Alish 40 build guide:
Firmware is available on the Downloads page.
1 - Flash your pro micro/KB2040, download the Alish40 KB2040 Vial firmware, plug the KB2040 into your computer, quickly double-tap the reset button. You should get "drive" popup, simply put the UF2 firmware file into the drive. Congratulations, your KB2040 is flashed.
2 - Verify that your KB2040 has flashed correctly by checking Vial.
3 - Begin bending and soldering all diodes on the board into the spots marked D1-44. This is the most tedious part of the build, just take your time and do not put any on facing the wrong way. These will go on the bottom or top of the board, if you put them on the top, there is one diode on the left side of the board that will interfere with the switch, simply bend the diode to the right. Orientation REALLY matters on these guys, the black stripe on the diode goes towards the black stripe on the silkscreen. If you're confused by this, just remember, black part goes towards the USB port. It helps to bend the legs into position, slide the diode through both holes, and then bend the legs outwards to hold it in place. Remember to clip all the legs when you are done.
4 - Now, we are going to solder in your KB2040. ORIENTATION OF THIS MATTERS VERY MUCH. The USBC port obviously goes to the edge of the board, the components of the pro micro face TOWARDS YOU, away from the PCB, flat part of the KB2040 goes against the PCB. It is placed on the TOP of the keyboard (the side with the art) using the pins. The longer side of the pins go through the PCB, the shorter ones go through the PM. Solder one pin on each corner of the PM first, then continue soldering away until all the pins on the PM side are finished. Then flip the board over and solder all the pins to the PCB. Again, make sure to clip the excess length here.
NOTE, use the pin headers if you are uncomfortable doing SMD soldering, use the pads on the board if your using a KB2040 and are confident in your abilities.
5 - At this point, I STRONGLY advise you test your board by shorting the switch holes together with a suitable tool. It would be a real bummer if you soldered all your switches on, just to find out you soldered a diode on backwards.
6 - Now begin inserting your switches into the PCB . This part is pretty self explanatory. Insert all the switches and solder both pins from each switch onto the PCB. Make sure you have no bent pins, and be careful not to scratch the PCB.
7 - The board is fully functional at this point, so we will move onto the bottom plate. This is simple, take the bottom plate and attach the standoffs included in the kit with the screws, the standoffs go on the opposite side as the art on the backplate. Once all standoffs are installed to the bottom plate, gently place the PCB onto the standoffs and attach the PCB to the standoffs using more screws.
8 - Install your keycaps, its ready to go!