Today we're going to be taking a look at just how simple it is to design your own mechanical keyboard PCB within Kicad. We will cover everything from setting up the program along with applicable symbol and footprint libraries, designing the schematic, laying out the PCB, and finally some information on the differences between HASL and ENIG when ordering.

~ Links ~
   • How a Mechanical Keyboard Works (Matr...  
   • How to Build a Handwired Keyboard  
   • How to Design Mechanical Keyboard Pla...  
Kicad: https://kicad.org
ScottoKicad: https://github.com/joe-scotto/scottok...

Find out more about the project: https://scottokeebs.com
Donations greatly appreciated: https://bit.ly/41odBEu
Patreon:   / joe_scotto  

~ Handwiring Tools ~
TS100 Soldering Iron: https://amzn.to/3LCsrkb
D24 Chisel Tip: https://amzn.to/3VFxiES
63/37 Solder: https://amzn.to/3uBlMPu

~ Handwiring Parts ~
1N4148 Diodes: https://amzn.to/3Ccljbb
16g Copper Wire: https://amzn.to/3xLDVvJ
Raspberry Pi Pico: https://amzn.to/3HglCVb
Arduino Pro Micro: https://amzn.to/3HkR9Fn
Ethernet Cable: https://amzn.to/3uyaOKr
M2x6mm Screws: https://amzn.to/3UI1bDH
M2x8mm Spacer: https://amzn.to/3Y4KzJ3
M2 Heat Set Insert: https://amzn.to/3WjklB9
Durock Stabilizers: https://amzn.to/3FgcLQR

~ 3D Printing ~
Ender-3 Pro: https://amzn.to/3VIWryL
PEI Magnetic Bed: https://amzn.to/3Hi7URx
Dual Z Upgrade: https://amzn.to/3h7DTJy
BLTouch Auto-Leveling: https://amzn.to/3UGEBv8

~ Favorite Cheap Switches ~
Gateron Milky Yellow: https://amzn.to/3Bk0Cci
Akko Lavender Purple: https://amzn.to/3VJy440

~ Social ~
  / joe_scotto  
  / joe_scotto  
https://ko-fi.com/joe_scotto

~ Community ~
ScottoKeebs Discord:   / discord  
Handwired Keyboards Reddit:   / handwiredkeyboards  

~ Timestamps ~
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Setup
2:48 - Schematic
7:35 - Footprint Assignment
8:43 - PCB Setup
9:14 - Grid System
10:04 - Positioning
13:55 - Routing Traces
15:37 - Vias
16:17 - Controller Wiring
16:46 - Design Rules Checker
17:00 - Edge Cuts
17:38 - Filled Zones
18:45 - Exporting Gerbers
18:56 - Ordering PCBs
19:15 - HASL vs ENIG
19:58 - Outro

~ Disclaimer ~
Some links may be affiliate links where I will make a small commission. Nothing in this video was sponsored by any outside party and I wasn't paid for the content in this video.

#mechanicalkeyboard #kicad #pcb