Milan build guide

Testing your PCB

Check that your PCB and daughterboard are working by connecting the PCB to your computer, visiting the Remap or Remap online configurator, or installing the VIA application if your browser does not support WebHID, clicking on the ... dropdown menu and clicking Test Matrix mode in Remap or navigating to the Key Tester tab and enabling Test Matrix in VIA, and bridging each key on the PCB by touching the two pads beside each hotswap socket with a pair of metal tweezers, or by inserting a switch into a hotswap socket and actuating the switch. This will validate that every key on the PCB is functional.

If the PCB is not recognized by Remap or VIA, or you are experiencing any unexpected behavior with your PCB, visit our PCB troubleshooting guide to diagnose and fix common problems.

Note: menu and other QMK-specific keycodes will not be detected by Remap or VIA's key tester unless Test Matrix is enabled as these keycodes are processed locally on the PCB and no inputs are sent to your computer.

Installing stabilizers

Install your stabilizers onto the PCB. Stabilizers are required for left shift, spacebar, right shift, enter, and full backspace. It is recommended to insert switches and keycaps for each stabilizer to test them for rattle and other undesirable stabilizer noise as they cannot be uninstalled after assembly, making tuning and other modifications more difficult or impossible without disassembling the PCB assembly.

Inserting switches

Insert your switches into the plate and PCB, ensuring that the switch is fully seated into the plate and clipped in, and that the PCB is resting up against the switches for maximum contact with the hotswap sockets. When using a soft plate material such as POM and polycarbonate, it is recommended to insert the switches into the plate and then push the PCB onto the switch pins. The flexible nature of plastic plates causes them to bend downwards as switches are inserted, making it difficult for switches to properly clip into the plate. Ensure that all of your switch pins are straight before installation.

It is recommended to support the hotswap sockets by holding them using your index finger while inserting the switch with your thumb. This will prevent any forces from pushing the socket away from the PCB and maximize the lifespan of your hotswap PCB.

Note: the multi-layout hotswap PCB requires regular caps lock to be flipped upside-down in a North-facing orientation.

Mounting: top mount

After installing your stabilizers and switches into the PCB, the PCB assembly will need to be mounted to the case. For a firmer typing feel and lively sound signature, the plate can be screwed to the top case using the included silver M2x4mm screws.

Mounting: gasket mount

For a softer typing feel and creamy sound signature with minimal case reverb, the plate can be mounted using sandwich gasket mount. Place the poron foam strips along the north and south of the bottom case, then place the plate on top of the poron foam strips. Ensure that the plate is not screwed to the top case and that the onboard USB-C connector does not accidentally knock over the upper-right poron gasket.

The poron strips do not have any adhesive on them, allowing you to switch between top mount and gasket mount quickly and non-destructively. Due to this, it is recommended to be careful and accurate when placing the plate on the poron strips to avoid moving them around when making small adjustments to the position of the PCB afterwards.

Assembling the case

Place the top case over the bottom case, then flip the keyboard upside down. Fasten the four included case screws from the bottom, two M2x12 mm screws for the front and two M2x20 mm screws for the rear. These screws lengths are not interchangeable. Next, apply the four included silicone feet to the slots on the bottom case.

Installing your keycaps

The final step is to install your keycaps.

The keycaps shown in the render is not based on any real keycap set. Similar looking keycap sets include ePBT Samurai, GMK Originative Japanese, GMK Originative Cyrillic, and JTK Classic Cyrillic.

Customizing the keymap and macros

The Milan PCB firmware is compatible with QMK, VIA, and Remap, allowing you to customize your keymap and macros without the use of proprietary software. Use VIA for on-the-fly key remapping and macro customization, or use Remap to perform all of those functions in a browser, removing the need for a dedicated application.

Note: Remap is currently limited to browsers that support the WebHID API.

Congratulations!

You have assembled your Milan keyboard kit and it is now ready for use. We hope you enjoy this keyboard, and encourage you to experiment with custom plate materials and mounting styles to tailor the sound and typing experience of Milan to your personal preferences.