How To Solder Your Custom Keyboard! Takes only 15 minutes!

Soldering your custom keyboards adds an extra level of personalization to your keyboard. In this video I'll show you how to solder your keyboard fast and at a low cost.
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[@thefunferret8051]

I was considering getting a DIY keyboard kit until I saw it wasn’t hotswap but this video was so calming and it made me feel more confident knowing you don’t have to be perfect.😀

[@rohana.7760]

This is pretty timely! Just ordered a soldering iron a couple days ago; I only buy hotswap now but I’m planning to desolder and solder on new switches and build a new case for an old prebuilt so this was reassuring

[@F0XdIE67]

BRUH! Excellent job on showing peeps how easy it is to solder a keyboard! You probably boosted the confidence of a ton of newbie keeb enthusiasts! Awesome! :)

[@fusionizedlegend8019]

Now make a video to desolder your keyboard when changing switches. Love your videos man, keep it up. The vibes are always there.

[@jamesleung2450]

Great tutorial, honestly I dove right into soldering by making a tofu 60 build for a friend and it was way easier than I expected it to be.

[@nanan_hello]

Thanks a lot, I have never touched a soldering before so this video helped me a bunch. Your anatomy about the dragon and the fly this is pretty dead on about how I have seen this whole thing. I feel more confident in myself now about soldering. Thanks again!

[@Zamm1n]

It's a good idea to tin the tip of your soldering iron with a little solder when you start, and after each time you clean the tip. That helps create a heat bridge between the tip and the pin/pad which lets the solder flow in there much easier. Also try to aim for "tent" shaped joints (like a tapered cone) rather than domes, a round dome is sometimes referred to as a "cold joint" and can usually be fixed by simply re-heating it for a second or two.

[@Zamm1n]

Also I left a more detailed version of this comment earlier but it's apparently been deleted for some reason.

[@JakeDesaulniers]

Rewatching because it’s such a simple and straightforward tutorial. Thank you, sir.

[@BTaesthetics]

Thank you! Glad you liked the tutorial means a lot.

[@goingtobed]

Thanks man! I lucked out and found two mechanical keyboards at goodwill that are soldered. They'll be perfect test boards for me to move on from hotswap. Appreciate this video!

[@petern9776]

Thank you so much for this video! I now feel a bit more ready to solder my first build! :)

[@kdumpling8223]

I APPRECIATE YOU! Thanks for this much needed vid. These were my exact feelings on soldering and only got hot swap pcb’s bc I was afraid of messing up!

[@xphoenixrising]

thanks so much for such a straightforward vid. I wanna swap out the switches on my currently very LOUD keyboard and it's past warranty at this point. Worth a shot!

[@Dreamerof-gb8fu]

Thank you for this explanation video. I will be definitely be using this video once I have all the parts for my keyboard. I was about to give up and spend the extra money to have someone build my keyboard.

[@eugene7111]

Impressive video, Brandon. so often I see videos where the person talks to fast, too slow, you can't understand them, the video is poor. . . Your video was excellent, and you even took the time to help me relax while contemplating my project. Thanks!

[@DisastrousCake]

Amazing video. You get straight to the point with no BS. It was exactly what I needed so I can get to repairing some older keyboards and building new ones in the future I hope. Sad you didn't go over desoldering though.

[@Kodico]

Not sure if you figured it out already but it’s basically the same thing but instead of the wire, you suck it out with a suction tool

[@chubeviewer]

@@Kodico you can also just pull the switch out without sucking it just makes popping another one back in harder

[@gogumarc]

he literally talked BS for 1min straight before getting to the point tho

[@walladazzle_MC]

he talked so much bs

[@GamingxProductions]

Just finished installing new switches into my Corsair k65. Had a lot of hiccups though as expected being my first time modding a non hotswap keyboard. Overall was fun and I love the final product.

[@wutangpaul]

Man, you've totally inspired me to just give it a go. Appreciate the video.

[@kMw07.]

Thanks bro, I think i can really move onto soldering now. Loved this video

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I broke my left control key trying to pry off a _hotswappable_ keyswitch on my Keychron C1, that despite the _hotswappable_ and _no need to desolder_ or solder description on the box and Amazon listing, turned out to have a PCB board with every switch soldered on. So I needed this video.

[@wraithlyshine]

I just soldered my first keyboard and... Omg, I had no idea it is so satisfying. Thank you for help

[@WeruwolfOfficial]

I got the exact soldering kit you have but I was able to find one for 3 Dollars! Thanks for the video!

[@ericstashak4474]

i have 4 hotswap boards i've built. Time to jump into soder and you've helped me so!

[@albertobueno7805]

Took me an hour and a half, but I just soldered my first entire keyboard! I was worried about the fumes, I didn't know that thing existed. Thanks!

[@FitLabb]

Going to have to save & rewatch this b/c I’m new to the keyboard hobby & have a few boards on order that require soldering. Have all the equipment, now just need to know how & get some practice.

[@californiadreams1170]

In a couple of days I will finally get my glorious pandas and we'll see how well you explained the whole process! But it seems very easy

[@SadWitchBree]

Thank you so much! This video alleviated a lot of my worries surrounding soldering my first board!

[@BTaesthetics]

Glad I could help! Happy Soldering!

[@Augustk25]

Great video, straight to the point and super informative, thank you

[@dwightgetuaban1508]

Thanks for the vid man! Gave me a confidence boost

[@langotaroots1968]

Personally, before desoldering or welding, I always put tin on the tip to make a thermal bridge more effective than just the tip of the welder. The tin drop will offer a greater contact surface than the tip.

[@stefanogalardini5020]

Do you have any idea about how much helpful this video has been? Thank you very much kind sir!

[@cerrabelum]

Hi Brandon! Enjoying your videos! I've just started getting into this as a hobby. I bought cheap mechanical keyboard from Amazon to try and tear it down it build it back up again. I de-soldered all the switches but I burnt 3 pads. I was wondering if it's possible to fix these? also what is flux used for and is it needed for mechanical keyboards?

[@darthollpheist1156]

I've built 3 hot swap boards and would like to take apart my Ducky Mini and fix the stabs, lube the switches, and then put it back together. I think I might actually give it a go now that I've watched this. Thanks,

[@kwokadoodle]

The vid we needed and BT comes thru like always!! 🔥

[@samlee458]

great how to!! 👀 nice fragment TS shirt 👌🏻 👍

[@kriss6986]

Thank you so much for making soldering seem so approachable. I'm building a keyboard for a friend, and it's my first time soldering a keyboard. (In other words, I was very nervous) I'm a hot swap hoe, but with this experience I think I'll be able to broaden my keyboard horizons. Thank you again!

[@user-sf9gs2pg1b]

Soldering is so fun! I used to do it in high school. I think it can look intimidating though at first.

[@Anesto_Tpz]

Are there any replaceable compatible tips for this cheap soldering kit? Or i have to stuck with those that came with the kit?

[@zima-tzi]

do you have a tutorial on desoldering switches? do you think it is harder or easiier than soldering them in ?

[@racingjets1]

thanks... your tips helped me to fix my headphone

[@HasabeN3]

Is there any problem when we use multiple color switches in same board like mix match with red and blue switches

[@wyntje83]

Great video by Brandon. Some more tips for your first time solderers: 1. Use good solder (not cheap off-brand). You want leaded solder with a flux core. It flows much better and is easier to de-solder after. 2. 63/37 solder (37 indicates the lead content) has what is called euthetic properties. Basically, this means it changes from liquid (when heated up) to solid state (once the heat source is removed) extremely fast. This helps when you are new and avoids cold solder joints. Contrary to what many say, quality 60/40 solder is just as good and you still run a very low risk of getting cold solder joints. If 60/40 is cheaper, get that instead. 3. It's good practice to use a solder fume extractor or at least solder in a well ventilated area. Contrary to popular belief, there is no lead in the fumes. The toxic fumes come from the burning rosin flux which in itself is really bad for your lungs. Lead does transfer through the skin. Wash your hands well after soldering and don't touch food or your face when soldering. Clean your work area after.

[@KARMAticSAGE]

will wearing surgical gloves be adequate or is it like wearing a mask that doesn't really protect you from covid?

[@wyntje83]

@@KARMAticSAGE not sure how good surgical gloves work tbh, most people solder with their bare hands, as do I. you'll be fine as long as you wash your hands and cleaning your working area. maybe others has exp with gloves

[@nithiin1724]

After de soldering all switches, should i put every single switches in the same order as it was? Or can I put it in any order?

[@FalconMasters]

Great video!

[@eliasschaffer9773]

Thank you so much your Tutorial helped me a lot

[@mattL1ghts]

Phenomenal thumbnail BT - thanks for the info as always 💯

[@BTaesthetics]

Thanks for watching Matt!

[@utubekebs]

Soldering is soo easy. Ngl, I'd rather solder than lubricate switches.

[@vergodagoat]

Most people do both lol

[@muhammadprayoga2256]

I'm with you kebs

[@Balisongobsession]

Same

[@aaronbenton8268]

1000%. Lubing switches is a good waste of a weekend

[@charleschu6359]

Lolololol

[@joshbritton3268]

Can't stress how right you are about preparation with stabs etc, love my first build but the stabilizers are wank.

[@Nilsser]

I have the Ducky One 2 Mini lubed the switches, stabs but my space bar seems to ping from the right side. I don't feel like desoldering the whole thing again. :S

[@whatdo690]

thanks for the guide bt

[@Kaelleonm4913]

i really wanna learn how to solder so i can mod my mice and keyboards how i like, but also kinda scared to do it. 😅 i guess i just dont know where to start. also is it recommended to wear a p100 respirator when doing thing?

[@feefaw]

i already know how to do most of this but im still gonna watch the video since youre great at explaining things and theres definitely something to learn from you.

[@kentaroushinzou]

where can I buy a PCB and where to buy a case for this pcb, or is this a kit? or can I choose a case to my liking? sorry newbie here.

[@chevyfromda808]

im trying to build my own keyboard and it’s my first one, do i need to solder my keyboard or can i go without it

[@porreedelorree2454]

Thats the kind of video that we need thx

[@zenontren]

Thanks for the help bro👍

[@zomabeats113]

thx dude this vid helps a lot!

[@Clairey_S]

Thank you so much for this video

[@vincentschiller1843]

thank u i thought it would be so hard but when i did it it was soo much easier

[@garyuppledycktyke9073]

thank you so much you helped so much this is so less scary now

[@minty6839]

nice vid whats the pcb called?

[@lowurcase3238]

what cheap solder wire do you reccomend?

[@pkl64]

does a 300 C one work too? (iron)

[@damonm7695]

thank you for this!

[@annoto997]

What about diodes for underglow?

[@jobythomas1975]

very helpful video bro

[@BTaesthetics]

Glad I could help Joby!

[@derontanzil6939]

i did the soldering and switched the switches but accidently burnt the rgb sooooooooo rip

[@jammingjammerjammington]

Thanks dooooooood!!

[@Pra.go_]

what about soldering some rgb?

[@saitamax9688]

What if you fuck up like can you remove it or is your keyboard dead

[@dagulski21]

why is your intro and outro so loud ?

[@IcarusLIVE]

BT out here saying I have a "hot tip" LFG!

[@shanfaizi9998]

He really out here callin' us Hotswap Ho's still... well not for long BT, not for long buddy!... thanks to you lmao

[@matenator13]

Great video! As a hot swap ho myself I will say watching this may tempt me over to soldering pcbs lol

[@AsianAnimeRuLe]

any tips for maintaining the feel of your stabilizers after daily use? or how to fine tune stabs months later? I've noticed on two of my keyboards from day 1 they were perfect but over time of daily use and mashing spacebar and left shit especially during gaming i end up hearing some wire rattle. At the very least I do not want to desolder my keyboards to redo my stabs lol.

[@incinerate6130]

Without desoldering you can try to fix the rattle with lube and a syringe. There are tutorials out there.

[@HO-st1xw]

Who can tell me why we need to solder keyboard for what

[@somethingbad2460]

63/67 is my personal favorite solder blend too. i am experienced.

[@RavellM]

Omg I can’t wait to solder my keyboard

[@pemacdorji3037]

Legend.

[@Donbros]

I soldered yesterday what a timing coinsidense

[@jazzyfreshgames]

this video was so good!!! anyone got links for switches and a pcb? also looking for caps & a case

[@BTaesthetics]

Thanks Jasmine! A good place to start would be novelkeys.com they have a lot of in stock keycaps, keyboard cases and pcbs. For switches I recommend their cream switches. Hope this helps!

[@shiroyasha4995]

I've been modding keyboards for 5 years now. and I tried to mod my rog strix moonlight white tlk.. some keys dont work anymore.. do this at your own risk

[@hakemz.]

Do you really need to solder when modding a hot swappable keyboard? sorry if the question is weird because I'm about to mod my very first time hot swappable keyboard my own.

[@Excalibaard]

In case you're still wondering: If the keyboard is hot swappable from the factory, you can simply click the switches in and out, no soldering required. Only if you're building a keyboard from scratch / a kit, or repairing one, you will need to solder your switches in. In that case you may choose to solder hot swappable sockets instead, so you can change your switches easily later on.

[@godoglove115]

Also do one pin for the entire board, then move on to the other one after you finish the entire board. This is just a "safety" thing, like the anti-static wrist band thing when building pcs, not necessary, but just good practice. Edit: I solder in my bathroom with the fan on, and also have another small fan pushing the fumes away from me, and also wear a mask guys, ik everyone has one, just do it, also soldering smells funny.

[@langotaroots1968]

However, I think welding the keyboard is one of the nice things about this hobby. I would like to take a hotswap keyboard to try the keys and find a cheap and quality pcb to take to solder as many keyboards as possible

[@jennifershepp]

I have so many questions about a new keyboard that I’m getting but I’ll need to change the switches. Is there anyway to contact you for advice? Thank you in advance! ☺️

[@BTaesthetics]

discord.gg/NAzDYAXf that's the link to the discord. shoot me a message

[@HoveKB]

Your Audio is very low compared to the intro broski. May want to check that out.

[@dillacorn_linux]

Get a Holmes True HEPA air purifier with smoke filter for any of that flux fumes that are left in the air..I also prefer using an N95 mask while soldering.

[@s187v]

thanks

[@deepfriedavocado]

about how long does it take for an iron to cool down?

[@BTaesthetics]

pretty fast like 5 minutes or so

[@randomboar2025]

oh man I just desoldered and resoldered my numpad for lubing for the first time a few weeks ago and I swear, my soldering work looks like shit even though I spent a lot of time on it. But anyway, just like you said, it would work, you're not gonna break your board with shitty soldering. Thanks for the tips! I'll definitely apply them next time.

[@dontgivenoatall2536]

WARNING: 1) ALWAYS solder in a well ventilated area 2) Highly reccomend for especially first timers use LEAD FREE solder with a flux core. Better for your health especially if you are occasionally burning yourself or not in a great ventilated area.3)Carbon filters dont filter nearly enough, you need a HEPA filter or better ventilaton.

[@stotlekeebs]

nice you got duck orion,you will enjoy how Kustom feels and sound,and pls dont put a bunch of foam in the board

[@danieljannusch9057]

I'M ADDICTED HELP! xD

[@toppaine4008]

I don't understand why sometimes we have to solder our keyboard?

[@sarukochan]

"hot swap ho"? wow, i feel called out >.< ordering a solder-only pcb now, because peer pressure

[@93ksj]

63/67?

[@destinb5043]

We all needed this tutorial no 🧢, keep up the good work my g ❤️🔥🔥

[@leobrunmm1247]

you cool man

[@BTaesthetics]

right back at you leo

[@MrGamingDJ]

I'd really like to try solder but because of my eyesight I think I would need to buy a magnifying glass to really be able to see what I'm doing

[@benny_1985]

He mentioned soldering is part of his job, does he build keyboards for a living?

[@max_ishere]

Intro sounds like breaking bad