Keyboard PCB: hot-swap, solder and QMK/VIA
The PCB is the circuit board of a keyboard. It carries the switch contacts, the microcontroller and the USB connection, and it defines layout and firmware. You buy a keyboard PCB when you fit a case yourself or replace a board.
Hot-swap or solder
With a hot-swap PCB you plug switches into sockets and change them without soldering. Solder PCBs are more robust, but changing a switch means desoldering. Hot-swap requires a plate as a guide. Always insert switches straight and support the PCB from below so no solder pads come off. The differences are explained in the guide hot-swap keyboards.
Our MK PCBs
Our PCB range includes three own boards from MonacoKeys, all with QMK. The MK60MX is a 60% (GH60) PCB for ISO and ANSI with per-key RGB and fits GH60 cases. The MK65MX is a wired 65% hot-swap PCB, the MK65MXW the tri-mode version with daughterboard. There is also the Metapulse EM60 V2 for EC switches and the Unified Daughterboard C5.
What to look for
Layout, case and plate have to fit together. Check whether the PCB supports your size and ISO or ANSI, where the USB-C port sits and whether the case takes it. Most boards are 1.6 mm thick. If you want to install stabilizers, the PCB decides whether screw-in or clip-in is possible, more on that at stabilizers. If you need a matching enclosure, look at the keyboard cases. In-stock items ship from Germany within one working day.