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Learn how to design a custom keyboard from scratch with this step-by-step tutorial. This video series will cover in-depth details on schematic design, PCB layout, and making key decisions to bring this project to life.
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In step 1 of our keyboard PCB design series, we’ll walk through high-level schematic planning using OrCAD X as our design tool. Adam will guide you through the block diagram of the project explaining the major functional sections of the design, including power management, key switch matrix, RGM LED integration, and LCD display control. He’ll also compare to widely used microcontroller options - Raspberry Pi RP2040 and Microchip ATMEGA32U4 – highlighting their advantages and tradeoffs for keyboard applications.
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In step 2 of our custom keyboard PCB design series, we focus on designing the microcontroller section of the schematic using OrCAD X. Adam walks through the process of integrating the Raspberry Pi RP2040 into the design, referencing the official Raspberry Pi hardware design guide to ensure best practices. This step is essential for building a stable and functional core around which the rest of your keyboard circuitry is built.
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In step 3 of the schematic portion of designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam walks through the process of integrating a USB-C connector into the design. This step focuses on properly wiring power and communication lines, using the correct voltage regulation components, and ensuring compliance with USB-C specifications.
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In step 4 of the schematic portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam focuses on building the key matrix, the fundamental circuit that detects key presses in a mechanical keyboard. He explains how the matric works, why it's essential for efficient keyboard design, and how to implement it effectively using ORCAD X.What You'll Learn in This Video:
In step 5 of the schematic portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam shows you how to integrate custom lighting into your design by building a dedicated LED circuit. This step focuses on connecting the LED system, particularly using Neopixel LEDs, to the keyboard matrix and RP2040 microcontroller, while covering best practices for circuit wiring and layout.
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Welcome to the last video in the schematic portion for designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam demonstrates how to integrate a liquid crystal display (LCD) module into your keyboard circuit. This LCD interface adds extra functionality, such as a custom calculator mode, and provides a practical example of I2C based peripheral integration. This video wraps up the schematic phase before moving on to PCB layout.
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In the first video of the PCB layout portion for designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam goes step by step through translating the schematic to the PCB layout. From making minor tweaks in the schematic, like adding "no connects" for unconnected pins, to properly setting up your layout tool.
This step includes cleaning up your schematic, addressing unconnected pins, and configuring the layout environment in OrCAD X.
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In step 2 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam guides you through the process of creating a keyboard design with detailed dimensions and specific positioning for keys and divots. If you’ve struggled with aligning your design to fit into an enclosure or ensuring proper orientation, you’ll learn to avoid mishaps and work smartly.
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In step 3 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, we’ll guide you through setting up the cross-section for your PCB design and customizing its layer colors. Learn how to create a professional 4-layer stack-up and ensure proper layer thickness for improved 3D visualization.
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In step 4 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, we’ll help you efficiently place components on a keyboard PCB using OrCAD X.
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In step 5 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam teaches you how to set up physical and electrical constraints in OrCAD X to avoid unexpected surprises during your PCB design.
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In step 6 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, learn how to route nets efficiently using both assisted and manual route commands. Adam demonstrates why preparation during the schematic and placement stages makes routing easier and showcases specific features of OrCAD X to streamline the design process.
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In step 7 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, you will learn how to route connections from supporting components to the controller. Get insight into efficient routing practices, including proper via usage, multi-layer trace planning, and assigning copper shapes for power delivery. You’ll also explore workflow accelerators like routing hotkeys and automatic DRC checks to improve layout speed and accuracy.
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In step 8 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, Adam demonstrates how to connect switches using a column/row matrix. This video walks through layout techniques that minimize signal interference and improve routing efficiency. You’ll also learn how to simplify the layout by making schematic-level pin swaps that reduce via usage and trace congestion.
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In step 9 of the PCB layout portion on designing a custom keyboard PCB from scratch with OrCAD X, you will learn practical layout strategies that improve routing efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance manufacturability. The video covers techniques such as pin swapping to minimize crossovers, smart via placement to maintain clean signal paths, and layout cleanup methods like trace sliding and correction for polished production-ready results.
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Welcome to the final video in our Mechanical keyboard PCB series. In this session, Adam walks through the final steps needed to prepare your custom PCB design for manufacturing using OrCAD X. You’ll learn how to refine thermal reliefs, optimize placement and silkscreen layers for clarity, and generate the necessary outputs for fabrication and assembly documentation.
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