Tutorial - Custom DIY Keyboard Design and Build | Part 3: PCB - Component Placement @RobertFeranec
Tutorial - Custom DIY Keyboard Design and Build | Part 3: PCB - Component Placement  @RobertFeranec
Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this tutorial you will design and build your own keyboard. You will also learn all the essentials to design and build any electronics. Enjoy!

Links:
- Do you have any questions? Ask them on our Discord here: discord.gg/8a8dUcHmrx
- Learn Schematic design and PCB layout from FEDEVEL Online courses: fedevel.com/courses
- The case is 3D printed at @JLC3DP and PCB is manufactured by @JLCPCB

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

Other parts of this tutorial:
- Part 1: Schematic - RP2040 youtu.be/N4cLFE0FF2U
- Part 2: Schematic - Keyboard youtu.be/rMoTqSC9wrY
- Part 3: PCB - Component Placement (this video) youtu.be/nMwamrZE_rc
- Part 4: PCB Layout youtu.be/owdtLw_EZdU
- Part 5: PCB Layout improvement youtu.be/d8C-tk0B4Qg
- Part 6: Case / Box design youtu.be/4v2gWze6xi4
- Part 7: Manufacturing youtu.be/bpns0GSR_zI
- Part 8: Building youtu.be/sfcFgt5RZbM

Link to the complete playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvLToQzgzdftro2qK5In8p6ExsDFdpzw

CONGRATULATIONS! You designed and built your own keyboard. Well done!

Follow up / BONUS videos:
The follow up videos are not needed to build your keyboard. However I still would like to create them as they can be helpful. So when I have time or if this tutorial gets more views I will record them.
- BONUS: Customizing software for your QMK keyboard
- BONUS: How to add a custom image on your case / box
- BONUS: More details about 3D design (if enough people are interested I can make additional videos about how to design a nice enclosure, keycaps, knobs, etc ...)

If you would like to see the BONUS videos, please let me know in comments.

Chapters:
00:00 What is this tutorial about
00:39 Mounting holes
02:12 USB-C connector
03:50 Drawing board shape
06:27 Rotary encoders
07:11 Buttons
09:22 Sockets
10:40 LEDs under buttons
12:44 Metal plate holders
13:49 RP2040
14:48 USER and Power LEDs
17:44 Debug header
18:01 Set Net and Layer colors
19:29 Decoupling capacitors around MCU
24:15 USB resistors
25:00 Crystal circuit
27:00 Series termination resistors
28:30 Filters
30:40 Flash
31:27 Reset button + schematic update
34:06 Boot button and circuit update
35:53 Components around USB-C connector
38:09 Power for LEDs
38:46 Voltage regulator
39:52 LED resistors
41:08 Level translator
41:59 Diodes
44:37 Components around encoders
49:26 Decoupling capacitors for LEDs
51:46 Double check position of components
53:27 Placement finished
54:14 Thank you for watching

------------------------------------------------------
Would you like to support me? It's simple:

- Sign up for online courses hosted on our platform: fedevel.com
- You can also support me through Patreon: patreon.com/robertferanec

It is much appreciated. Thank you,
- Robert
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Robert Feranec |

Tutorial - Custom DIY Keyboard Design and Build | Part 3: PCB - Component Placement

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