comment: >
  
  Go slow. Take your time. Take breaks. Enjoy the process. Your taste for the switches, caps, board sound/feel will evolve over time. That’s normal.
  Welcome to the sinkhole.
context: Always check the pins on the back of the switches before attempting to insert them into the PCB. Always. >
  
  And go slow, take the time to line up the switch perfectly straight before pressing down. Bent pins are a hassle. >
  
  Bent pins are an easy fix with a tweezer. Dislodged hotswap sockets are a hassle. >
  
  Remember to test the board and switches before you assemble everything with foams and stuff >
  
  Yeah, don't do what I did which is solder mill max sockets into everything and then realize the manufacturer forgot to solder the usb c port onto the pcb 😅 >
  
  Hopefully they sent you a USB port to solder on? >
  
  I sent them an email but their store is temporarily closed until Q3, hopefully they respond eventually. Luckily there is a jst connector so I could use that instead if I find a suitable 60% case >
  
  The patience of the people in this hobby baffles me, I'm sitting here getting itchy because my case foam is a day late getting delivered >
  
  I mean, I'm the same way haha. But what's done is done, nothing I can do about it at the moment and my upset-ness has had time to calm lol >
  
  Test the PCB prior to make sure it detects and works. 
  Take extra time lubing / modding your stabs before, doing so after is not very fun if you have to disassemble. >
  
  My biggest advice is to make sure you take care of all of your mods (holee mod, foam, etc) and do a good job with them the first time. My first build has come apart and been put back together like 7 times because I kept doing some mods, but not others and I wish I had done it all at once. However, this is part of the learning process :)   
  so i guess real advice that can be helpful is get good at taking apart your keyboard because if you're anything like me, it's going to happen a lot >
  
  100%
  My first "premium" build I messed up by not properly modding my stabs, as it's a 96% solder with per key LEDs soldered there was no way I'm commiting to desoldring that. 
  I just wish I had done a much better job than I had done, but it also was one of my first builds where I had done any form of extensive mods to begin with so there is always a learning curve, I did everything else perfectly other than the stabs. It's not terrible, but I wish I did a tape(bandaid) mod as the bottom out is loud.
  Now, I spend extra time on my stabs so that I do not feel the need to modify further upon build completion, especially for solder boards. >
  
  ESPECIALLY with solder boards! both my current boards are hotswap so i can take them apart all i want, i have gotten quite fast at disassembling/reassembling >
  
  Don't use the remaining lube for extracurricular activities. >
  
  DO use the remaining lube for extracurricular activities. >
  
  I see you like to live dangerously >
  
  You only need to lube the head and shaft once every 6 months. >
  
  Take your time and don’t rush >
  
  Taking a different angle here...
  Remember to enjoy the build process and have fun. Half of the enjoyment is building it. If you make a mistake don't worry, anything can be corrected. It's all part of the process. Your process. Similar to legos or a model car kit, this is going to be focus driven fun! But even better than the aforementioned hobbies, you get to USE this daily :)
  Enjoy what will hopefully be a long journey into custom keebs! >
  
  Don’t get lube on the bottom of your stabs. Them hoes will stick to the pcb when you press keys. >
  
  And use fabric tape/medical tape if they don't provide tape for the PCB for where the stabs land.  This will also help with sticking. >
  
  When you push in the switches, press with your finger on the opposite side over the socket, so that you don't accidentally dismount it if one of the pins gets twisted.  
  I didn't do this and had to fix my pcb by soldering stuff, when it could easily have been avoided... >
  
  This. I will have to repair a PCB eventually because I didn't support the socket. Don't be lazy, it will only cause more headaches. >
  
  Make sure the pins on your switches are straight before inserting them. And be gentle! >
  
  Have fun. Go slow. Biulding is the best part. If you need to take a break go take one. Get some water and grab a snack.. you can always come back. Also you're probably using more lube than you need to if youre luring switches. Just one brush stroke on each side. >
  
  Don’t forget to show us the result! ✨ >
  
  Less is more when it comes to lubing switches! Do a light coat, since it's easier to add more than to remove!
  Bag lube springs is super convenient and saves you a lot of time! >
  
  Go slow. Take your time. Take breaks. Enjoy the process. Your taste for the switches, caps, board sound/feel will evolve over time. That’s normal.
  Welcome to the sinkhole. >
  
  
  Check for QC issues first (dents, scratches, pcb working, also Drip has good support if there are issues)
  Test different configurations of your keyboard (stuff like with and without foam)
  I can’t tell what switches you’re using from the picture, but you might not need to film them. Filming switches when they don’t need to be filmed could damage a switch. To check, see if there’s any wobbling or movement between the top and bottom housing
  Hopefully your switches don’t have north facing interference >
  
  The switches are durock poms. I have no idea if they really need films, but I think their long poles should prevent north facing interference. Thanks for the help! >
  
  You probably don't need to film those, especially with the thicker Deskeys films as they are pretty tight. You can still check to see if they need filming though. There will be north facing interference though. While the pole is longer than other manufacturers' switches, the stem hole is elongated and the switch has the full 4mm travel, so I'd expect some interference. >
  
  this is going to get downvoted to shit because im being half-sarcastic and half-pedantic but dont buy from DROP.  
  unless you cant find the parts litterally anywhere else. >
  
  Take it slow and enjoy yourself.
  I find dielectric grease works best for stabilizers. >
  
  Im my opinion dielectric grease are good but not the best. Some kind like permatex is evaporate after 1 or 2 weeks. Try krytox xht-bdz and you gonna love it! >
  
  I never found Lithium grease to dry out. >
  
  Don't cock it up!
  But on a more serious note, some things I took away from my first build:  
  1) It's not a race. No matter how much anticipation and excitement is behind it, go slow and steady. You don't want to skip steps, because by the time you realize something is wrong, it's more work to go back and fix it.  
  2) If you can, use "cheap" switches for the initial installation. I found 3 switches that had their pins completely obliterated upon final build and only noticed it after everything was sealed up. It was a 65% board and I had 70 switches, so I had a few left over, fortunately, but in subsequent builds, I've gone through and installed some cheap red switches at first to see if there are any problematic sockets to keep an eye out for. I know it's more work, but depending on your resources, it's better to mess up an unlubed, cheap switch than it is to mess up a lubed expensive one  
  3) Always support the switches from the back of the board (aka put a solid finger on the hotswap socket). The last thing you want to do when building your first board is to also learn how to solder, because that's just more time and resources. At the very least, you're looking at replacing the PCB, which isn't the cheapest or most available.  
  4) This is the most important:
  Have fun. Ignore my initial remark. Make mistakes. It's the only way you're going to learn. Your first build won't be your last and it won't be your prettiest, but it will always be the most special (unless you give birth to a board one day - do we have the technology for that yet?).
  To follow that up, don't be too hard on yourself once you complete it. You can start identifying "flaws" with the build as you learn more and more, and you always have the opportunity to go back in and mod and improve it. If something isn't just right or if it didn't live up to your expectations upon immediate completion - that is totally okay! >
  
  Use the inside of tweezers to flatten and straighten bent switch pins (sorta like a clamp) >
  
  Learn more swear words, you'll run out of new ones pretty quickly. >
  
  When lubing, less is more >
  
  As with assembling anything from a kit, whether it's models or mechanical keyboards, take your time and be careful.
  I'd recommend clearing off a workspace and planning not to use it for anything else until you're done. Don't take out any small bits that you don't need yet and pit everything away carefully if you have to get up before you finish. >
  
  Make a playlist, haha >
  
  My biggest advice is to just have fun with it. >
  
  Yeah, return the Drop keyboard and buy a used Novelkeys or Tofu.
  Really. >
  
  Agreed.  
  I have a Drop CTRL keyboard and lubed the stabs, which were stock and horrible.  The sound profile was immensely improved, to my liking, with good old fashion masking tape.  
  As the CTRL was my first keeb, I didn't have a baseline to compare against.  But against the KBDFans Tofu, I much prefer the Tofu.  I'm still waiting for the addition components for my Fuji65 so I can start the build...
  Enjoy going down this rabbit hole... :) >
  
  Enjoying the process is the way to go in this hobby. "Final build" is unattainable. >
  
  Plug the board with switches to pc, test every last one of them.
  Then assemble the board as is, no mods to test how It feels and how you like It, then research how each mod affects feel and consider if that works for you, i would try the board vainilla for a couple weeks. >
  
  Ok I know someone is gonna say something about the alt, so I’ll just say why. 
  I bought it on Black Friday for $130. It was in stock, on Amazon, and relatively cheap. >
  
  The alt is the pinnacle of 2018 keyboard mediocrity xd. It's all good though and as long as you're happy with the rectangle you type on we're all the same money burning degenerates. >
  
  Take your time and enjoy! Great board! >
  
  Take your time. Don’t rush. Especially in stabilizers. They are the most important out the build imo and they will be frustrating but just take it slow. It’ll be worth it once it’s done. >
  
  Get ready for a long time of sadness, regret, and five liters of soy milk >
  
  Make sure your stab wires are straight and don't just use 205g0 on the wires use bdz or dielectric grease. >
  
  Just curious, why are you against using 205g0 lube on the stab wires? I’ve done about 6 builds over the last few years and have always used 205g0 on the wires and the stab housing/stem and never had any issues. >
  
  i find that while it works for around 2 or 3 weeks it tends to shift and leads to stab ticking. thicker lubricants do not have the same issue. >
  
  Honestly go slow and do it right! Remember your not going to get everything right on the first try, this is your time to get experience for the next builds. >
  
  Take your time and have fun >
  
  test the PCB as others have mentioned but above all else, take your time and enjoy the process! >
  
  What key caps? >
  
  Take your time lubing those stabs, so you don’t have to open it back up for the 472 time because you hear a rattle. >
  
  Clip, holee-mod and lube stabilizers! I was too lazy to go through all the steps in my first build, so my stabs rattled badly! 
  Definitely wasn’t fun to disassemble everything just to start over with the stabs…
  Good luck on the journey ahead! 🍀 >
  
  Watch videos, make mistakes, learn from mistakes, etc. 1st build will never be perfect, but it is a perfect learning opportunity to know what you like and not like. Take all the time in the world and don't be afraid to stop and call it a day. >
  
  have fun :) >
  
  Don’t force anything, less is more and take your time! It’s very fun, message if you have questions i’d love to help over discord! >
  
  Yes, don't start, your wallet will thank you later. Just kidding enjoy your first build >
  
  Have fun! >
  
  LUBE THE STABIES >
  
  Slow and steady wins the race.  Enjoy the process >
  
  When pushing the switches in, you can put a price of cloth or tissue between your fingers and the switches so they don’t become sore. Stay organized have a tray for your screws >
  
  Off all the mods you can do to a keyboard, if I could only chose one it would be tape on the PCB. I know this is personal preference but it’s a hassle to take it apart again to do this mod. >
  
  Take your time. >
  
  Hating the lubing process is ok. You’re not a phony for feeling that way. >
  
  Don't make any other plans >
  
  Lube switches days before the actual building process so you don’t get burnt out or rush. When you finally get your board in, it’s nice to just pop in switches and be done. >
  
  take your time, and if the board is hot-swap, make sure to support  the sockets on the back when installing switches >
  
  TUNE YOUR STABS, and take your time with it >
  
  film the build oiled up and naked for better thock (trust me) >
  
  Nobody else said this so I'll say: Be careful with Drop keyboards and the power cable. Drop keyboards are very power hungry because the LEDs are bright. I fried a custom cable off Etsy that wasn't rated for my Carina. I got an ALT and even with the cable it came with, sometimes the lights wouldn't come on unless I unplugged it and plugged it back in. My sister had the same issue with a CTRL. Their CS provided very little support in understanding what the cable requirements were, but fortunately I got help from DogeMods as well as beautiful cables. Find a good Discord community and ask them all your stupid questions. You will have many but learning is fun! >
  
  take your time, the idea final board will be exciting, but if you rush all the building you'll end up having some avoidable issues (keys feeling off, stab ticking, etc) >
  
  Put it together without mods, then mod. Some mods cannot be undone and by doing one at a time, you learn the impact they have for future builds >
  
  Use PCB mount stabs >
  
  Take your time lubing the switches. Don’t feel rushed or like you have to finish in one day. I rushed and took no breaks and now I can really notice how unevenly lubed the switches are >
  
  return the drop case and see if you can find a good one that isnt going to price gouge you >
  
  clip the extra stab legs that protrude out if needed, and don't stress too hard ab the stabs to the point where you aren't having fun anymore. >
  
  Take your time, if something isn’t working exactly how you want/How it should, put in the time to get it working:) >
  
  make sure you don’t overlube your switches and try to remain consistent in the amount you’re using on each switch! good luck >
  
  You ideally want to have tactile feedback that confirms the switch is aligned correctly before you push down. Push lightly at first. Less lube is better than too much. Review how to insert wire into stabs before starting. >
  
  Don't go down the rabbit hole. your wallet will thank you. >
  
  All great advice here but amidst the checklists, and the testing, remember: have fun! 
  Put on a good podcast or playlist and enjoy it. There’s nothing like the therapeutic aspect of lubing and building. At least in my opinion. >
  
  Patience. Do things in batches. Don't try to do everything on one go. Lube your switches one day and then then build the next. >
  
  dont forget to stretch >
  
  When removing switches/ keycaps make sure you are removing them straight up (not wiggling them while removing). So as to ensure the pins don’t bend. >
  
  Enjoy it, the next one you build in a couple months won't be as guilt free 😛 >
  
  For the base foam you'd want to stuff it tight, especially on the edges. It really made a difference for me >
  
  Omg so fun i rmb my first build. Hv fun! >
  
  Yeah , see detailed how to,  put some music take your time and enjoy your 1st build! :) >
  
  Staebies or TX stabs. There exist no other stabilizers. 
  Durock stabs are dead! Long live Durock!
  Honestly though, it all comes down to preference in the end. Heck, my first keyboard was a wasd code v2 with cherry mx greens. I thought I liked clicky until I got my next board, a drop ctrl with halo clears in 2014.
  Lo and behold, I cannibalized those halo clears and made holy boba switches for use in a keychron q1 v2 that I tape modded, bought a polycarb plate, and added an extra polycarb spacer for even more flex.
  I went from a know nothing nomad to a proud member of THE TACTILE GANG.
  The point with all this rambling is that tastes and preferences are ultimately up to you, but I hope the responses you get from this thread helps. >
  
  Lube the stabilizers. You don’t need to lube switches >
  
  What? >
  
  You don't need to live in your switches, or lube them (sometimes). >
  
  I can't fit into a switch. But I would never suggest not lubing a switch. I mean, you don't have to, but you'll wish you did. >
  
  Fixed it you babies >
  
  Outsource switch lubing and assembly to a younger sibling. >
  
  The first step of any keyboard build is to apologize to your wallet >
  
  don’t do it unless you’re prepared to throw away all your money on your next 20 boards >
  
  Stop it while you still can. >
  
  Always check the pins on the back of the switches before attempting to insert them into the PCB. Always. >
  
  And go slow, take the time to line up the switch perfectly straight before pressing down. Bent pins are a hassle. >
  
  Bent pins are an easy fix with a tweezer. Dislodged hotswap sockets are a hassle. >
  
  Remember to test the board and switches before you assemble everything with foams and stuff >
  
  Yeah, don't do what I did which is solder mill max sockets into everything and then realize the manufacturer forgot to solder the usb c port onto the pcb 😅 >
  
  Hopefully they sent you a USB port to solder on? >
  
  I sent them an email but their store is temporarily closed until Q3, hopefully they respond eventually. Luckily there is a jst connector so I could use that instead if I find a suitable 60% case >
  
  The patience of the people in this hobby baffles me, I'm sitting here getting itchy because my case foam is a day late getting delivered >
  
  I mean, I'm the same way haha. But what's done is done, nothing I can do about it at the moment and my upset-ness has had time to calm lol >
  
  Test the PCB prior to make sure it detects and works. 
  Take extra time lubing / modding your stabs before, doing so after is not very fun if you have to disassemble. >
  
  My biggest advice is to make sure you take care of all of your mods (holee mod, foam, etc) and do a good job with them the first time. My first build has come apart and been put back together like 7 times because I kept doing some mods, but not others and I wish I had done it all at once. However, this is part of the learning process :)   
  so i guess real advice that can be helpful is get good at taking apart your keyboard because if you're anything like me, it's going to happen a lot >
  
  100%
  My first "premium" build I messed up by not properly modding my stabs, as it's a 96% solder with per key LEDs soldered there was no way I'm commiting to desoldring that. 
  I just wish I had done a much better job than I had done, but it also was one of my first builds where I had done any form of extensive mods to begin with so there is always a learning curve, I did everything else perfectly other than the stabs. It's not terrible, but I wish I did a tape(bandaid) mod as the bottom out is loud.
  Now, I spend extra time on my stabs so that I do not feel the need to modify further upon build completion, especially for solder boards. >
  
  ESPECIALLY with solder boards! both my current boards are hotswap so i can take them apart all i want, i have gotten quite fast at disassembling/reassembling >
  
  Don't use the remaining lube for extracurricular activities. >
  
  DO use the remaining lube for extracurricular activities. >
  
  I see you like to live dangerously >
  
  You only need to lube the head and shaft once every 6 months. >
  
  Take your time and don’t rush >
  
  Taking a different angle here...
  Remember to enjoy the build process and have fun. Half of the enjoyment is building it. If you make a mistake don't worry, anything can be corrected. It's all part of the process. Your process. Similar to legos or a model car kit, this is going to be focus driven fun! But even better than the aforementioned hobbies, you get to USE this daily :)
  Enjoy what will hopefully be a long journey into custom keebs! >
  
  Don’t get lube on the bottom of your stabs. Them hoes will stick to the pcb when you press keys. >
  
  And use fabric tape/medical tape if they don't provide tape for the PCB for where the stabs land.  This will also help with sticking. >
  
  When you push in the switches, press with your finger on the opposite side over the socket, so that you don't accidentally dismount it if one of the pins gets twisted.  
  I didn't do this and had to fix my pcb by soldering stuff, when it could easily have been avoided... >
  
  This. I will have to repair a PCB eventually because I didn't support the socket. Don't be lazy, it will only cause more headaches. >
  
  Make sure the pins on your switches are straight before inserting them. And be gentle! >
  
  Have fun. Go slow. Biulding is the best part. If you need to take a break go take one. Get some water and grab a snack.. you can always come back. Also you're probably using more lube than you need to if youre luring switches. Just one brush stroke on each side. >
  
  Don’t forget to show us the result! ✨ >
  
  Less is more when it comes to lubing switches! Do a light coat, since it's easier to add more than to remove!
  Bag lube springs is super convenient and saves you a lot of time!