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 youtu.be/nMwamrZE_rc
- Part 4: PCB Layout (this video) 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
00:20 Setting up VIA rules
02:12 Track and clearance rules
06:23 Changing stackup to 4 layers
07:13 Fanout of the bottom MCU pins
13:35 Routing modes
14:09 Fanout of the left MCU pins
21:37 Fanout of the top MCU pins
29:37 Fanout of the right MCU pins
35:28 Connecting FLASH
40:30 Connecting BOOT button
41:48 Finishing the area around MCU
44:32 Connecting columns
51:48 Connecting rows
1:01:24 Connecting encoders
1:12:18 Connecting User LEDs
1:21:56 Connecting USB
1:24:07 Creating differential pair rules
1:31:04 Connecting key LEDs
1:37:17 Updating and connecting buffer
1:45:41 Connecting debug header
1:48:05 Connecting rest of the signal pins
1:49:35 Finishing USB
1:52:51 Connecting power for key LEDs
1:57:27 Connecting 3V3
2:03:21 Connecting 5V_USB
2:05:57 Run DRC and connect rest of the nets
2:11:44 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
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 youtu.be/nMwamrZE_rc
- Part 4: PCB Layout (this video) 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
00:20 Setting up VIA rules
02:12 Track and clearance rules
06:23 Changing stackup to 4 layers
07:13 Fanout of the bottom MCU pins
13:35 Routing modes
14:09 Fanout of the left MCU pins
21:37 Fanout of the top MCU pins
29:37 Fanout of the right MCU pins
35:28 Connecting FLASH
40:30 Connecting BOOT button
41:48 Finishing the area around MCU
44:32 Connecting columns
51:48 Connecting rows
1:01:24 Connecting encoders
1:12:18 Connecting User LEDs
1:21:56 Connecting USB
1:24:07 Creating differential pair rules
1:31:04 Connecting key LEDs
1:37:17 Updating and connecting buffer
1:45:41 Connecting debug header
1:48:05 Connecting rest of the signal pins
1:49:35 Finishing USB
1:52:51 Connecting power for key LEDs
1:57:27 Connecting 3V3
2:03:21 Connecting 5V_USB
2:05:57 Run DRC and connect rest of the nets
2:11:44 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
