# Hand-Wiring Guide

## Parts list

You will need: (where *x* is the number of keys on your planned keyboard)

* QMK compatible microcontroller board (Teensy, Pro-Micro, QMK Proton C etc.)
* *x* keyswitches (MX, Matias, Gateron, etc)
* *x* through hole diodes
* Keyboard plate and plate mount stabilisers
* Wire
* Soldering iron
* Rosin-cored solder
* Adequate ventilation/a fan
* Wire cutters/snippers

Optional but useful:

* Wire strippers/a sharp knife
* Tweezers and/or small needle nose pliers
* Soldering station/Helping hands

## Starting the build

There are many ways to hand wire a PCB matrix, this guide will describe the fundamentals as well as some recommended ways to go about it.

As we are dealing with hand wiring, it is assumed that you already have a plate.  If you are planning a completely custom layout, tools such as [ai03 Plate Generator](https://kbplate.ai03.me/) and [Swillkb Plate & Case Builder](http://builder.swillkb.com/) can help when designing one.

Start by installing the switches and stabilisers in the plate. Depending on the thickness and material this may also involve hot gluing it in place.

## Planning the matrix

If you are following a pre-existing handwire guide (e.g. for the keyboards in the [handwire firmware section](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/handwired) you can skip this step, just ensure you wire the matrix as described.

What you want to achieve is one leg from each switch being attached to the corresponding switches next to it (rows) and the other leg being attached to the switches above and below it (columns) and a diode to one of the legs, mosy commonly this will be the leg attached to the rows, and the diode will face away from it (Column to Row) i.e. with the wire furthest from the black line on the diode connected to the switch (as current will only travel in one direction through a diode).

It is fairly simple to plan for an ortholinear keyboard (like a Planck).

![Example Planck matrix](https://i.imgur.com/FRShcLD.png)
Image from [RoastPotatoes' "How to hand wire a Planck"](https://blog.roastpotatoes.co/guide/2015/11/04/how-to-handwire-a-planck/)

But the larger and more complicated your keyboard, the more complex the matrix.  [Keyboard Firmware Builder](https://kbfirmware.com/) can help you plan your matrix layout (shown here with a basic fullsize ISO keyboard imported from [Keyboard Layout Editor](http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com).