Tempo Build Guide

This guide will help you assemble your new Mode Tempo. The process should take about 45 minutes 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 via support@modedesigns.com or chat with community members in the #build-support channel of our Discord server.

Altenatively we have a build video available on YouTube that you can follow along with here.

Parts

  • Chassis
  • Accent
  • Weight
  • Plate
  • PCB
  • Daughterboard
  • Lattice Blocks - Green x6
  • Lattice Blocks - Black x6
  • Half-Lattice Blocks x6
  • Solid Blocks x6
  • Set of Feet
  • M2x3 Daughterboard fasteners x5
  • M2.5x5 Accent/Weight Fasteners x8
  • M3x9 Retaining Fasteners + Washers x2
  • Screwdriver + bits
  • Keycap and Switch Puller
  • PE Foam
    Not Included
  • Plate Foam
    Not Included
  • Case Foam
    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 Tempo.

Lubing Stabilizers: This reduces the rattling sounds that stock stabilizers produce. Alexotos 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. Alexotos has a video tutorial available for this as well here.

Mounting Styles

The Tempo has a newly designed internal mounting system to fine-tune your typing experience. Learn more about this mounting system here. Every board includes all 4 lattice block variations - full lattice green (most flex), full lattice black (mid-flex), half lattice green (low flex), and solid green (stiff).

Fasteners

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There are up to 4 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 H2.5 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 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 Lower Feet

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  • Align the two lower silicone feet into the recessed channel.
  • Press on the feet to ensure they are properly inserted.

Step 3 - Install Bar Feet and Weight

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  • Align the bar feet onto the back of the Tempo weight (two total).
  • Align the Tempo chassis over the weight, with the top edge tilted downwards, then lower the chassis over the weight.

Step 4 - Install Accent

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  • Align the accent piece with the top of the chassis.
  • Screw in the accent using the M2.5x3 screws (three total).

Step 5 - Install Daughterboard

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  • Connect the daughterboard cable to the daughterboard.
  • Fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x3 fasteners (two total) with the USB-C port facing upwards.

Step 6 - Insert PE Foam (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 7 - 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 8 - Prepare to 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.
  • If you plan to use the optional plate foam for a more dampened sound, lay it on top of the PCB now.

Step 9 - Notice for Soft Plates

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  • If you are using a softer plate material such as POM or PC, ensure switches are fully seated. We recommend using the screwdriver to carefully lift the plate while pressing down on the switch to ensure the switch is seated flat on the plate.
  • 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 10 - Install Switches

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  • Insert switches into the plate/PCB. Brace the back of the hotswap socket with a finger while pushing the switches into place. Do not apply downward pressure to the plate itself.
  • If you're using a soft plate material such as POM, ensure switches are fully seated. We recommend using the screwdriver to carefully lift the plate while pressing down on the switch to ensure the switch is seated in the plate.
  • Install remaining switches.

Step 11 - 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 12 - Install Mounting Blocks

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  • Slide your preferred mounting block into the recesses within the chassis (6 total).
  • You can mix and match or swap these blocks to fine tune your typing experience.

Step 13 - Attach Plate/PCB to Chassis

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  • While holding your plate/PCB assembly, use your other hand to attach the daughterboard cable to the PCB
  • Gently lower the plate/PCB assembly into the chassis starting with the bottom of the plate/PCB.
  • Secure the plate/PCB assembly to the chassis via the M3x9 fasteners with the 2x Rubber Washers.

Step 14 - Install Keycaps

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  • Install your choice of MX-compatible keycaps.

Step 15 - 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 16 - 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
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