Welcome to the assembly guide for Blueberry!
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Getting Started
Home
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Use your scroll wheel to navigate down the sections with ease. Additionally, sections and page are visible on the left section!
Good luck with your build!
For further support or inquiries with the board, reach out to us on Discord or email, both linked in the navigation menu
Getting Started
Choosing a layout
Possible Layouts
Getting Started
Firmware Downloads
JSON File (Draft Definition in VIA)
Use this in VIA's "design" tab, make sure you've enabled "Show Design tab" in settings.
HEX File (Board Firmware)
Use this file with QMK toolbox, and the RESET button on the back of the PCB. Refer to the QMK flashing tutorial.
Foam Configuration
Overview
Case Foam - Isolates sound. No effect on flex.
Silicone Dampener - Isolates sound, similar to case foam. Should ideally be used with PC bottom to allow light diffusion.
Silicone Dampener- Isolates sound + light diffusion.
Plate foam - Amplifies the "poppy" sound signature of the board. May impact total flex moderately.
Plate foam - Amplifies the "pop" sound of the board, but may impact flex
PE foam - Provides a well-rounded "pop". No effect on flex.
Foam Configuration
Foam Properties
Foam Configuration
Configuration recommendations
Recommended foam configuration
Case Foam/Silicone Dampener on PC variants + Plate foam. PE foam omitted to provide more unique sound characteristics.
Not recommended configuration
No foam, or PE foam only. Board may feel softer however will produce a sharper and less refined sound profile. May be preferred by certain users.
PCB & Plate Assembly
Overview
Buy multiple plates!
If you're looking to buy extra PCBs, extra plates are a must! This will save you time desoldering and you'll be able to have multiple configurations, ready to go. (Applicable to solder PCBs only)
If you're looking to buy extra PCBs, then extra plates are a must!
Additionally, you might not like the way your plate material sounds on your unit, or want to try different configurations!
Extra plates will allow many different configurations when using solder PCBs
Polycarbonate is the safest and usually most popular plate material on a board like the Blueberry, taking full advantage of its flex.
Brass Plate
Usually produces a higher pitched sound, with a firm typing experience - a fairly harsh bottom out.
Higher pitched, with a firm typing experience and harsher bottom out.
Polycarbonate, POM Plate
Provides a deeper, more muted sound with a noticeably softer typing experience due to the flexibility in the plate material.
Deeper, more muted sound with a noticeably softer typing experience due to flexibility in plate material.
Aluminium, FR4 Plate
A well rounded plate material, generally between Brass and Polycarbonate.
Choosing to use a hotswap PCB?
Pick one of the stiffer plate options as listed below:
FR4 | Aluminium | Brass
We don't recommend using a hotswap PCB with a soft configuration, as it can result in poor switch stability. However, it is still viable, albeit a little challenging to use.
Hotswap PCB + Soft configuration is not recommended due to poor switch stability. It is still viable however!
PCB & Plate Assembly
Keyboard Plate Assembly
Plate and PCB Assembly Diagram
Prying plate demonstration
Plate assembly
Lay your plate on top of your PCB, then insert the switches into the assembly, confirming that the bottom of each switch contacts the surface of the PCB, and that the top of the switch is firmly locked into its switch cutout. With soft plate options (PC, POM) you will need to pry the plate upwards to ensure that it snaps snugly onto the top of each switch. You can use a switch puller to make this process easier.
Plate material
Depending on which plate material you have chosen, plate assembly may vary significantly in difficulty. The aluminum plate option is great for hotswap PCBs and due to its rigidity, can be a lot easier to work with.
Use plate foam!
Plate foam can help make assembly with softer plates much easier, as it provides support
PE Foam is optional
PE Foam is very easy to add to your build, and helps bring out the "pop" in the board! However, some argue that PE foam mutes too much of a board's sound signature.
PCB & Plate Assembly
Inserting into the case
Insert the PCB diagonally
The PCB should not be placed directly into the case. Line the PCB's USB port up with its cutout first, before placing the top shell of the case on.
Ensure top and bottom gaskets are in the correct position
4mm Gaskets should sit on the lower shell, while the 2mm gaskets should sit on the top shell cutouts.
4mm Gaskets should sit on the lower shell and the 2mm gaskets on the top shell.
It is not recommended to swap the top and bottom gaskets. Ensure that gaskets are adhered properly and sit in their cutouts correctly before inserting the PCB and Plate Assembly.
PCB & Plate Assembly
Quick guide to testing your PCB
Ending Remarks
Final Message
Ending Remarks
Thank you for purchasing this board! A significant amount of time and effort was taken in the design, prototyping, and production of this keyboard.
You've now assembled your Blueberry! We hope you have a memorable experience with this board and that you have fun tinkering and tailoring this board to your preferences using the provided plates and guides!
Sincerely,
Adam from Toffee Studio