Sonnet Build Guide

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

Parts

  • Top Case
  • Bottom Case
  • Accent
  • Internal Weight
  • Plate
  • PCB
  • Daughterboard
  • Daughterboard Cable
  • Plate Caps x5
  • Plate Foam
    Not Included
  • PE Foam
    Not Included
  • Silicone Base
    Not Included
  • M2.5x10 Case fasteners x2
  • M2x5 Plate fasteners x5
  • M2x3 Daughterboard fasteners x4
  • M2x5, flat head Hotswap Standoff Fasteners x4
  • M2x10 Accent Fasteners x4
  • M3x5 Internal Weight Fasteners x2
  • M3x7 Silicone Base Fasteners x2
  • Screwdriver + bits
  • Keycap and Switch Puller
  • Stabilizer lube syringe (Krytox 205g0)

Additional Tools

  • MX-style Switches
  • MX-compatible Keycap Set
  • Stabilizers (three 2U and one 6.25U/7U)
  • 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 Sonnet.

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.

Mounting Styles

The Sonnet supports two different internal mounting styles to fine-tune your typing experience.

Isolated Top Mount: Custom-molded silicone plate caps isolate the plate and fasteners from the top case.

Stack Mount: A custom-molded silicone base supports the plate/PCB assembly against the top case (requires silicone base).

Fasteners

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There are up to seven different types of fasteners used during this build. This diagram can be referenced to confirm that you are using the correct ones. Use the included H1.5 hex bit for M2 fasteners and H2.0 bit for M2.5/M3 fasteners.

Step 1 - Test PCB

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  • Place the PCB facedown, connect the daughterboard to the PCB, and plug it in. Be careful not to bend the connector pins.
  • Open VIA, on the Configure tab click 'Authorize Device' and select the M75 PCB. Navigate to the Key Tester Tab, and enable Test Matrix Mode.
  • 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 2 - Install Feet

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  • 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 - Detach Bottom Case

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  • Carefully place the Sonnet facedown.
  • Use the provided H2.0 hex bit to remove the case fasteners and separate the bottom case from the top case.

Step 4 - Attach Daughterboard to Bottom Case

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  • Disconnect the daughterboard cable from the PCB.
  • With the cable connected to the daughterboard, fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x3 fasteners (four total).
  • Take care to not overtighten the fasteners, or you may damage the daughterboard.

Step 5 - Install PE foam sheet (optional)

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  • If you plan to use the optional PE foam, lay it on top of the PCB now.

Step 6 - Install Stabilizers

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  • 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 7 - Install Switches (Hotswap)

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  • 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.
  • Remove the mylar standoff covers, align the plate with the front of the PCB, and fasten it into place with the M2x5 flat head fasteners (four 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 7 - Install Switches (Solder)

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  • 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.
  • Align the plate with the front of the PCB, and push the corner switches into place.
  • Install remaining switches, working your way in from the corner switches.
  • Solder each of the switches to the PCB.

Step 8 - Confirm Switch Installation

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  • 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 9 - Install Plate Caps

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

Step 10 - Install Accent

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  • Gently lower the accent into the recess in the top case.
  • Flip the top case over, supporting the accent from the top side. Screw in the accent to the top case using the M2x10 fasteners (four total).

Step 11 - Install Internal Weight (Isolated Top Mount)

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  • Gently lower the internal weight into the recess in the bottom case.
  • Secure the weight to the bottom case using the shorter M3x5 flat head fasteners (two total)

Step 11 - Install Internal Weight and Silicone Base (Stack Mount)

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  • Gently lower the internal weight into the recess in the bottom case.
  • Lay the silicone base on top of the internal weight, aligning it with the weight’s screw holes.
  • Secure the silicone base and weight to the bottom case using the longer M3x7 flat head fasteners (two total)

Step 12 - Attach Plate/PCB to Top Case (Isolated Top Mount)

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  • 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 M2x5 fasteners (five total).
  • Take care to avoid over tightening fasteners such that they go past the silicone plate caps.

Step 12 - Insert Plate/PCB into Top Case (Stack Mount)

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

Step 13 - Attach Daughterboard Connector

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

Step 14 - Secure Bottom Case

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  • Fasten the bottom case to the top case with the M2.5x12 fasteners (two total).

Step 15 - Install Keycaps

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  • Install your choice of MX-compatible keycaps.

Step 16 - Tune Stabilizers

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  • Test the stabilized keys for any undesired rattling noises.
  • If rattle is detected, lift the corresponding stem up and inject lube into the slider around the ends of the stabilizer wires.

Step 17 - Set macOS layout

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Step 18 - Program Keymap in VIA/QMK

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