How to Build a Handwired Keyboard

[@gtrtuben]

The copper wire technique is absolutely brilliant. Adding heat shrink to bare wire is so so so much better than stripping out a bunch of tiny segments. I wish I could like this video twice.

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it was helpful! The other benefit to the bare wire is that it somewhat makes the board more sturdy as well.

[@Tharrinne]

I added my like for (in part) that reason hahaha

[@wtfusernamecrap]

Do you get interference issues with the bare massive wires? Have you ever needed to add shielding to a keyboard? Copper wire and coiling is looking great, will need to try that on a build soon.

[@gtrtuben]

@@wtfusernamecrap Nope. They aren’t used for audio or anything, just the very simple diode circuit.

[@benjaminloyer1293]

I would use enameled wire so no shorts and no need for heat shrink ! On the other hand, the soldering is a bit more difficult.

[@kyleMcBurnett]

This is the most relaxing video I’ve seen in a while. This is definitely my next hobby.

[@excrubulent]

I've handwired a lot of stuff but never seen copper wires used like that, it's super clean, I love it! I'm definitely trying this on my next board, and I'm putting it in my toolbox for my custom peripherals in the future.

[@RickWeberEcon]

Super helpful! You’ve inspired me to try to hand wire something wireless. Minor suggestion: when in VS code, zooming way in on text is helpful, especially for viewers on their phone.

[@Dajan456]

I agree, i have it on 1080p on PC and its still blurry.

[@CheeseWithMold]

Absolutely love it when members of a community make great informed guides like this for complete beginners! Definitely going to be making my own keyboard very soon. Thank you for the awesome video!

[@ShreksSpliff]

What a legend, literally instructions with digestible explanations!

[@juaniki123]

Very nicely explained! My advice on troubleshooting the wiring is: continuity test to check for shorts, check correct diodes direction and reflow solder joints (this helped me get rid of multiple keys on single press issue).

[@milesdawkins1278]

Ok homie, I normally dont comment on things but at 13:01 you explained the one thing that none of the QMK documentation covers well at all. Thanks

[@lsim001]

I've been doing a bit of research on building a custom keyboard and this is the most inspiring video. Nice, clear explanation with a really tidy build.

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@xpinoyxgoodness]

I respect the detailed information and techniques you outlined in the video. Props to you man :)

[@korencamerini5421]

For a quick explanation of of the dfu mode it’s basically a mode that let’s you access the bootloader (the place where you flash firmware) different MCUs have different bootloaders and different bootloaders have different ways to enter them (so dfu the board) and QMK has too know which you are using to enter it

[@yanivbk]

Most informative video on the topic i've seen, saying that after having a bachelors in EE, 5 years experience in semiconductors industry, and watching other DIY keyboards videos while holding a bunch of MX switches and some diodes and remaining clueless on which switch pin connects to what

[@LordHonkInc]

I built my first handwired keyboard in 2021, and I'm still using it to this day. Sure, it wasn't easy per se, but definitely less complicated than I would have feared. Definitely gonna use this way of wiring the "busbars" on my next build, definitely an upgrade from the spaghetti I've got contained within mine lol

[@nathanalaneller]

FINALLY, I find someone that doesn't speak in equations when describing electronics.

[@nacs]

FINALLY! After watching so many macro pad / keyboard buildling videos, this is the first video that spells out how to connect everything, including how the diodes work for matrixes. Thank you! Edit: Built my first macropad successfully thanks to this

[@davidgrin3228]

Month ago I bought Kinesis gaming split keyboard but I was not happy with build quality so I started digging up some info how to build my own split keyboard. I'm really glad that your video showed up on my recommended page, very straight forward and informative.

[@joe_scotto]

If you don't have a 3D printer, I recently launched a shop where you can purchase cases for handwired projects, including the Scotto9: www.scottokeebs.com/shop

[@0c3l3.36]

I needed to say this, i don't normally coment on videos, but the fact that watching you explain how the keyboard works and how the code function made me jump in to building my own keyboard. Just wanted to say thank you for it! My first pcb (from another video you made) it is on they way. Soon will be jumping in to the qmk code. Thanks!

[@joe_scotto]

I love hearing comments like this, I’m glad it was helpful!

[@NickyNiclas]

This inspires me make a 3d printed keyboard, I was previously hindered by the thought that I need a custom PCB for what I want. Glad you got me past that hinder, lol!

[@erwinmoreno23]

Dude this is the gold i've been mining for. Wish I could contribute more than just a comment and sub. Keep at it

[@FreXxXmeister]

This man, just rawdogging the switches. Amazing 😁

[@martinbirrell57]

Very good tutorial. All that I needed to create my handmade keyboard. Icing on the cake is that you have a Github repo with the files that I need too!

[@CountSmackula333]

Im embarking on a 60 key split ortho build. This was immensely helpful so thank you!

[@SeraphX2]

actually you'd be surprised how much more a viewer can understand about the process by you also showing things that went wrong. some of the best videos i've watched that has helped me understand a concept even more has been when they show how they failed and corrected an issue. this is honestly part of a copout to making a more complete/complex video.

[@Aurelloyell]

dude, i just want to say thanks for making the tutorial video, your video helping people to start to take the first step how to build a keyboard

[@SquirrelInMyPants]

best video of explaining how it works, i should probably have some practice by my own

[@LS-jv4uh]

This is the best instructional video I’ve seen on… anything. Thank you

[@AlejandroVales]

This video is SUPER GOOD!! Your explanations are super detailed and well done. Thank you very much for the video. I really want to make my own handwired keyboard but I didn't know where to start... This is exactly what I needed to lose the fear to it!!

[@maximilianovilla_]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen. Really, this has been extremely helpful and educational. Thank you so much, you just got a new subscriber.

[@ggad1899]

It's great you're doing this - even rudimentary info makes the field more inclusive. 👏 This wasn't as clear as I'd hoped since there's a bunch of stuff glossed over, versus taught. FYI, it's really hard to follow along on the code when you can't see the text because you're viewing the video on a phone - it's like maybe 1/8 of the screen. I'll be checking to see if you've got still shots of the wiring, the code, etc. so I can figure it out with the video transcript as a loose reference. 👍 I'd love if non 3d printer options & specs were available, too, because most of us just don't have that $$$ equipment, or access to somebody else's.

[@larry5900]

Just finished my first handwired keyboard, made a split crkbd. This video was very informative, and a great resource for someone looking to take the dive and create a handwired keyboard. thank you for the amazing content.

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it helped!

[@EpaminondasSobrinho]

7:34 What I find that works best for me is actually using higher temperatures when soldering heat sensitive components so I don't apply heat for a longer time and end up slowly melting or burning stuff

[@Ellipsis115]

I think starting on a 3x3 macro pad is a great place to start, thank you

[@lcasito96]

This video is gold, thank u very much! Time to build my own macropad.

[@CyrlNish]

fantastic video, made this way more approachable than I expected, glad I found your Reddit post!

[@bobbyhutter5654]

this is probably my third time watching this 😅 and there will be more viewings when im actually setting out to build my first ortho layout! this seems like a cost-effective way to find out if i like ortholinear without potentially wasting money incase i decide it's not for me (i just love the oddly appealing look of them haha)

[@robicjedi]

use decoders, like 2 x 74hc138 for the column outputs and a shift register like 74hc165 for the row inputs. This gives you a 16 x 8 = 128 matrix with only 7 wires: 4 wires for the decoders, 3 wires for the shift register -> reset, clock and data input. If that is not enough add another shift register with no extra wires and get a 16 x 16 = 256 matrix.

[@zedxspecturm4698]

perfect video. wanted to do a project, showed me exactly how to do it. thanks. keyboard is printing now

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it helped!

[@joaovitormiranda1570]

bro, this is the best tuto that i ever seen, ive had a little problems cus english is not my first language, but with this i think that ill can my own handwired keeb, thanks a lot.

[@joe_scotto]

Glad I could help :)

[@joaovitormiranda1570]

joe, ive followed all steps, but at the flash step my toolbox dont recognize when i short the reset and ground, can u help me? in one of my 2 pro micro the flash done but the promicro dont work and in the other one the flash option dont be able to click.

[@joe_scotto]

My suggestions would be theee things: 1. Make sure the cable you’re using supports data. Not all cables do so try a different cable if the current one is not working. 2. It’s possible you fried the pro micro, I’ve done this to many over the years. If QMK toolbox isn’t detecting it and you changed the cable, that’s the most common other issue from my experience. 3. It is also possible that QMK Toolbox is just being buggy. You can try running the same command but instead of “compile” change it to “flash” which should then allow you to flash the pro micro from the command line.

[@joaovitormiranda1570]

@@joe_scotto i´ve tried with a bm40 that has a atmega32u4 and flash option turns available, now i really dont know why my pro micros dont work with toolbox, maybe my version of atmega arent compatible? cause i bouhgt them at aliexpress

[@ChrisHalden007]

Bump up your font size in vscode next time, it will be much easier to follow along. Specially on mobile. Great video. Thanks

[@joe_scotto]

Yup… I learned that on my newer videos lol. Glad you enjoyed it otherwise!

[@KofaOne]

Super helpful, beginner-friendly video. Thank you!

[@93cutty]

This doesn't look too terrible to do. I'd have to upgrade my soldering skills, but definitely worth it. Now I have to get me a resin printer so I can make caps for it haha. It's Jeremy from the 3d printing group.

[@marcin.sobocinski]

Thank you for this tutorial... very well explained!

[@kanadalux3621]

Excelente video para los que no sabemos nada de electrónica, ni en español he encontrado un video tan bien explicado.

[@radialbladeworks6183]

excellent video, man! Thanks for posting!

[@cbirla_hobbies]

I really enjoyed and loved the way you have explained things from scratch, i am a newb and figuring out layout and board combinations was tricky , Specially in case of STM32F103 board. But this helped thanks a ton. Will go through other videos as well on drone too… As i build fpv drone in 2020 , but never flew much

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@HatersGonnaHate4]

You're a hero Joe

[@disarmyouwitha]

Thanks! I still haven’t soldered my first switches to a PCB but handwriting seems very interesting. =] Especially because I already have a QMK compatible microcontroller, and such a nice guide…

[@Z3r0XoL]

how do you pin the screenshot of the microcontroller as a window like that? seems really useful

[@joe_scotto]

It’s a program called “Cleanshot X”

[@dgomez6778]

a true custom keyboard

[@streetdogarg]

Hi, Im glad to found ur channel, great content!

[@razumskiy]

love how he doesn't explain coding like it doesn't matter and not the most important part

[@tamertamertamer4874]

Me watching this after I already handwired 3 keyboards but you never know I’ll probably learn stuff anyways Édit after watching: I might take a shot at the solid copper rods it looks really easy to use. The one thing I’d add is to test out the microcontroller by shorting the pins before soldering it to see if all the rows/cols work

[@joe_scotto]

The tip about shorting is a good one because I once did have a controller completely DOA and had to re-solder a new one. Most of the time though I'm confident enough I just wire it right up.

[@ScooterAnimations]

Great video! So informative

[@mayue20041214]

感谢你的视频，近期我也打算做一个dactyl键盘，对于焊接还不太了解，感谢你的讲解

[@scharkalvin]

You can 'encode' the outputs of some of the row or column lines, and then add a decoder chip. The 74HC138 will decode 3 lines into 8. This gives you an extra 5 IO lines. Use two of these chips to encode 4 lines into 16. This gives you 12 extra IO lines. Some changes will be needed to the software, but that isn't rocket science.

[@philipp594]

If you tin the wires before you won't need to heat the copper so high on the switch to get a solid joint

[@michbushi]

You don't need to clip the rows diode legs flush with the copper wire - you can bend them back g firth several times, they will snap exactly where the solder ends and they will be flush

[@joe_scotto]

Sure, but then you’re putting additional stress on the solder joint which isn’t good to do.

[@samvvell]

Came here from Reddit - great video, very informative!

[@joe_scotto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharkyboi6018]

Mr. Scotto, I'm begging you. Please please please please please please please please please make a tutorial on setting up ALL the QMK firmware stuff. I couldent find any videos online doing it, and the documentation kind of sucks. Like a lot. This was harder than soldering and getting my 3D printer to behave. I wanted to die. PLEASE make a tutorial on this.

[@joe_scotto]

I’m doing a few build videos then I’ll have a video on setting up firmware from scratch. It will be the final one in the PCB series trilogy :)

[@sharkyboi6018]

@@joe_scotto Alright! Also, I just finished building the macropad and it works and im so happy. It was my first time soldering and using electronics and stuff and it works!

[@tylergubala7355]

​@@joe_scotto I'd also love to have the QMK firmware tutorial; it's the last part I'm really unsure about. For my first keeb I'm probably going to just repeat your steps and change some things but it'd be nice to know the what and whys of the pipeline

[@littlefrank90]

I wonder if everyone is throwing out compliments because they have tried this and succeeded or you just because the video looks interesting. Cause I'm having the HARDEST time figuring out this QMK stuff and documentation is absolutely disgusting. This video isn't helping much either in this regard, it's just making a very simple 3x3 deforming the default auto-generated example... I'm doing an 8x1 with single pins connected to one pin each and all to D2 and I have NO IDEA what I'm doing wrong but shit won't compile.

[@bplus2351]

Having the exact same issue. I actually hate QMK. Insane how this is where were at when YEARS ago this could all be done through GUIs and would be done in 15 minutes and not require a CS degree to figure out. Really mad this is becoming the standard when it is impossible to use for anyone that isnt a programmer.

[@someonenormal5579]

black and pink k-pop theme? you just made an emo cry!

[@Zacharyjones8751]

What app did you use for programming

[@nianhbg]

Thanks for a great video 👍

[@Lappland-Lover]

Спасибо, чувак. Я наконец-то нашёл видео, в котором мне объяснили!

[@BrentLogan]

This is amazing -- thanks!

[@trapspringer9891]

This is fantastic, thank you. Hopefully I can build a stenography keyboard like this. I am not sure how to add a stenography layer to my current keyboard using the QMK configurator.

[@joe_scotto]

You would probably have to configure it with code. I know QMK supports it and I believe it uses a program to convert the key codes into steno.

[@mangahacker]

I am about to wire my first keyboard matrix. This is by far the best guide I have found. But I am confused, do I not need any grounding on a diode style matrix?

[@joe_scotto]

Nope, no grounding is needed for a matrix with diodes. If you did direct wiring, all switches could share ground then get an individual pin each.

[@mangahacker]

What a reaction speed for a year old video. Thank you! @@joe_scotto

[@TheFoodPedia]

This is so neat ❤

[@thischurchbasement]

epic video. thank you so much :0

[@akashkallumkal]

very useful video

[@benjaminloyer1293]

I wish you could explain why the diodes are needed as well as how the mCU gets which letter is pressed when multiple at once (sweep of all the row collums combination ? )

[@treasend-o7]

My local electronics store doesn't seem to have bare wire like yours, is it an Amazon find or something?

[@mahfujahmad2097]

can you make an explanation video on keyboard knobs?

[@uhN0id]

How big should the square openings be so the switch will snap in place? Thanks for the video this is so cool

[@joe_scotto]

14x14mm is the standard for MX and 1.5mm thick. What I do is make a 14x14 cutout at 1.5mm then offset a large square to bring the plate up to a total of 3mm thickness. You can look at the plates on my repo to see what I mean.

[@uhN0id]

@@joe_scotto thank you! Using this guide to build a flight sim box and I want the primary 4x4 panel to use mech switches since I have so many gateron black ink v2s leftover.

[@thewatcherofpaintdry9288]

Probably my teenage brain, but i find it hard to understand, how do you know how the electricity flows and what type of diodes you should use? Because i want to try and handsolder my own keypad/keyboard but I don't know how

[@firex7051]

Hey man, we’re in the same boat so Imma wait for an answer with you

[@joe_scotto]

Basically the controller pulses and reads on the pins, it's not really important to understand the details because the firmware handles it for you. The diodes also don't matter as much just that we use them when we have more keys than pins. That said, I use DO-35 1N4148 diodes and they're pretty standard for keyboards.

[@firex7051]

@@joe_scotto Thank you! You’re awesome for still keeping up with comments

[@rokbizjak3017]

Hi. Great vid. Got it working. The only thing that i cant figure out is adding macros in Vial. Whenever i add one the program requests an unlock by pressing 2 keys. I can not get the board to unlock! Thanks

[@Velereonics]

So the advantage of a PCB is simply that all this wiring is embedded in the board, and the reason those are difficult to design is because when they are embedded so close together, their em fields disrupt each other if it's not designed well enough

[@joe_scotto]

Nope, not anywhere near as complex as what you’re saying. PCBs are simply what I showed in this video but easily mass produced and easier to wire up. They get complicated with integrated micro controllers however.

[@Celesmeh]

have you ever used enameled copper wire?

[@rasalas91]

14:25 how did you do that? I literally wrote my own small program to do that, because I needed it

[@dysonsmith]

Hey! What do you use for having that Terminal and the Always on Top image? Loved the explanation and how clean the matrix looked, great Vid!

[@joe_scotto]

The terminal is just iTerm. I pin the images with a Mac screenshot too called “Cleanshot X”

[@zone_tw]

Will you show how to handwire a split keyboard using TRRS, like crone for example ?

[@joe_scotto]

I have more builds coming soon and one of them is a split that uses two controllers

[@pancreasdragonheart9765]

This might be a year or two too late, but I'm wondering if it's possible to do a programmable keyboard that simply simulates keyboard input? Press X, Y, Z at various intervals and send to the PC through the use of USB cable ?

[@bplus2351]

Hey there, great video. Have been bashing my head trying to figure this out for so long since QMK is so insanely un-friendly to non CS professionals. I am getting thrown errors about MATRIX_ROW_PINS and have no idea what its supposed to mean. I am making a 1x5 keyboard. Is this below not how it should be looking? Am extremely confused and so far youre the only person whos made me get this far lol {"matrix": [0, 0], "x": 0, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 1], "x": 1, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 2], "x": 2, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 3], "x": 3, "y": 0}, {"matrix": [0, 4], "x": 4, "y": 0}

[@joe_scotto]

Hop in my Discord and I or someone else can help, it’s hard to do anything useful from KZbin comments: discord.gg/EgTv7tS5W5

[@Roanker]

great tutorial/intro to the world of handwired keyboards. Do you think you would add VIA to your code or create a video explaining how to add VIA?

[@joe_scotto]

I might eventually but it’s not on the immediate list of things.

[@PandorusFightStick]

you should make a diy for a all button hitbox with a pcb,for figting games!!

[@deanhedin1615]

I want a rotary encoder knob on my keyboard. I want it to be programable. Tell the folks at QMK to get working on that.

[@fpvclub7256]

This is cool - can you program these to perform more complex key-combos? like Command + F9 or something along those lines? could you also add an LED to show some sort of status, like mute/un-mute?

[@joe_scotto]

Yup, what you’re looking for is a “macro” which allows you to basically program the key to do anything you want. You can program the board to show caps or num lock status but it can’t get info from the computer so no volume or mute status.

[@billysabilly]

holy molly i did it!!

[@shiba4909]

Help! I've got some issues connecting the pro micro to my mac. After I plugged the pro micro in, the qmk toolbox doesn't have any sign of my pro micro, shorting out gnd and rst doesn't give any sign too. It doesn't give any sign like when USB was plugged in. I've also tried the command , it worked until it told me to reset my pro micro. I reset but doesn't work. I really don't know where went wrong.

[@stereoDoza]

Thanks!

[@muse59]

very helpful video, thanks a lot ! I was wondering, is it possible to an irregular matrix ? Like 4x9 ?

[@joe_scotto]

Yeah, you could even do like a 1x1 matrix lol. It’s really whatever you decide as long as your controller has enough pins for the rows and columns.

[@muse59]

@@joe_scotto would you recommand to use resistors ? I saw that in other tutorials

[@ishaankapoor933]

What was that floating image window, how did you achieve that. P.S great video thanks

[@ishaankapoor933]

Read through the comments, it is "Cleanshot X"

[@JakubOrlowski-zp8le]

With this you can name each button as you want?

[@Antebios]

My handwired ortho keyboard was listed from qmk!!!!

[@joe_scotto]

Oh nice! What’s it called?

are those keyboard projects TKLS?

[@peastfist1602]

I actually looking this kind of video like months ago, so happy to finally find this. Also , are there any alternative to soldering ? I dont have the tools , so can I use other way to replace the soldering part ?

[@joe_scotto]

There are some methods that use 3D printed hot swap sockets. However, to my knowledge there isn’t any way to not have to solder the matrix together and to the controller.

[@peastfist1602]

@@joe_scotto can i somehow use like some kind of tape ?

[@joe_scotto]

@@peastfist1602 I mean in theory you could wire everything up and glue it but that is EXTREMELY likely to have issues.

[@Live2playloud]

So I am planning on making your scotto40 but I have a question. Does the code and layout for that build include function keys or secondary keys, or can they only be mapped to 1 function?

[@joe_scotto]

There is a layer on the number layer for function keys. The board basically has 4 layers, the main one (Colemak), code layer, number layer, and function keys/QMK bootloader

[@Live2playloud]

@@joe_scotto ok I am not familiar with the code but I really like building this stuff. I just finished an azeron copy yesterday. The code was very easy for that . I have a spare pro micro and might as well use it. Do you have a discord group or something you can be reached on easier?

[@johnson42069]

does this design have n-key rollover? I'm trying to make a steno keyboard

[@alfie8778]

Could you please expand on your closing note about running into bugs? Do you mean fixing soldering issues or firmware bugs? I have built a number of split boards from kits but never hand wired. The only ‘debugging’ I have come across is having to reflow solder etc. I’m about to embark on my custom, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@joe_scotto]

Both. You will end up messing up something in the firmware or wiring stuff up incorrectly, it’s just part of building handwired boards. The most common issue I encounter is wiring my rows/columns backwards either on the physical board or in firmware.

[@alfie8778]

@@joe_scotto Thank you for your time.