Install PCBs
Once your PCBs are prepared and tested, it's time to install them into your case!
Install column and thumb PCBs
Line up the hot swap socket into the holes in the back of the case, then press a switch in from the other side.
Make sure the switch pins are straight before plugging in the switch. If there is significant resistance, stop and double check that the pins are actually going into the hot swap sockets. It is possible to damage the hot swap socket if you use too much force on mis-aligned pins.
Install hot swap support plate
Once all the PCBs are held in place by their switches, you can add the hot swap support plate in behind them, and fasten it in place with screws.
Install Dendrite
This part is a bit tricky due to the size of the connectors. Tweezers help a lot. Connect every column first, starting with Col 0 on the innermost index column, and working your way to Col 5 on the outermost pinky column. For the left hand, you'll need to bend the dendrite connector 180° at each column. Once the columns are in, you can move on to the thumb keys. Here are some images showing the proper assignments of connectors to thumb keys for our default thumb cluster styles:
- Manuform
- Dual Arcs
- Single Arc
Install Assimilator
The Assimilator has a jumper on the back that indicates which hand it is for (using QMK's split handedness detection feature). You will notice that the mounts are not symmetrical internally. For the right hand, it needs to be installed with the chip facing you, and for the left hand the chip should be facing away. After connecting the Dendrite, install the Assimilator by popping into place and then screwing it down.
Test the keyboard
Now is a good time to ensure that everything is working as intended. Connect the two halves with the SPLIT USB C port, and connect one half to your computer via the PC USB C port. Check that every RGB LED is working and every switch is sending the expected keystroke to the computer.
Add the base plate
Add rubber feet to the indents in the bottom plate, then screw it into place. If the keyboard wobbles, double check that the plate is flush all the way around and there is no support material popping a section up. If it otherwise looks flush, you can firmly bend the case to ensure everything settled into the right place internally. You may need to loosen the hot swap support plate's screws a little as well (if they are too tight, they might be forcing the case to bend).
Finished!
Congratulations! Now you can configure your layout, add your keycaps, and start using your Cyboard!