There are up to four different types of fasteners used during this build depending on if you have a hotswap or solder PCB. The diagram below can be referenced to check you are using the correct ones.

• Align one end of the foot in one corner of the recessed channel, then gently lower the strip into place.

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

• 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.

• Disconnect the daughterboard cable from the PCB.

• With the cable connected to the daughterboard, fasten it into the bottom case using the black M2x3 socket head cap screws (four total).

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

• 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.

• 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 via the standoffs with the black M2x5 flat head screws (three 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.

• 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 align the plate with the PCB.

• If you plan to use the optional plate foam, 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 the remaining switches and solder each of them to the PCB.

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

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

• Please skip this step if you are building your SixtyFive in the top mount configuration.

• Slide the silicone plate caps onto the plate tabs (six total).

• Please skip this step if you are building your SixtyFive in the top mount or isolated top mount configurations.

• Place the silicone base into the bottom case.

• Secure the silicone base to the bottom case using the black M2x5 flat head screws (eight total).

• Place the top case facedown.

• Gently lower the plate/PCB assembly into the top case.

• Secure the plate to the top case via the tabs along the top and bottom edges with the black M2x5 button head cap screws (six total).

• If you are building your SixtyFive in the isolated top mount configuration, take care to avoid overtightening screws such that they go past the silicone plate caps.

• Place the top case facedown.

• Gently lower the plate/PCB assembly into the top case.

• 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.

• Fasten the bottom case to the top case with the silver M2x5 button head cap screws (four total)

• Lightly tighten the screws as needed. Do not overtighten.

• Align the backpiece with the rear of the SixtyFive and allow the magnets to secure it in place.

• 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.

• 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.

• The SixtyFive is fully compatible with VIA and QMK. With VIA, you can use the graphical interface to program any of the keys or layers on the SixtyFive.

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