. Generating Gerber Files – Create the files needed to send to a PCB manufacturer.
2. Ordering the PCB – Choose a manufacturer and submit your design.
3. Purchasing Components – Get all the required parts for assembly.

Assembling and Soldering the Keyboard

Now, it's time to bring the keyboard to life by assembling and soldering the components.

Steps:

1. Soldering Surface-Mount Components (SMDs) – Learn how to place and solder the microcontroller and other small parts.
2. Attaching Switch Sockets – Secure the sockets to allow for hot-swappable switches.
3. Testing Connections – Check for continuity and troubleshoot any issues.

Programming the Keyboard with QMK

The hardware is ready—now we’ll install the firmware to make it functional.

Steps:

1. Setting Up QMK Firmware – Download and configure the firmware for your keyboard.
2. Customizing Key Mapping – Define your own key layouts and macros.
3. Flashing the Firmware – Upload the firmware to the microcontroller and test the keyboard.

Final Assembly & Testing

With everything working, it’s time to finalize the build and put it into a case.

Steps:

1. 3D Printing the Case – Learn how to design and print a custom case.
2. Installing the PCB and Switches – Secure everything inside the case.
3. Final Testing & Adjustments – Ensure all keys and functions are working as expected.