Build Guide

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Check that each switch pin is fully seated into the PCB.

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

• From the bottom of the board, use the H2.0 bit to remove the case fasteners (four total).

• Connect the daughterboard cable to the daughterboard, fasten it into the bottom case using the M2x3 fasteners (four total).

• Using the screw holes for alignment, carefully peel off each adhesive pad and apply it to the bottom case.

• 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.

• 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).

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

• Hold the internal assembly firmly in one hand, use your other hand to attach the daughterboard cable to the PCB.

• Lower the assembly on top of the bottom case, ensuring the blocks are aligned with the recesses and that the cable sits inside the recessed area of the bottom case.

• Lower the top case over the internal assembly.

Hold the assembled top case with the internal assembly installed in one hand, use your other hand to attach the daughterboard cable to the PCB

Lower the assembly on top of the bottom case, ensuring the blocks are aligned with the recesses and that the cable sits inside the recessed area of the bottom 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 it with the recess and pushing it in. All four silicone feet are exactly the same.

• Install your MX-compatible keycaps.

• 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.

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.