Kyria Build Guide: Introduction
Tools
You can read more about the tools you can use in the following article: What tools do I need to assemble a keyboard kit?
Next to those tools, Isolation tape helps keep certain components in place while soldering, and is also required to isolate the bottom of the OLED displays as to keep them from shorting with the microcontroller.
The Build
With the parts and the tools out of the way, we can now start with the build!
Both PCBs are the same: they’re reversible. Choose one half as the left, and the other as the right. The bottom side of each PCB will get the diodes and RGB LEDs. The top side of each PCB will get the remaining components.
You’ll need to repeat all of the assembly steps of this guide for both halves: once for the left half, and once for the right half. Be mindful, as undoing some build steps can take a lot of effort.
Breaking off a column (optional)
If you’re used to smaller form factor keyboards like the Minidox, you may choose to break off the outer column. This gives you three keys less to work with, and it’ll mean you only have one available spot for a rotary encoder, may you choose to use one.
To break off the outer column, take a flush cutter and carefully snip through each of the three support sections that keep the outer column attached to the rest of the PCB. It’s easiest to do the two outer supports first, finishing with the middle support section. Do not attempt to break the outer column by hand, as this is very likely to damage your PCB.