My First Custom Mechanical Keyboard Build - Seeking Advice

Hey everyone!

I'm super excited to share my very first custom mechanical keyboard build. I've been lurking for a while and finally decided to take the plunge. I've assembled everything myself and it's mostly working, but I'm facing a couple of minor issues and would love to get some expert opinions.

Components:

• Case: Glorious GMMK Pro (Black)
• PCB: Hotswap (comes with the GMMK Pro)
• Plate: Polycarbonate
• Switches: Gateron Milky Yellows (lubed and filmed)
• Stabilizers: Durock V2 (lubed and tuned)
• Keycaps: GMK Wobbledorf (from my first group buy!)

I've managed to get all the keys working, but the 'F5' key seems to register intermittently. I've reseated the switch a couple of times, but it's still being a bit stubborn. Any ideas on what else I could try? Could it be a PCB issue, or am I missing something with the switch installation?

Also, the stabilizers sound a little "thocky" or "hollow" on the larger keys (spacebar, enter, shift). I've lubed them with Krytox 205g0 and used dielectric grease on the wires, but I'm wondering if there's a more advanced tuning technique I should be aware of?

I've attached a short sound test video if anyone wants to hear it (link below).

Sound Test Video

Thanks in advance for any help!

Welcome to the club, @MechEnthusiast! Your build looks fantastic, love the keycaps.

For the intermittent F5 key: have you tried a different switch in that socket? Sometimes a faulty switch can cause this, even if it looks fine. If a known good switch also misfires, then it's more likely a PCB trace issue or a solder joint problem (if you hand-wired, but you have hotswap, so likely PCB).

Regarding the stabilizer sound, that "hollow" sound is often from the housing vibrating against the plate or PCB. Try adding a small piece of foam or a thin strip of tape (like band-aid mod) to the bottom of the stabilizer housing where it contacts the PCB. Also, ensure the wires are perfectly flush and not exerting any pressure on the housings.

Great job on the lube, that's the first step!

Nice build! The GMMK Pro is a great starting point.

For the F5 issue, it could also be a bent pin on the switch. Even though it's hotswap, a slightly bent pin can cause connection problems. Try straightening it gently with tweezers. If that doesn't work, try a different switch, as @KeyMasterFlex suggested. If the problem persists with multiple switches, you might have a faulty hotswap socket on the PCB.

For the stabilizers, the "band-aid mod" is a classic. Get some medical tape (breathable kind works best) and cut small strips to place under the stabilizer housings where they meet the PCB. This dampens vibrations effectively. Also, double-check the tolerance between the wire and the stem – sometimes a very slight adjustment there makes a big difference.