Skip to main content

Breeze Rev. 1.4 Build Guide

Fully Built Breeze MX Version

The Afternoon Labs Breeze Rev. 1.4 is a version of the Breeze that has some modifications made to it (like replacing TRRS with USB-C), and all the needed components except for the microcontrollers are pre-soldered on the boards.

In comparison to the Rev. 1.3, the Rev. 1.4 adds pads, Pico-EZmate connector, and power switch for adding batteries, and it also has a slightly more compact shape for a sleeker look.

Build Compatibility​

This build guide is specifically for the Breeze Rev. 1.4 sold by Keebio, which comes in a kit with PCB and case.

Parts List​

First up, time to get your parts:

Breeze MX Kit Contents

Build Steps Summary​

  1. Disassemble Case
  2. Flash Microcontrollers
  3. Solder Microcontrollers
  4. Add Stabilizers
  5. Add Switches
  6. Assemble Case
  7. Add Keycaps
  8. Board Notes

Disassemble Case​

The first thing to do is unscrew the screws from the case.

Unscrew MX case

Flash Microcontrollers​

Flash the firmware to the microcontrollers first before soldering them to the PCB, as removing the controllers from the PCB is difficult if you have any problems with it and need to desolder them. The Boot button on some controllers are also difficult to access when soldered to the PCBs, so that's another reason to flash and test them upfront.

Here's the firmware for the Breeze with support for VIA enabled for different microcontrollers:

See Flashing Firmware for more info on flashing your controllers.

Solder Microcontrollers​

Place both of the PCBs face up and insert the header pins into the holes for them.

If your controller has 2 columns of 12 pins instead of 13 pins, insert the header pins into the lower 12 pins, as the top 2 pins are for battery usage.

12 pin columns​

Insert header pins - 12 pins

13 pin columns​

Insert header pins - 13 pins

Flip the PCBs over and solder the header pins.

Solder header pins

Flip the PCBs back over and put the controllers over the header pins. The chip side of the controller should be facing down.

Insert controllers

danger

Don't insert the microcontroller with the chip side face up, it won't work properly that way.

Wrong way

Solder the controllers to the header pins.

Solder controllers

Then clip the extra length of the header pins off.

Solder controllers

Add Stabilizers​

Assemble the MX stabilizers and insert them into the PCB. If you are unfamiliar with assembling and inserting stabilizers, here's a guide for that: Stabilizer Handbook

Add MX stabilizers

Add Switches​

Start off by inserting switches into the switch plate at the corners and a couple spots in the middle.

Add switches to plate

Overlay the switch plate with switches combo onto the PCB and push them together.

Add switch plate

danger

Don't attempt to insert switches with bent pins into the hotswap socket, as that can push the socket off of the PCB and damage it.

Bent pin

If you have a switch with a bent pin, unbend the pin. Sometimes it helps to have something like a pair of tweezers to straighten out the pin.

Unbend pin

When together, there should be a 3.5mm gap between the switch plate and the PCB.

Add switch plate

Add the rest of the switches to the plate/PCB.

Add rest of switches

Assemble Case​

Line up the PCB/plate into the case and screw it in with the screws. Do not screw in the screws too tightly, as this will bring the plate too close to the PCB and the switches will pop out.

Add screws

Add Keycaps​

Finally, add your keycaps to your board.

Fully Built Breeze MX Version

Board Notes​

Remapping/reprogramming Board​

Looking to remap/reprogram your board? Check out our guide for remapping your keyboard.

On the bottom of the case is a hole to that allows access to the reset button on the PCB.

Connect the Halves​

Use the USB-C to USB-C cable to connect the two halves together using the pre-soldered USB-C port on the Breeze PCB (not the ones on the controllers).

Fully Built Breeze MX Version