So the first step is to get the stabilisers for the larger keys onto the plastic plate. In this version (with 05002 Stabis) they come pre-lubed so don’t search for the lube in the box as per the instructions like I did. Also, the space bar stabiliser goes in the opposite way to the others (this is not mentioned).
So the direction the switches are shown in the instructions is wrong. The pins have to be at the top, not the bottom (that’s where the holes are in the PCB). Double-checked it just to be sure I hadn’t done something odd.
Tip: you can plug the PCB into your computer and check each switch works as you plug it in :)
(Careful you don’t bend the pins when placing the switches. Make sure they go straight into the holes.)
The flow I eventually fell into was to place a switch in lightly and press it to test it made contact (by seeing the key appear in the text editor) then press it in without worrying whether I got the pins in right.
I haven’t gotten to the Lego case yet but this is currently a fully-functional keyboard. (Albeit not the most comfortable to write on.)
Time for some dinner, me thinks. Will continue later :)
The bottom half of the case is done, including the rubber gaskets. Now to pop the board in and continue building the top half.
Building this, I’ve just realised Lego is just really coarse grain 3D-printing. Only you can also take it apart. We had 3D printers as kids y’all and we didn’t even know it! :)