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
  • Full Lattice Blocks - Green x5
  • Full Lattice Blocks - Black x5
  • Top Mount Blocks x5
  • Plate Foam
    Not Included
  • PE Foam
    Not Included
  • M2.5x10 Case fasteners x2
  • 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)
    Not Included

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. We recommend the following steps to get the most out of your Sonnet.

Lubing Stabilizers: This reduces the rattling sounds that stock stabilizers produce. We have our own video tutorial available here.

Lubing Switches (optional): 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 and Alexotos have video tutorials available for this as well.

Mounting Styles

The Sonnet has a newly designed internal mounting system to fine-tune your typing experience. The lattice block mount uses a lattice structure to create a dreamy, flexible typing experience. The Mode Sonnet offers two variations of the lattice block mount including full-lattice green (most flex) and full-lattice black (mid flex).

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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  • Open VIA, navigate to the Key Tester tab, and enable Test 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 may 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 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 (foam kit sold separately).

Step 3 - 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.
  • Ensure that your stabilizers are completely flat on the PCB before screwing them in.
  • While bracing the front of each stabilizer, screw it into place from the underside of the PCB. Repeat for the remaining stabilizers.

Step 4 - Standoff covers, Plate Foam, Plate

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  • Remove the mylar standoff covers (the plastic orange circle on top of the standoffs)
  • 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 with the M2x5 flat head fasteners (four total).

Step 5 - Install Switches

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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 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.

Step 6 - Notice for Softer Plates

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  • Install your first few switches around the plate as shown, this will help ensure the plate stays aligned during the installation process.
  • Install remaining switches, working your way in from the corner switches.

Step 7 - 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 8 - 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.

Step 9 - Disassembly

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  • The Sonnet ships with the top case and bottom case pre-assembled.
  • 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 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 Lattice Mounting Blocks (option A)

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  • Slide your preferred mounting block into the plate tabs (5 total), the lattice side should be facing the bottom of the PCB. Note that each type of lattice block comes with 3 rectangular blocks for the top of the PCB and 2 curved blocks for the bottom.
  • You can mix and match or swap these blocks to fine tune your typing experience.
  • Insert the assembly into the top case, starting with the bottom, followed by the top.

Step 11 - Install Top Mount Blocks (option B)

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  • Slide the top mount blocks into the recesses of the top case (5 total). Note that there are 3 rectangular blocks for the top of the board and 2 curved blocks for the bottom.
  • Insert the assembly into the top case, aligning the plate tab holes with the blocks, starting with the bottom, followed by the top. Secure the assembly with the M2x5 fasteners (5 total).

Step 12 - Install Case Foam (optional)

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  • If you plan to use the optional case foam for a more dampened sound, lay it in your bottom case now.

Step 13 - Install Daughterboard

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  • Connect the daughterboard cable to the daughterboard, fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x4 fasteners (four total) with the USB-C port facing downwards.

Step 14 - Install Internal Weight

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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 M3x5 flat head fasteners (two total).

Step 15 - 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 16 - Secure Top and Bottom Case

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  • With the bottom of the board facing upwards, fasten the top case to the bottom case with the M2.5x12 fasteners (two total).

Step 17 - Install Keycaps

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  • Install your MX-compatible keycaps.

Step 18 - 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 19 - Set macOS layout

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Step 20 - 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