qk100 build guide
This guide will walk you through the process of building your own QK100 keyboard. It covers everything from choosing the right parts to assembling the keyboard and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. The QK100 is a versatile keyboard that can be customized to your liking, with a wide variety of options for cases, plates, PCBs, switches, and keycaps. This guide will help you create a keyboard that meets your needs and preferences.
Introduction
Welcome to the world of custom mechanical keyboards! This build guide is your comprehensive resource for assembling your very own QK100, a full-size keyboard crafted by Qwertykeys. The QK100 offers a unique blend of versatility and customization, allowing you to create a keyboard that perfectly aligns with your typing style and aesthetic preferences. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, from selecting components to assembling the keyboard, ensuring a smooth and rewarding building experience.
The QK100 is renowned for its flexibility, offering a wide range of customization options. From the case materials and finishes to the choice of switches, keycaps, and plate configurations, you have the power to create a truly unique keyboard. This guide will delve into each aspect of the build, providing insights and recommendations to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of custom builds, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your QK100 journey.
Throughout this guide, we’ll explore the various components that make up the QK100, providing detailed explanations and helpful tips. We’ll also cover essential aspects like soldering, lubing, and assembly, ensuring that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully build your keyboard. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a deep understanding of the QK100 and the confidence to bring your dream keyboard to life.
QK100 Overview
The QK100 is a full-size keyboard, a departure from Qwertykeys’ previous offerings, known for their smaller form factors. It embraces the classic 1800 layout, commonly referred to as a 96-key keyboard, offering a familiar typing experience with almost all the keys found on a standard 100-key keyboard, except for the pause and scroll lock keys. This layout makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a full-sized keyboard with a slightly more compact footprint. The QK100 is a testament to Qwertykeys’ dedication to offering a diverse range of layouts to cater to different preferences.
Beyond its layout, the QK100 boasts a robust construction, employing high-quality materials and innovative design elements. The case is crafted from 6063 aluminum, available in a variety of anodized and e-coated finishes, adding a touch of sophistication and durability. The weight of the fully assembled keyboard is impressive, ranging from 1.9 to 2.3kg, providing a substantial and stable typing experience. The dimensions of the QK100 are carefully considered, measuring 400mm in width, 135.7mm in depth, and 35mm in height, making it an ideal size for various use cases.
The QK100 is not merely a keyboard but a blank canvas for customization. It offers a plethora of options for plates, PCBs, switches, and keycaps, allowing you to craft a keyboard that reflects your unique style and preferences. Whether you prioritize a specific typing feel, a certain aesthetic, or a combination of both, the QK100 provides the tools to bring your vision to life. This guide will explore these customization options in detail, empowering you to choose the components that best suit your needs.
Build Guide Collection
The QK100 build guide is a comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of assembling your custom keyboard. It provides step-by-step instructions, detailed explanations, and helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful build process. The guide is meticulously organized, breaking down the process into distinct sections, each focusing on a specific aspect of the build.
The QK100 build guide is available on the Qwertykeys website and is also accessible through online platforms like Notion. The guide is designed to be user-friendly, featuring clear and concise language, accompanied by illustrative images and diagrams. Whether you are a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or a first-time builder, the guide provides the necessary information to confidently assemble your QK100.
The build guide covers everything from choosing the right parts to assembling the keyboard and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. It also includes detailed instructions on installing firmware and configuring your QK100 for optimal performance. The guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to build a custom keyboard, particularly for those interested in the QK100. It empowers you to create a keyboard that meets your individual needs and preferences.
QK100 Features
The QK100 is a full-size keyboard that boasts a 1800 layout, known as a 96-key layout. This layout provides a familiar typing experience while eliminating the need for the less-used pause and scroll lock keys. The QK100 is designed to be a versatile keyboard, suitable for both office and gaming use.
The keyboard features a sleek and modern design, with a choice of anodized or e-coated finishes for the aluminum case. The QK100 also offers a range of weight options, including aluminum and stainless steel, allowing you to customize the keyboard’s weight and feel.
The QK100 supports both top mount and gasket mount configurations. The gasket mount provides a softer typing experience, while the top mount offers a stiffer feel. The keyboard also features a tri-mode PCB, allowing you to connect it via USB-C, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz wireless. The QK100 is designed for customization and flexibility, allowing you to create a keyboard that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Case Options
The QK100 offers a variety of case options to cater to different aesthetics and preferences. The standard case is made of 6063 aluminum, available in a range of anodized colors. These colors provide a vibrant and durable finish that complements various desk setups.
For a more subtle and professional look, the QK100 also offers e-coated finishes. These finishes provide a smooth and matte texture that resists fingerprints and scratches.
Beyond color, the QK100 offers different weight options to adjust the keyboard’s feel and stability. The standard case weighs around 1.9 to 2.3kg when fully assembled. You can choose from aluminum and stainless steel weights, allowing you to tailor the keyboard’s weight to your preference. The QK100 also features a removable badge, allowing you to personalize it further with different designs or logos.
Plate and PCB Options
The QK100 offers a range of plate and PCB options to accommodate different typing preferences and build styles. When it comes to plates, you have the choice between polycarbonate (PC), carbon fiber, and POM plates.
PC plates are known for their affordability and a slightly flexible feel, resulting in a softer typing experience. Carbon fiber plates offer a more rigid and responsive typing experience, with a unique aesthetic appeal. POM plates strike a balance between flexibility and rigidity, providing a comfortable and stable typing experience.
The QK100 features both hot-swap and solder PCB options, allowing you to choose the build method that best suits your needs. Hot-swap PCBs allow for easy switch swapping without the need for soldering, making it ideal for experimentation and customization. Solder PCBs offer a more permanent connection, providing a potentially more stable and consistent typing experience.
The QK100 offers a variety of PCB options, including a standard version and a non-flex cut version. The standard PCB allows for a more traditional typing experience, while the non-flex cut version provides a more stable and consistent typing feel, especially for users who prefer a more tactile experience.
Switches and Keycaps
The switches and keycaps you choose for your QK100 build play a crucial role in shaping your typing experience. Switches are the mechanical components that register keystrokes, and they come in a wide variety of types, each offering a unique feel and sound.
Linear switches, like the popular Cherry MX Red, have a smooth and consistent actuation, making them ideal for fast typing and gaming. Tactile switches, such as Cherry MX Brown, provide a distinct bump during actuation, offering a more pronounced feedback for each keystroke. Clicky switches, like Cherry MX Blue, offer a tactile bump along with an audible click, providing a satisfying and distinct feedback for each keystroke.
Keycaps are the plastic covers that sit atop the switches and provide the visible key legends. They are available in a wide variety of materials, profiles, and designs. PBT keycaps are known for their durability and resistance to shine, while ABS keycaps are generally more affordable.
The choice of keycap profile influences the feel and ergonomics of your keyboard. Popular profiles include Cherry MX, XDA, and SA, each offering a distinct feel and appearance. You can choose from a wide variety of keycap designs, including blank keycaps, dye-subbed keycaps, and custom keycaps, allowing you to personalize your QK100 build to reflect your individual style.
Assembly Guide
Assembling your QK100 keyboard is a rewarding experience, allowing you to personalize your build and see your creation come to life. The assembly process typically involves several steps, starting with mounting the PCB to the plate. This can be achieved through a process called soldering, where the switch pins are directly connected to the PCB. Alternatively, you can utilize a hot-swap PCB, which allows for easy switch replacement without soldering.
Once the PCB is secured, you can install the switches. This step can be done by hand, but specialized tools like a switch opener can facilitate the process. Once the switches are in place, you can install the keycaps. You can choose to use keycap removal tools for a more effortless process.
After the switches and keycaps are installed, you’ll need to assemble the case. This involves securing the PCB and plate within the case, which is often achieved by using screws. Depending on your chosen case, you might have options for different mounting styles, such as top mount or gasket mount, each offering distinct typing experiences.
Finally, you’ll need to connect the daughterboard to the PCB. This step is crucial for enabling wireless functionality. Ensure that the daughterboard is properly connected and secured, as a loose connection can lead to instability;
Following these steps, you’ll have a fully assembled QK100 keyboard ready to be enjoyed. It’s recommended to refer to the specific build guide provided by Qwertykeys for detailed instructions tailored to your chosen components and configuration.
Troubleshooting
While building your QK100 is an enjoyable process, you might encounter some challenges along the way. Here are some common issues and solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve them⁚
Connection Issues⁚ If your QK100 isn’t detected by your computer, check if the daughterboard is securely connected to the PCB. A loose connection can prevent wireless functionality. You might need to disassemble the internal weight by removing the screws to access and re-secure the connection.
Keybinding Problems⁚ If your keybindings aren’t working as expected, ensure that the QK100 is set to the correct mode (Windows or Mac). You can switch between modes by pressing the Fn key. If the issue persists, check your QK Config settings to ensure they match your desired keybindings.
Switch Problems⁚ If a switch feels unresponsive or isn’t registering keystrokes properly, check if it’s properly seated on the PCB. You might need to reseat the switch to ensure a secure connection. If the issue persists, try replacing the switch with a new one.
Typing Noise⁚ If your QK100 produces unwanted noise, you can try lubricating the stabilizers or switches. This can significantly reduce rattling sounds. You can find numerous resources and tutorials online that provide guidance on the lubrication process.
Software Issues⁚ If you’re experiencing issues with the QK Config software, ensure that you have the latest version installed. If the problem persists, consider reinstalling the software or contacting the Qwertykeys support team for assistance.
If you encounter any issues that you can’t resolve, consult the Qwertykeys build guide or reach out to their support team for additional assistance. They offer valuable resources and guidance to help you overcome any challenges you might face during the building process.
Building a QK100 keyboard is an enriching experience that allows you to create a custom keyboard tailored to your specific needs and preferences. From selecting the perfect case and keycaps to fine-tuning the typing experience, you have complete control over the final product.
The QK100 offers a wide range of customization options, catering to both beginners and experienced keyboard enthusiasts. You can choose from various case finishes, plate materials, switch types, and keycap sets to create a keyboard that truly reflects your style.
This build guide has provided you with the necessary steps and information to assemble your QK100. You can now embark on your journey to create a custom keyboard that brings you joy and enhances your typing experience.
Remember, the QK100 community is a valuable resource for support and inspiration. Don’t hesitate to join online forums, Discord servers, and other communities to share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others.
Enjoy the process of building your QK100, and relish the satisfaction of creating a keyboard that is uniquely yours. The QK100 is more than just a keyboard; it’s a testament to your creativity and a reflection of your individual style.