How to Build a Mechanical Keyboard | Simple Step-by-Step Guide | MODE Sonnet

Learn how to build a custom mechanical keyboard from start to finish and how to customize the look, feel, and sound. Details & links below 👇🏽

▬▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
Using some of the affiliate links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost. This is the easiest way to support me and helps me continue making content like this for you. Thank you 🙏

For 5% off your purchase, use code: modmusings

🖥 Other items featured (leave me a comment if you're looking for something specific):

🗳 Stackable Storage Bin system (for switches and parts:

▬▬▬▬▬ Mode Sonnet Builds featured ▬▬▬▬▬

Configuration 1: Baseline
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. Copper accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Isolated top mount. FR4 plate. No sound mods.

Configuration 2: Muted Copper
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. Copper accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Stack mount. POM Plate. Silicone + foam mods.

Configuration 3: Black & Silent
Case: Silver top. Black bottom. Black accent. Copper weight.
Build details: Stack mount. POM Plate. Silicone + foam mods.
Switches: Gazzew Silent Boba U4 tactile (stock)

Configuration 4: Bright & Loud
Case: Silver top. Polycarbonate bottom. DIY wood accent. Copper weight
Build details: Isolated top mount. No sound mods.
Switches: Durock Koala tactile (L+F)
Keycaps: GMK Minimal R2

▬▬▬▬▬ Keyboard Online Shops ▬▬▬▬▬
⌨️ Here are a few places to get your keyboards and accessories:

▬▬▬▬▬ Misc ▬▬▬▬▬

🎧 Do you like the music in this video?

*If you're reading this, drop a ☕️ emoji in the comments*

▬▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 – Introduction
1:39 – About the Mode Sonnet Keyboard
2:03 – Parts needed to build a keyboard
2:38 – Tools needed to build a keyboard
3:03 – How to Test your PCB with VIA
3:49 – How to tune, lube, and install stabilizers
4:51 – Choosing a plate for your keyboard
5:38 – How to install MX style keyboard switches
7:25 – How to fix a bent switch pin
7:35 – Mounting your keyboard to your case
8:45 – How to install keycaps
9:31 – Remapping keys on VIA
9:46 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 1 Sound Test
11:20 – DIY spray painting keycaps
12:00 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 2 Sound Test
12:48 – Laser engraving a keyboard
13:07 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 3 Sound Test
14:04 – DIY wood keyboard accent
14:56 – Mode Sonnet, Configuration 4 Sound Test

▬▬▬▬▬
DISCLAIMERS:

▬▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬▬

▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by Matthew Encina
Renders created by Yuzu Studios @AvinashKunjamboo
Wood accent made by @DesignCraftWorkshop

#MechanicalKeyboards #DeskSetup #ModMusings #MatthewEncina

[Keybored]

Great video as always! Love that Mode Sonnet! Such a clean build. Great that you're showing different configuration builds for people that want to try to recreate a certain sound!

[boted]

Tbh this is one of the best keyboard tutorials on youtube that I have seen, very in depth and informative. Much love.

[CheeseTurbulence]

Fantastic video, the way you customize everyting based on a single board just shows how incredibly versatile this whole space is. And that black/grey combo looks incredible, I'm definitely aiming more and more towards a Sonnet (vs the Eighty) as one of my next boards, whish it was in stock though 😭

[AvinashKunjamboo]

Such a nice video Matthew! Such a concise way of breaking down an extremely complicated subject. Stoked to have been given the opportunity to assist!

[sainteagle]

Incredible video. The production quality is off the charts, and the way you went so in-depth with the sound tests was both hugely entertaining and informative!

[Shroompled]

Great video! I really appreciate how you went through multiple examples of how you can modify a keyboard to your preferences in sound, feel, and aesthetics. It should be really helpful for newcomers in the hobby. Keep up the content man!

[ModernRemade]

I had no idea keyboards were so customizable! I can tell these are special to you and I totally understand why! You're a man of intention + detail and I respect that. That wood keyboard accent is spot on 😉🙌

[darrenkelk]

A beautiful build, wonderful customisations and sound. Thanks for the videos and for sharing the keyboard passion.

[QualityScrub]

Your keyboard content keeps getting better and better, and I am loving it. Keep up the amazing work!

[MIKEREW]

Can’t get enough of your videos! Just SO good! Never give up!

[Brudder]

Very comprehensive, and honestly inspiring! Another fantastic video.

[boying.]

This is the best sound comparison between the three major types of switches I’ve seen and listened to on YouTube. What the heck. I could never tell the difference even after watching so many videos until this one.

[itihasa.anthology]

waiting for an watching your videos is such a treat for me, its takes you time and effort to put them together, and so you will always have my undivided attention. Thank you!

[thecaptainsterling]

An absolutely amazing video man! Loved every single second 👏🏼👏🏼

[aRoamingDuck]

Great video, Its been a ton of fun customizing my first proper enthusiast board. Lots to try out, a lot of trial and error finding the sound and feeling I like. Has been worth all the tinkering over time!

[lucaswilson]

I really enjoyed this, you covered the process and this board at a level of detail that is much higher than most. The back to back sound tests are awesome and making me more excited to get my Sonnet in October!

[mle]

Wow, this is probably my favorite Sonnet review. Great work Matt! Excellent attention to detail overall. Answered a lot of questions I had with this board and will highly consider it.

[SusheeNzeutem]

awesome video. So much work went into it and it shows. love it. thanks!

[sonalipal]

Thanks for sharing this with us, highly appreciating your efforts 🙌

[jilarious]

This is such a well made video!! Not too overwhelming for the average beginner. Thank you!