Encore Build Guide

• Open VIA, navigate to the Key Tester tab, and enable Test Matrix mode. This process will still work, even if the Test Matrix mode is not functioning.

• 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.

• If you plan to use the optional PE foam, lay it on top of the PCB now (foam kit sold separately).

• 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.

• You can watch our in-depth stabilizer lubing and tuning tutorial here.

• Your kit includes optional standoff screws that act as a rigid spacer between the PCB and plate. These can make installation a little easier but may also alter the sound profile of the board. To use them, put one of the button head screws through the back of the PCB in a standoff hole, screw a standoff onto it on the front side, and repeat for all standoff holes.

• If you plan to use the optional plate foam for a more dampened sound, you will need to trim the spacebar section using scissors. Once trimmed, you can lay it on top of the PCB in the orientation shown here.

• Top the PCB with your plate of choice. If you installed the standoffs, use the countersunk screws to secure the plate to the PCB. If you did not use the standoffs or plate foam, the plate will not be secured until you install some 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 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 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.

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

• Check that each switch pin is fully seated into the PCB. You may hear an audible snap every time a switch is properly inserted into the plate.

• We also recommend reconnecting the daughterboard and testing the PCB again in VIA to make sure everything is working properly. If a key is not triggering, a pin is most likely bent and needs to be reinstalled.

Once everything works, your internal assembly is complete. Set it aside and grab your keyboard chassis next.

• The Encore ships with the top case and bottom case pre-assembled.

• Place your keyboard face down on a soft surface. From the bottom of the board, use the H2.0 bit to remove the case fasteners (four total), and place those screws to the side.

• Flip the top case over and check for two things. Within the top case, you should find silicone rings pre-installed around each mounting thread. In the bottom case, you should find microsuede pads around the perimeter. These help shape the acoustics of the keyboard.

• If any of these components are missing, pause your build and contact support@modedesigns.com.

• Place the internal assembly face down into the top case. This can only go in one way, with the cutout on the PCB matching the blocker on the top case.

• In your accessories tray, find the small box containing the pre-assembled wavespring bolts. These consist of the shoulder bolt, a silicone ring, the wavespring within a silicone spool, and a bushing. They are designed to come apart, so ensure each stack is assembled in this order.

• Keeping each stack together, flip it over and screw it into each mounting point, just until it stops. We recommend finger-tightening these, but you can also carefully use the H1.5 bit.

• If you purchased the optional top-mount bolts, install them the same way. They provide a more rigid typing experience while removing some of the harshness that typically comes with a top-mount assembly.

Once that's complete, set your top case aside and grab your bottom case, daughterboard and cable, and optional case foam.

• Ensure the daughterboard cable is connected securely to the daughterboard, taking care not to bend the pins in the connector.

• Hold the daughterboard by the cable with the cutout facing down to align it to the bottom case, then fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x3 fasteners (four total).

• If you plan to use the optional case foam for a more dampened sound, lay it on the back of your PCB now, in this orientation, threading the JST cable through the center cutout.

• While holding the top case upside down, attach the daughterboard cable to the PCB. Lay the top case flat onto the bottom case. The bottom case should rest within the small lip that goes around the edge of the top case.

• Carefully flip the board over, fasten the bottom case to the top case with the M2.5x14 fasteners along the top of the board (two total) and the M2.5x6 fasteners along the bottom of the board (two total).

• Install the rear feet by aligning each foot with its recess and pushing it in with the flat side facing inward. All four silicone feet are exactly the same. Ensure the pointed side is facing outwards.

• Install your MX-compatible keycaps.

• Test the stabilized keys for any undesired rattling noises.

• If rattle is detected, remove the keycap, lift the corresponding stem up and inject lube into the slider around the ends of the stabilizer wires.

• Under the keyboard settings in System Preferences, select Keyboard Shortcuts.

• Select your keyboard at the top. This will match the PCB name that comes up in VIA.

• 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.

• For more information on how to use VIA, you can view their documentation here.