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By: Robert Llarves | Date Posted: October 17, 2022
Do you have a mechanical keyboard that you love, but wish it could be wireless? Well, with a few simple steps, you can convert your mechanical keyboard to wireless.
In this blog post, I will show you how to do just that. So, whether you are wanting to get rid of those pesky wires or want the added convenience of a wireless keyboard, read on for tips on how to make your mechanical keyboard wireless.
Converting your mechanical keyboard to wireless is a great way to reduce desk clutter and improve your typing experience. While there are a few different methods for doing this, one of the most popular is to use a keyboard with a USB port.
The majority of keyboards today come equipped with a USB port, so this likely won’t be an issue. However, if you have an older keyboard, I suggest just upgrading to newer models which will have a USB port.
Where to get this: Handheld Scientific
Now that you have a keyboard with a USB port, the next item you need is a Bluetooth adapter.
This will allow your keyboard or mouse to connect wirelessly to your computer. There are many different types and brands of Bluetooth adapters, so finding one should not be an issue as well.
I personally use the Logitech Unifying Receiver, but there are plenty of other options out there.
Lastly, you will need a power bank to provide power to your keyboard.
A power bank is simply a portable battery that can be used to charge devices. You can find power banks of all shapes and sizes, so finding one that meets your needs should not be difficult.
Now that you have all the necessary items, you are ready to start converting your keyboard!
The first step is to disassemble the keyboard case. This will give you access to the internals of the keyboard and allow you to start working on the conversion.
To do this, begin by removing the case. In most cases will simply unscrew from the bottom of the keyboard. Once the screws are removed, lift off the top half of the case.
With the case removed, take a look at the internals of your keyboard. You should see a PCB (printed circuit board) with a bunch of wires running through it. This is what you will be working with to convert your keyboard.
Next, locate the Micro USB port on the PCB. Set it aside because you will need it later.
The next step is to disassemble the Bluetooth adapter. This will allow you to access the PCB inside and start soldering the necessary connections.
To do this, begin by disassembling it using a screwdriver then split open the case.
Now that you have access to the internals, locate the PCB inside and get it
Remove the USB port and switch from the PCB. I recommend doing this because it will save some space and make things less cluttered. Although it is okay not to remove them, I recommend doing it for the sake of saving space.
Note: When ripping off or disassembling the USB and switch, try to be careful not to damage the PCB.
The next step is to disassemble the power bank. This will give you access to the battery along with the wirings and ports attach to it.
To do this, begin by removing the case of the power bank. Most cases will just unscrew, but some may require a bit more force.
Once the case is removed, locate the battery inside and set it aside for later use. You should also see a bunch of wires running to different ports on the power bank.
Note: Make sure not to damage any of the wires or ports when removing the battery.
The fourth step is to make some modifications to the keyboard case. This will allow everything to fit properly and give you a clean look.
To do this, begin by cutting off some of the standoffs inside the keyboard case. This will make room for the battery and Bluetooth adapter.
There are some cases that have a lot of room inside, so you may not need to do this step. However, if your case is tight on space, I recommend cutting off some of the standoffs.
Also, make sure to test it by putting the battery inside the keyboard case and making sure it sits flat. This will ensure that everything fits properly and there are no gaps.
The fifth step is working with the wires. I suggest watching the video above which starts at 5:45.
Take the Micro USB port that we reserved earlier, unplug the wires, and remove them with a desolder. There should be four wires power, data+, data-, as well as the ground.
Now, get the battery, and disconnect the battery charging circuit from the battery with a desolder.
Just an important note, do not let the black and red wires touch or get close to each other as this may cause a short.
Now that you’ve completed the battery charging circuit, it’s time to attach some wires. The first stage of the wiring begins at the Micro USB port and proceeds to the battery charging circuit.
You need to lengthen the battery leads so that they reach the components where you need to connect them. You can get wires from an old USB cable or just buy them on Amazon.
Now, connect the Bluetooth adapter to a battery charging circuit. If you’re not sure how to proceed, watch the video above (7:23). Next, connect the leads from the micro USB port to the Bluetooth module.
For the power switch, proceed on reconnecting it too. However, you’ll need to relocate it or else you’ll have to open the keyboard every time you want to turn it on.
And lastly, reconnect the lengthened battery leads by soldering them.
Before putting everything back in place, it’s important to test if everything is working properly.
To do this, begin by connecting the keyboard PCB and clicking the power switch to make sure it turns on. Then, plug it into the wall to make sure it charges properly.
The battery has an LED indicating that it is charging correctly. You may also try connecting it to your laptop or PC using Bluetooth once you’ve confirmed that the charging works, you can try entering something in a text editor to test it out.
Now, let’s go back to the case and finish up the modifications.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, you’ll need to drill a hole where you want to place the power switch and make it fits just right. After that, make a hole for the battery circuit LEDs. It’s best to do it below the keyboard so they aren’t too bothersome. Also, use hot glue to keep everything in place.
Once all wires inside are sturdy, you can now proceed with putting the keyboard back into the case and reassembling everything.
Just an important note, make sure that the battery doesn’t contact the motherboard PCB. You can use a Double-sided stick foam tape and put it above the battery for extra protection.
There you have it! You’ve just completed your own DIY Mechanical Keyboard Wireless Conversion project. I recommend watching the video attached above for a more detailed guide.
As you can see, the entire process takes some time, effort, and a little bit of money. So the question is, is it worth doing it?
The answer really depends on how much you use your keyboard and how important wireless connectivity is to you. If you’re someone who travels a lot or just doesn’t like being tethered to a desk, then I say yes, it’s definitely worth doing it.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who rarely uses their keyboard outside of their home office, then I say no, it’s not worth going through all the trouble.
Wireless keyboards are more convenient to use since you don’t have to deal with the hassle of wires. You can also easily carry them around with you, making them perfect for traveling.
Aesthetics is an important consideration for many people when it comes to choosing a keyboard. Wireless keyboards have a cleaner look and feel, which can greatly improve the overall aesthetics of your setup.
Another benefit of wireless keyboards is that they offer better ergonomics. This is because you’re not tied down by wires, which gives you more freedom to move around and position your keyboard in a way that’s comfortable for you.
The final benefit of wireless keyboards is that they help reduce desktop clutter. This is because you don’t have to deal with the mess of wires, which can make your desk look cluttered and unorganized.
One of the drawbacks of wireless keyboards is that they often have higher latency than wired keyboards. This means there will be a slight delay between when you press a key and when it registers on your computer. But this is hard to notice unless you’re a competitive gamer or someone who is very sensitive to input lag.
Wireless keyboards require batteries, which means you’ll have to remember to charge them from time to time. This can be a hassle, especially if you forget to do it and your keyboard dies in the middle of use.
Another potential drawback of wireless keyboards is that they can be subject to interference from other devices. This includes things like WiFi routers and Bluetooth devices. So if you have a lot of devices in your office or home, it’s possible that your wireless keyboard could experience some connection issues.
Wireless keyboards are a great way to improve the convenience, aesthetics, and ergonomics of your setup. But they do have some potential drawbacks that you should be aware of before making the switch. Overall, I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, which is why I recommend wireless keyboards to most people.
