In a modern factory, the creation of a mechanical keyboard is a showcase of precision manufacturing art.

Inside the production workshop of Hengcang Electronic Technology, automated equipment assembles keyboards with millimeter-level precision. Every day, thousands of mechanical keyboards roll off the production line here—each undergoing over 50 meticulous processes.

From plastic pellets to sleek keycaps, and from circuit boards to responsive switches, the manufacturing of every component combines precision engineering and strict quality control. This article takes you deep into the production line, uncovering the complete manufacturing process of mechanical keyboards from raw materials to finished products.

01 Circuit Board Production & Component Soldering

The circuit board is the "brain" of a mechanical keyboard, responsible for signal transmission and processing. Its manufacturing process starts with circuit design: engineers create circuit schematics based on the keyboard’s functional requirements, defining component layouts and signal paths.

The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing phase transforms these schematics into physical circuit boards. This process includes precision steps like component packaging, wiring, and copper layer deposition. The finished circuit boards then undergo rigorous inspections to ensure correct electrical connections.

Soldering is the critical step that secures electronic components to the circuit board. Hengcang Technology uses wave soldering technology to solder multiple pins to the circuit board simultaneously.

Before soldering, workers first solder a few pins to fix the components in place, preventing displacement. During soldering, temperature and time parameters are precisely controlled to avoid component damage.

For quality inspection, an automated optical inspection (AOI) system is used to check if solder joints are secure and if there are any short circuits. Only circuit boards that pass this inspection move on to the next stage.

02 Switch Installation & Tactile Calibration

The core feature of mechanical keyboards lies in their unique switch structure—which determines key feel and sound.

The installation process begins with matching switches to keycaps. Workers ensure each keycap fits perfectly with its corresponding switch, guaranteeing key stability and consistency.

Next comes the connection of switches to the circuit board. The pins of each switch are precisely soldered to the corresponding solder points on the circuit board, ensuring smooth transmission of key signals.

The installation and calibration of satellite switches are crucial for the feel of large keys (such as the spacebar and enter key). These large keys require additional stabilizing structures to prevent wobbling and abnormal noise.

During calibration, technicians apply special lubricant to the satellite switches to reduce metal friction noise and ensure consistent tactile feedback across all large keys. This process often requires the careful work of experienced workers.

03 Final Assembly & Functional Testing

Assembly is the final stage of keyboard production, requiring precise integration of all components.

Workers first attach keycaps to the switches, ensuring each keycap is correctly positioned and securely installed. Then, the switches are assembled into the keyboard’s bottom case and connected to the circuit board.

During assembly, special attention is paid to keeping internal wiring neat and fixed, preventing loose or pinched wires. The case must be aligned precisely when closed to avoid gaps or misalignment.

Functional testing is a critical step to ensure keyboard quality, including:

• Key sensitivity test: Verifying every key triggers normally
• N-key rollover test: Ensuring all keys are recognized when pressed simultaneously
• Backlight test: Checking LED lights for uniformity and no flickering
• Connection stability test: Validating the reliability of wired or wireless connections

Any unqualified products identified during testing are marked for repair or rejection.

04 Quality Control, Packaging & Shipping

Quality is the core priority in mechanical keyboard production, running through every manufacturing stage.

Visual inspection is the first quality checkpoint. Workers carefully check for surface scratches, keycap integrity, and clear key legends. Even minor defects cannot escape the inspectors’ eyes.

Performance testing verifies the keyboard’s usability and durability. This includes button force testing, actuation point consistency checks, and long-term usage simulations. High-end keyboards also undergo durability tests to simulate performance after extended use.

Packaging not only impacts product image but also ensures safety during transportation. Common packaging methods include color box packaging and bubble bag packaging, with custom foam inserts inside to protect the keyboard from damage during transit.

During packaging, workers place the keyboard, user manual, warranty card, and connecting cables (if applicable) into the box. Each package is labeled with product information and a barcode for inventory management and sales tracking.

Stepping into a modern keyboard production workshop, you’ll see automated robotic arms installing switches with precision, skilled technicians carefully calibrating key feel, and inspectors conducting final checks on each finished keyboard.

From raw materials to finished products, the creation of a mechanical keyboard requires countless meticulous processes and strict quality control. It is this dedication to detail that defines the excellence of a high-quality mechanical keyboard.