These are the tools and components I recommend and personally use for handwired and PCB keyboard builds. Some are available on ScottoKeebs and others are Amazon affiliate links.

Components

Tools

  • TS101 Soldering Iron

    A great temperature controlled soldering iron that can be powered off a battery.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • D24 Chisel Tip

    A better tip than the one included with the TS101. It allows you to distribute heat more evenly.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • 63/37 Solder

    Leaded solder with a flux core that makes it super easy to wire up any keyboard.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Soldering Mat

    You definitely don't need this but it makes life so much easier by helping stay organized.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Wire Strippers

    Expensive, but worth it if you work on a lot of handwired builds.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Flush Cutters

    These allow you to get a really close cut to PCBs, controllers, or copper.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Electric Screwdriver

    This screwdriver makes it a lot easier and faster when assembling.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Multimeter

    Great for checking continuity on both handwired and PCBs.

    Buy on Amazon 
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3D Printing

  • Bambu Lab A1

    For beginners that just want to print things without having to tune anything.

    Buy on Bambu Lab 

  • Bambu Lab P1S

    My personal favorite printer that is fast, reliable, and capable of exotic materials.

    Buy on Bambu Lab 

  • Ender-3 Pro

    The entry level 3D printer that will require tuning but is extremely affordable.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Sonic Pad

    Allows you to use Klipper firmware for better and faster prints on most Creality printers.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Textured PEI Bed

    PEI allows PLA to stick better to the bed and results in less failures overall.

    Buy on Amazon 

  • Auto Leveling

    Adding auto-leveling to a 3D printer will result in more successful prints with better quality.

    Buy on Amazon