3. Enclosure assembly

In this section, you'll go over how to assemble the two halves of the main enclosure.

Step 1: Get the necessary tools

• A soldering iron
• 2.5mm Allen key or screwdriver

Step 2: 3D-printed parts

From left to right:

• Top
• 3x roller bearing dowels
• Scroll wheel
• Primary buttons
• Scroll wheel holder
• Scroll wheel holder holder (holder holder holder holder...)
• Base
• Secondary buttons

If you don't the capability to print the 3D-printed parts, then it's no big deal. We sell them, but we also have information on how to print them out yourself, if you've got access to a 3D printer. See Appendix B: 3D-printed parts for information.

Step 3: Hardware

• 2x M3x6mm socket cap machine screws
• 6x heat-set threaded inserts
• 3x MR63ZZ roller bearings
• 2x 3mm x 18mm metal dowels
• 1x silicone ring

If you don't have the hardware, be not afraid. We sell hardware kits, and we also have a few tips on how to order these parts. See Appendix D: Hardware for information.

Step 4: Preparing the scroll wheel holder

Prepare the following components:

• Electronics assembly
• Scroll wheel holder
• Scroll wheel holder holder

Step 5: Insert scroll wheel holder into scroll wheel holder holder

• Stop laughing at the names already.
• More importantly, the insertion step should be done very gently. These parts are quite delicate. Take your time and don't bend things unnecessarily.

Step 6: Insert scroll wheel holder holder into electronics assembly

• Ensure that the plastic part is oriented correctly
• The plastic part requires a bit of force to get into the PCB; be careful not to damage the electronics assembly
• Press the plastic part on its edges, NOT the middle, as you may break the part if you depress the middle too hard

Step 7: Preparing the base

Prepare the following components:

• Base
• 2x heat-set threaded inserts

Step 8: Put threaded inserts into base

Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 220C or 430F is hot enough.

Step 9: Assembling the base

• Electronics assembly
• Base
• Primary buttons
• Secondary buttons
• 2x M3x6mm socket cap machine screws

Step 10: Place electronics assembly onto base

The electronics assembly is seated on the base, but it does not attach. It will eventually be pressed down by the Top, so don't worry about that here.

Step 11: Screw secondary buttons into base

Step 12: Prepare scroll wheel

Prepare the following components:

• Scroll wheel
• Silicone ring
• 2x 3mm x 18mm metal dowels

Step 13: Insert dowels into scroll wheel

This might require some force, but it's probably doable without a hammer.

Step 14: Thread silicone ring onto scroll wheel

Silicone is quite strong and doesn't rip easily.

Step 15: Insert scroll wheel into base

The plastic parts can flex to accommodate the angle at which the wheel is inserted. Nice and gentle, now.

Step 16: Screw primary buttons into base

When turning the screw, use your free hand to twist the base of the primary buttons clockwise. This guarantees that the buttons will sit against the switches and that the buttons will not feel "squishy".

Step 17: Preparing the top

Prepare the following parts:

• Top
• 4x heat-set threaded inserts
• 3x roller bearing dowels
• 3x MR63ZZ roller bearings

Step 18: Put threaded inserts into top

Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 220C or 430F is hot enough.

Step 19: Put roller bearings onto roller bearing dowels

If necessary, use a hammer and vice to get the dowel into the bearing, but gently. Gently hammer it in.

Step 20: Insert roller bearings into top

Step 21: All done!

Congrats, you finished assembling the enclosure! Pat yourself on the back.

When you're ready, proceed to 4. Final assembly to continue.