Now that you've selected "keebsforall/freebird60", the page should now look like this:Ģ. Usually, the firmware will be named the same as the PCB, so if you're using DZ60 for example, then search for DZ60 in this step. Using the freebird60 firmware on a PCB that doesn't support it might lead to you bricking that PCB. If you're using a different PCB, make sure you know which firmware you need for this process. You should see "keebsforall/freebird60" pop up as an option. Now that you're on, go to top bar that says KEYBOARD and click on it.
#Pcb keyboard how to
So, this doubles as a guide for how to remap and flash your Freebird60 Hot Swap PCB with QMK. Do do this, go to įor this guide, we'll be using our own PCB and custom firmware as the example. First, configure your keymapping and export a firmware.
#Pcb keyboard Pc
Step By Step Guide (Works for both PC and Mac)ġ. Now that you have an idea of how the PCB works and why it's needed for a mechanical keyboard, we can move onto a step by step guide on flashing it with the firmware you need. If that's the case, you'll notice that your keyboard doesn't work after assembling everything with that un-flashed PCB. It's just pre-flashed and pre-assembled for you!Ī PCB you buy for your first build is likely pre-flashed for you as well (Our Freebird60 will be flashed before we ship it to you), but in the spirit of DIY, some stores/people might sell you an un-flashed PCB. The fully assembled mechanical keyboard you buy from Razer or another brand works the exact same way. Once that happens, the micro controller will now know how to control and manage the keyboard including any RGB lighting etc. Anyway, the keymap and everything else the micro controller needs gets flashed/installed into the micro controller. This will lead to some funny confusion the next time they try to type.
If you want to annoy someone, you can re-map their "a" key and "d" with each other, then re-flash their keyboard. The firmware contains a keymapping, which means which specific key on a keyboard is responsible for what function. Flashing a firmware into the Micro Controller is like installing an operating system on your computer. The PCB is like the mother board and the Micro Controller is like the CPU. So, you can think of the keyboard as a tiny computer itself. This is the reason why you can unplug a mechanical keyboard from one computer to another and have it still work right away. This means that it doesn't rely on your operating system to tell it which key does what. In reality, both the mechanical keyboard you bought online from Amazon and the one you're about to build, work the exact same way.Ī keyboard is an independent object from your computer.
#Pcb keyboard install
However, for a custom mechanical keyboard that you have to install from individual components, this won't always be the case. If you've bought a keyboard from Best Buy or Amazon, then you're used to just plugging the USB into your computer and having the keyboard work right away.
#Pcb keyboard software
QMK - It's an open source software that allows you to create key mappings and load firmware into your PCB.
It's just a word for downloading the firmware into the Micro Controller on your PCB. Micro Controller/MCU - Again, another simplification, but it's like the CPU for a computer, but it's the "control unit" for the keyboard instead and it's installed directly onto the PCB.įirmware - This is basically the "software" required for your keyboard to function and know which keymapping it's using.įlashing - Nope, you're not revealing yourself to strangers. This is over simplifying it, but think of it like a mother board for your keyboard. But, for those looking to dip into the mechanical keyboard hobby for the first time, this is for you.īefore we start with how to flash your first PCB, we should probably go over some basic concepts and terms.
If you've done this process before, chances are, this won't teach you anything new. This tutorial is for someone who is looking to flash their very first PCB using QMK. Once you've flashed your first PCB, it becomes muscle memory. These terms might sound confusing to you, but don't worry, it's all actually very simple. If you've looked into how to build your very first custom mechanical keyboard, chances are, you've repeatedly heard of something called QMK and the words-firmware and flashing.
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