Eighty (2020) Build Guide

This guide will help you assemble your new Mode Eighty. The process should take about 1 hour for hotswap and 1.5 hours if soldering. Prior to assembly, be sure to gather all the necessary parts and tools in your workspace. If you have any questions during assembly, you can chat with community members in the #build-support channel on our Discord server, or send us message using the help widget below.

Parts

Top case
Bottom case
Plate
PCB
Daughterboard
Daughterboard cable
Plate foam
Bottom gasket
M3x12 Case Screws x3
M2x3 Daughterboard Screws x4
M2x3 Standoff Screws (Hotswap only) x8
Carrying Case
1.5mm Hex Driver
2.5mm Hex Driver

Additional Tools

MX-style Switches
MX-compatible Keycaps
Stabilizers (four 2U and one 6.25U/7U)
Switch and Keycap Puller
Optional: For removing switches/caps
Tweezers
Lube
Optional: For switches and stabilizers, Krytox 205g0 recommended
Paint Brush
Optional: For applying lube (0 or 00 size)
Soldering Iron, Wire, and Fan)
Optional: For solderable PCBs only

Preparation

Check that you have the required parts and tools listed above and consider installing VIA (VIA is a free software that makes it easy to test your PCB and customize the keymap of your keyboard). We also recommend the following steps to get the most out of your Eighty.

Lubing Stabilizers: This reduces the rattling sounds that stock stabilizers produce. Taeha Types has a video tutorial available here.

Lubing Switches: This dampens the sound of your switches and increases their smoothness. Lubing switches is a time-consuming process, but the results are noticeable. Taeha Types has a video tutorial available for this as well here.

Step 1 - Detach Bottom Case

Carefully place the Eighty facedown.

Use the provided 2.5mm hex tool to remove the plastic placeholder screw and remove the bottom case from the assembly.

Step 2 - Install Feet

Align one end of the foot in one corner of the recessed channel, then gently lower the strip into place. Take care not to stretch the foot.

Press on the feet to ensure they are properly adhered, smoothing out any raised areas.

Step 3 - Test PCB

Do not skip this step; we cannot guarantee a replacement PCB that was not tested prior to assembly.

Open VIA, navigate to the Key Tester tab, and enable Matrix Mode

Place the PCB facedown, connect the daughterboard to the PCB, and plug it in.

Touch the ends of your tweezers to the metal contacts under each switch position, lighting up each key in VIA. Note that the function key will not light up.

In the rare event that keys do not light up, pause your build here and contact support@modedesigns.com.

Step 4 - Attach Daughterboard to Bottom Case

Disconnect the daughterboard cable from the PCB.

With the cable connected to the daughterboard, fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x3 screws (4 total).

Take care to not overtighten the screws, or you may damage the daughterboard.

Step 5 - Install Stabilizers.

Stabilizers ensure that long keys actuate properly, no matter where you press. The stabilizer wire you need for the spacebar will depend on your choice of layout.

Insert the non-threaded end of the stabilizer into the larger cutout on the PCB, then pivot the threaded ends into place.

While bracing the front of each stabilizer, screw it into place from the underside of the PCB. Repeat for the remaining stabilizers.

Step 6 - Install Switches (hotswap)

Before installing your switches, inspect them to ensure the two metal pins on the underside of each switch are straight. Straighten all pins with tweezers if any are bent.

If you plan to use the optional plate foam for a more dampened sound, lay it on top of the PCB now.

Align the plate with the front of the PCB, and fasten it into place from the underside of the PCB with the M2x3 screws (8 total).

Insert switches into the plate/PCB. Take care to brace the back of the hotswap socket with a finger while pushing the switches into place with your thumb. Do not apply downward pressure to the surface of the plate itself.

Install remaining switches.

Step 6 - Install Switches (solderable)

Before installing your switches, inspect them to ensure the two metal pins on the underside of each switch are straight. Straighten all pins with tweezers if any are bent.

Insert switches into the corner positions of the plate. This will help to align the plate with the PCB.

If you plan to use the optional plate foam for a more dampened sound, lay it on top of the PCB now. Align the plate with the front of the PCB, and push the corner switches into place

Install remaining switches.

Solder each of the switches to the PCB.

Step 7 - Confirm Switch Installation

Switches that are not properly installed can cause alignment issues when the case is closed.

Check that the plate is not sagging below the tops of the switches.

Check that each switch pin is fully seated into the PCB.

Step 8 - Insert Plate/PCB into Top Case

Place the top case facedown.

Gently lower the plate/PCB assembly into the top case using the three alignment posts.

Lay the bottom gasket on the underside of the PCB. Align the cutouts with the hotswap sockets if using the hotswap PCB.

Step 9 - Attach Daughterboard Connector

Hold the bottom case firmly in one hand and align it with the notch on the bottom edge of the top case.

While still holding the bottom case, use your other hand to attach the daughterboard cable to the PCB.

Check the orientation of the daughterboard cable and ensure that it is fully plugged in. It should not come loose if inserted properly.

Close the bottom case onto the top case, ensuring that the cable sits inside the recessed area of the bottom case.

Step 10 - Secure Bottom Case

Pinch the top and bottom case together with one hand, and fasten the center M3x12 case screw into place with your other hand.

Fasten the remaining two M3x12 screws.

Lightly tighten the screws as needed such that the top and bottom case are flush. Do not overtighten.

Step 11 - Install Keycaps

If you notice there is any rubbing of keycaps against the case, remove the bottom case and ensure that the plate/PCB assembly is properly aligned. It may shift slightly during final assembly.

Install your choice of MX-compatible keycaps.

Step 12 - Program Keymap in VIA/QMK

The Eighty is fully compatible with VIA and QMK. Plug the Eighty into your computer via the USB-C port, and use the graphical interface of VIA to program any of the keys or layers on the Eighty.

If using QMK, you may enter bootloader mode by pressing the physical reset button on the board or pressing Fn + Esc.

If VIA is not detecting the Eighty, please try importing the keymap.json file into VIA. If an incompatible USB hub or faulty USB cable is used, the Eighty may also not be detected.

If any of the keys do not actuate properly, it may be due to a bent switch pin during installation. Remove that keycap and switch using a keycap/switch puller. If any metal pins are bent, straighten them with a pair of tweezers.

Happy Typing

We hope you had a smooth build experience and would love to see the end result! Post your build in our photos channels on Discord or tag us on Instagram @modekeyboards. If you have any feedback you’d like to share with us, you can reach out to hi@modedesigns.com.

- Team Mode