Kenban de GO! Build Guide
Assembly type
Three assembly types are available:
- MX Build
- EC build (OEM style parts)
- EC build (Naevies parts)
- Optional Components
All images shown are the left-side unit. The right-side unit assembly is a mirror image of the left-side one.
The assembly process shown in this guide refers to the "FR4 case" version.
To avoid damaging the components, be sure to read the instructions and warnings.
EC Calibration
If you are using an EC build, you will need to calibrate the board after assembly.
This process is essential to ensure the board works properly (even if some keys appear to work, it does not guarantee that all keys work properly).
Please refer to the following guide for calibration procedures: EC PCB Calibration
Important notes
Do not connect or disconnect the TRRS cable while the USB cable is connected!
Plugging or unplugging the TRRS cable while the USB cable is connected may damage the keyboard's microcontroller. Always make sure the USB cable is disconnected before plugging or unplugging the TRRS cable.
MX Build
Required parts
| Part Name | quantity | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| PCB | 1 set | |
| backplate | 1 set | |
| MX Switch Plate | 1 set | |
| Case spacer M2 | 8 pieces | M2x9mm |
| Case screw M2 | 16 | M2x5mm (Maximum head height is ⌀4mm to avoid collision with the switch) |
| Rubber feet | 8 | |
| switch | 42 - 46 | Not included Cherry MX compatible only |
| Keycaps | 42 - 46 | Not included 1u 40, 1.5u 2 |
| TRS/TRRS cable | 1 | Not included Both TRS (3-ring) and TRRS (4-ring) cables are compatible |
| Type-C cable | 1 | Not included |
MX build assembly
1: Attach the spacer to the plate
Use M2x5mm screws to secure the spacers to the designated holes on the switch plate.
The spacer screw holes are indicated by small circular plated-through holes on the plate.
Select the appropriate spacer holes shown below based on the layout you are building (3x6 or 3x5) (some locations are common regardless of layout).
2: Attach the switch to the plate and PCB
Insert the four diagonally aligned switches into the switch plate and PCB, making sure the switches are fully seated on both the plate and the PCB. Be careful not to bend the switch pins when inserting them into the PCB.
Then place the remaining switches onto the switch plate and PCB.
3: Attach the backplate to the assembly of 1 and 2
Flip the assembly from step 2 over and align the backplate with the assembly.
Secure the backplate to the assembly using M2x5mm screws in the positions corresponding to the standoffs installed in step 1.
4: Attach the rubber feet
Attach the rubber feet to the four designated corners of the backplate.
5: Install the keycaps
Place the keycaps onto the switches and make sure they are securely fastened.
EC build (OEM style parts)
Required parts
| Part Name | quantity | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| PCB | 1 set | |
| backplate | 1 set | |
| EC Switch Plate | 1 set | |
| Case spacer M2 | 8 | M2x9mm |
| Case screw M2 | 16 | M2x5mm (Maximum head height is ⌀4mm to avoid collision with the switch) |
| EC screw M2 | 24 - 28 | M2x8mm (The compression section in the EC assembly requires a maximum head of ⌀4mm to avoid interference with the switch. The number required differs between the 3x5 and 3x6 layouts. |
| Rubber feet | 8 | |
| EC Housing | 42 - 46 | Not included OEM Topre/Realforce or OEM style requires housing modification (see below) Dynacap does not require modification |
| EC slider | 42 - 46 | Not included OEM Topre/Realforce keycaps or MX keycaps compatible |
| EC Silencing Ring (Optional) | 42 - 46 | Not included Optional for a quieter typing experience. The OEM silencing ring can also be used with the OEM slider. |
| EC Domes | 42 - 46 | Not included Cutting and trimming required to align dome correctly. |
| EC Springs | 42 - 46 | Not included |
| Keycaps | 42 - 46 | Not included 1u 40pcs, 1.5u 2pcs (Topre Stem or MX (based on slider selection) |
| TRS/TRRS cable | 1 | Not included Both TRS (3-pole) and TRRS (4-pole) cables are compatible |
| Type-C cable | 1 | Not included |
EC Build Assembly
Revision Notes
The initial batch of EC plates does not have the "Keyboard Go!" logo engraved on them. This batch required the EC housing to be rotated 90 degrees before installation. This does not have a significant impact when using an MX slider, but if you use an OEM-style EC slider, the keycaps will be rotated 90 degrees.
Therefore, if your EC plate does not have the "Keyboard Go!" logo, please consider the following restrictions:
- The housing modifications described in the next section are not required.
- If you use an OEM style EC slider, the keycap will rotate 90 degrees (which we consider unusable).
- The MX style EC slider assembly works fine.
- The orientation of the housing is different from the assembly instructions. The small circular side cutouts on the housing must be aligned at the top and bottom.
EC housing modification
If you are using a Topre or OEM style housing, it will need to be modified to fit the layout of this keyboard by cutting out a portion of the housing to allow for proper clearance and installation of the compression screws.
Modify the housing by cutting the specified areas as shown in the diagram below. 
This modification is required for some of the housings in the following marked regions that require clearance in the center and corners. For housings that only require clearance in the center, removing the part of the housing that interferes only is acceptable. Please ensure the modified housings have a flat surface that mates to the PCB. Some experimentation maybe needed to support OEM housings.
It is also necessary to cut the OEM domes to clear the screw holes.
Assembly Procedure
1: Attach the spacer to the plate
Use M2x5mm screws to secure the spacers to the designated holes on the switch plate.
The spacer screw holes are indicated by small circular plated-through holes on the plate.
Based on the layout you are building (3x6 or 3x5), select the appropriate spacer holes shown below (some locations are common regardless of layout).
2: Attach the EC housing to the plate
Turn the assembly from step 1 upside down and insert the EC housing into all positions on the switch plate. Make sure it is securely fastened.
Pay attention to the orientation of the housing: the small circular cutouts on the housing must be aligned left and right as shown below.
3: Stand the assembly from step 2 upright and insert the EC slider.
The assembly from step 2 is then stood upright and the EC slider is inserted into the housing in a "free fall" fashion, which ensures accurate dome and spring alignment later in the process.
The EC slider is then inserted into the housing. If you want to type quieter, you can also insert the sound-deadening ring at this stage before inserting the slider.
4: Place the Dome
The layout requires cuts to the domes for proper alignment, as shown in the diagram below (assuming a 1x4 dome strip, adjust accordingly for a different configuration):
Then place the dome onto the housing, making sure it is properly aligned with the notch in the housing.
5: Place the spring
Place the spring on the dome, making sure it is centered and not tilted.
The following image highlights the spring for easier viewing. Note that the spring is not tilted in the side view.
6: PCB installation into assembly
This is a delicate process, so proceed carefully and calmly!
The integrated stand-offs on the PCB come with a plastic seal that can be removed although it is not mandatory.
Carefully align the PCB with the assembly, making sure it is properly aligned with the assembly. This may require some force to compress the assembly, so be patient and take your time.
At this point, hold the assembly firmly with one hand to ensure the plate and PCB are in close contact, while with the other hand insert M2x8mm screws into the designated holes to secure the PCB to the assembly from the plate side.
Start with the corner screws first, then tighten the remaining screws. Once the corners are secured, you can add the remaining screws.
7: Attach the backplate to assembly 6
Flip the assembly from step 6 over and align the backplate to the assembly. Then, secure the backplate to the assembly using M2x5mm screws in the corresponding positions on the standoffs installed in step 1.
8: Attach the rubber feet
Attach the rubber feet to the four designated corners of the backplate.
9: Installing the keycaps
Place the keycaps onto the switches and make sure they are securely fastened.
firmware
Layout and switch type selection
Once assembly is complete, make sure to select the layout and switch type you used. By default the board is set to EC mode.
VIA makes it easy to set up your layout and key assignments.
The switch type can be set by selecting "MX" or "EC" in the "Switch Type" drop-down menu within the "Actuation" tab of "Hybrid Tools."
Changing options
3x5 key layout
If you want to use a 3x5 key layout, you can modify the switch plate and PCB accordingly. This modification can be done on one or both sides of the keyboard.
The outermost row of switch plates must be cut away.
Note: This modification is irreversible, so proceed with caution.
Before breaking the board, be sure to cut the wires connected to the switches in that row with a knife or cutter. This is to prevent electrical problems after modification.
After cutting the traces, you can snap off the outermost row of the board.
Optional Components
| Part Name | quantity | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| rotary encoder | 1~4 |
Not included |
| OLED | 1~2 | Not included 0.91" 128x32 OLED display module and header (128x64 OLED is also supported, but requires different firmware and mounting methods to avoid interference) |
Rotary Encoder
If a rotary encoder is used, it can be installed in place of the switch in one or both of the following positions, which requires soldering from the backside:
OLED
If you use an OLED, you can mount it in this position instead of a switch. In that case, you will need to solder it from the back of the board.
To make space for the OLED, you will need to fold a part of the plate.
We recommend using a female pin header (1x4) to make future OLED replacement easier.
Make sure to install the included OLED spacer in the MX switch position closest to the USB port, otherwise you may accidentally press down on the OLED screen and damage the OLED connections or PCB. The spacer is included with OLED units sold by Deskesthe.
If you prefer a more refined appearance with OLED, you can consider trimming the plate instead of breaking it off.
Additionally, although this requires a custom case and additional DIY work, it is possible to use the OLED together with a switch/encoder by extending the 4 pins of the OLED to the side of the case with flying wires.
Deskesthé offers add-on installation and modification services.
⚠️ Safety Warning: FR4 Dust Hazard
FR4 (a fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate) is commonly used in keyboard plates, PCBs, and other electronic components.
When you cut, sand, drill, or modify FR4, it releases fine fiberglass and epoxy dust that can be harmful to your health and to others nearby.
Health Risks
-
Inhalation: FR4 dust contains fiberglass particles and epoxy resin dust that can irritate your lungs, throat, and sinuses. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to respiratory issues and potential long-term lung damage.
-
Skin & Eyes: The fine glass fibers can cause itching, irritation, or rashes on skin, and eye irritation if airborne particles make contact.
-
Contamination: The dust can linger on surfaces and clothing, spreading to your workspace, home, or shared areas.
Protect Yourself and Others
✅ Do not cut or sand FR4 indoors or in poorly ventilated areas. Work outside or in a well-ventilated workshop with proper dust extraction.
✅ Wear a proper respirator — a P100 or N95 mask at minimum (P100 preferred).
✅ Use eye protection (safety goggles) and protective clothing (long sleeves, gloves).
✅ Contain dust: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter if possible, and clean up with wet wipes or damp cloths rather than dry sweeping.
✅ Wash up thoroughly after working — including your hands, face, and any exposed skin.
✅ Keep others (especially children and pets) away from the work area until it’s fully cleaned.
Summary
FR4 is safe to handle when intact, but cutting or sanding it without protection can release hazardous dust. Always treat it like you would fiberglass insulation — with proper PPE, ventilation, and cleanup.