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
When driving the screw, use your free hand to gently twist the secondary buttons clockwise (away from the PCB). This will ensure that the distance between the buttons and the switches is correct.
A common problem that occurs once the top is placed onto the mouse is that these buttons will become stuck. If that is the case, take the top off the mouse and adjust the secondary buttons. You can twist them either clockwise or counterclockwise by about a degree or so, while keeping them flat against the base. Eventually, you should be able to find a position that allows the buttons to operate correctly.
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
- You will likely require a hammer to push the pin into the scroll wheel. If you don't need one, consider yourself lucky.
- The pin on the flat side of the scroll wheel will stick out 10.4mm when the pin is fully inserted.
- The pin on the other side of the scroll wheel will stuck out 13.6mm when the pin is fully inserted.
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.
Gently give the scroll wheel a spin. It should spin freely with no resistance. If there is resistance, take a screwdriver and hollow out a bit of material from the scroll wheel holder until there is no resistance. Be careful, though: if the fit is too lose, the scroll wheel will jostle during regular use.
Step 16: Screw primary buttons into base
When driving the screw, use your free hand to gently twist the primary buttons clockwise (towards the PCB). This will ensure that the distance between the buttons and the switches is correct.
Again, just like for the secondary buttons, a common problem that occurs once the top is placed onto the mouse is that these buttons will become stuck. If that is the case, take the top off the mouse and adjust the primary buttons. You can twist them either clockwise or counterclockwise by about a degree or so, while keeping them flat against the base. Eventually, you should be able to find a position that allows the buttons to operate correctly.
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: Clear out the scroll wheel hole in the top
- Use the included Allen key to clear the whole in the top
- Twist the Allen key back and forth while it is inserted
- Use a small amount of force; if the whole is loosened too much, the scroll wheel will jostle in an unpleasant way during regular use
- Make sure that the Allen key is inserted all of the way into the hole, so as to clear or crush obstructions
Step 19: Put threaded inserts into top
Take your time and go slowly. A soldering iron temperature of 220C or 430F is hot enough.
Step 20: 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 21: Insert roller bearings into top
Step 22: All done!
Congrats, you finished assembling the enclosure! Pat yourself on the back.
When you're ready, proceed to 4. Final assembly to continue.