I've built a few keyboards before, but I'm ready to dive deeper into designing my own layouts and PCBs. I've got some soldering and programming experience, but I have no clue where to begin with PCB design. What software should I use to start? Are there any good tutorials or courses out there? Lastly, what are some common pitfalls that I should keep in mind?
2 Answers
Definitely go with KiCad! I found the guide from Seeed Studio super helpful. One big tip—watch out for ESD (Electrostatic Discharge). I’ve ruined boards just by touching them without proper precautions. Just a heads up from experience!
KiCad is a great choice; it's free and works well for PCB design. To start, focus on drawing your schematic, then you can design the layout on the PCB. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube that will guide you through the process. Just remember, if you're using unique switches, you might need to find or create specific "footprints"—that’s the copper pattern for connecting components. It sounds tricky, but with a few tutorials, it’ll click. Also, don’t underestimate the mechanical side of things; making a functional keyboard is about more than just the circuit—plan your layout early to make sure everything fits in your case! And definitely consider starting with a smaller project to refine your skills before going all out on a standard-sized keyboard since larger PCBs tend to cost more to produce.