Not using rotary encoders? Skip ahead to Switches.
This is an optional step; you only need to do this if you have purchased one or more rotary encoders.
Which knob should you get? For the encoders we sell at splitkb.com, you’ll require knobs with a 6mm wide shaft (or slightly wider), with a set screw. Friction-fit knobs may not work with our D-shaft encoders. The overall diameter of the knob should not exceed 19mm.
If you look at the bottom of the PCBs, you’ll see a few spots marked with white circles with a number in it. On many kits, you’ll see one or more spots marked with (1), while some kits may also have a (2) or even a (3).
These marked spots are spots where you can choose to install an encoder. Spots that share the same number, also share the encoder’s data pins, so it’s recommended to only install a single encoder per number - encoders sharing the same number might not work, or might do the same thing, which isn’t very helpful.
If your keyboard kit only has (1)s, that means your keyboard supports up to one encoder per half. If it also has (2)s, that means it supports up to two encoders per half, et cetera. If you’d like to install your encoder on a (2) position, you won’t need to also install one on a (1) position: you’re free to use as many or as few encoders as the keyboard supports.
When using hotswap sockets. Just to make sure, you can’t install an encoder on a spot where you’ve already put a hotswap socket. Remove it from a spot if you’ve previously soldered a socket there. Otherwise, you risk pushing the socket out of the PCB, possibly damaging both the socket and your keyboard.
To install an encoder, first insert the side with the three little legs partly into their pads on the PCB. Then turn the encoder toward the remaining two pads and insert them partly as well. Lastly, press the encoder down, pressing the side legs into their corresponding holes. This may require a bit of force, though you shouldn’t have to overdo it.
Taking the encoder for a spin. Take note of the number or numbers you’ve installed your encoders on. Each encoder number corresponds with a definition of it in the firmware, and when changing the keycodes you’ll want to adjust the correct one to see the changes you’ve made.