Here you will find a photo and text description of how to assemble Gravity36.
Please refer to the video along with the assembly instructions.
Gravity36 Contents
Check the contents first.
Gravity36 – DIY Keyboard Kit Contents
- Main board (all necessary parts already mounted)
- USB Type-C ProMicro compatible MCU x 2 *1
- 12-pin cons. through x 4 *2
- M2 screw (5mm) x 24
- M2 spacer (10mm) x 12
- Rubber feet x 8
- Acrylic top plate (left)
- Acrylic top plate (right)
- Acrylic bottom plate (left)
- Acrylic bottom plate (right)
- Keyreative KAM ASTHA keycap set (41keys)
- TRRS cable x 1 pc (sample)
- Key Cap & Key Switch Puller x 1 (sample)
- Information flyer
Parts reference: https://github.com/takashicompany/klec_02
Items that must be purchased separately
- 36 Cherry MX compatible key switches
For key switches, you can purchase from Amazon, Yousha Kobo, Talpkeyboard, NuPhy Japan, KPrepublic Store, AliExpress, etc.
precautions
- For questions or problems after or during assembly, please read the ” FAQ” first.
- As for the acrylic plate included in the package, please remove it carefully as it may be scratched when you remove the protective seal. Wetting it with water, etc. will also make it easier to peel off. Returns and refunds will not be accepted due to scratches.
- Due to the nature of acrylic plates, scratches may occur rarely during processing and transportation. Due to the nature of the product, it is assumed that these points were agreed upon at the time of purchase, and returns and refunds will not be accepted due to scratches in the same manner as above.
- This kit requires soldering. If you are concerned about soldering, please purchase the “Soldering Option” as a set.
- Please note that we do not provide any support for soldering by yourself.
- Specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please read the terms and conditions on the sales page for details.
- The board manufacturing and parts assembly are done by Elecrow. Only the first batch has another company’s brand name printed on the part connecting the left and right boards. Please be aware of this.
How to assemble Gravity36
The assembly method will be explained from here.
What you need for assembly
- Precision Phillips screwdriver
(The following is what would be required if the soldering option was not used)
- Soldering iron with temperature control function (we are introducing HAKKO products for sure, but others are also acceptable)
- soldermat
- Solder for precision printed circuit boards
- Soldering iron stand
Things that would be useful
Recommended maintenance products
- Anti-static spray (Acrysunday Polycare F70)
- Kyung Cham cloth or other fingerprint wiping cloth (e.g., eyeglass wipe)
This build guide uses transparent acrylic for better clarity.
Some screws are different from those included in the package, but priority will be given to those included in the package for the complete set of parts.
Please understand that we are not responsible for any loss or damage to your property.
First, remove the acrylic protective film.
Although very tightly glued, peel off the edges of the acrylic release paper with your fingernail and then slowly peel it off.
If it is difficult to peel off, one method is to place it in lukewarm water.
Rarely, glue marks may remain after peeling off.
In that case, soak it in warm water and then gently wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or the like to remove it.
Acrylic is very easily scratched, so please work carefully.
After peeling off the acrylic release paper, place the acrylic as shown below.
To avoid mistaking the front and back, apply masking tape or similar to the surface.
Use the six screws and six spacers provided to screw the spacers to the top acrylic plate.
There are a total of six screws.
Please be careful not to forget to fit the two center sections.
Screw in a total of 12 locations on the left and right sides.
Fold and remove the frame for board protection.
It can be easily broken by applying force along this cut.
Place the substrate under the top acrylic plate as shown in the image.
The microcontroller should be at the left and right edges.
Fit the prepared keyswitch.
The board and acrylic board are joined together via a key switch.
As shown in the image, first fit the edge, and then the center part at the end.
The bottom acrylic plate is screwed in place.
Install the acrylic so that the cut-out part of the acrylic is above the ProMicro and screw it in place with the screws provided.
Attach the supplied rubber cushions to the bottom of the left and right boards.
Although there is no specific place to put it, it will be less likely to slip if it is put on the four corners in a well-balanced manner.
Finally, the key caps are put on and the process is finished.
Thank you for your hard work.
About keycap placement
Recommended Parts
Gravity36 can be customized according to preference.
Here are some recommended parts.
About Palm Rest
The recommended palm rest is the Diamante Glass Palm Rest by Yoshimura Special Parts Mfg.
The product shown in the image is ” Diamante Glass Palm Rest [four side small polished] for MINI (length 90 mm, width 130 mm)”, which is semi-custom-made.
About TRRS Cables
The recommended TRRS cable is JizaiStyle.
How to Solder ProMicro
ProMicro’s soldering method is explained mainly through video content.
The trick is to prepare a soldering iron with a temperature control function heated to 280°C, apply solder to the tip of the iron placed over the through-hole area, and solder one by one in the form of pouring solder.
After confirming that solder has flowed into the through-hole, move the soldering iron away from the through-hole area.
