PH60 Slim Choc Mechanical Keyboard
Overview
PH60 Slim Choc is a 60% ANSI low-profile mechanical keyboard kit. The kit includes:
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Case | 1 | Pre-assembled |
| PCB | 1 | Pre-mounted inside the case |
| Stabilizers | 5 | 4×1.5u + 1×6.25u |
| USB-A to USB-C cable (2 m) | 1 |
Most of the assembly is done at the factory — you only need to install a few parts to finish the build.
Assembly
You need to supply
Slim Choc's base hardware ships pre-assembled. You'll need the following to complete the build:
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kailh low-profile switches | 61 | The PCB does not accept standard MX switches |
| Low-profile keycaps | 61 | Regular-height keycaps may rub against the switch housing |
1. Install the stabilizers
Take one 1.5u (the shorter one) stabilizer and thread the wire toward you through the left-Shift cutout in the plate. Once the front edge of the stab catches the plate, press the back down to lock it. Use the same method for the spacebar (the longer one), Backspace, Enter, and right Shift. When done, the stab stems and wire should move smoothly with no deformation.
The latest production batch ships with the stabilizers pre-installed.
2. Lube the stabilizers
Slim Choc's internals and stabilizers are different from typical products, so lubing is required for the best feel. Apply grease to the pivot and stem, and also a small amount on the middle of the wire to cut friction against the plate and PCB.
The latest production batch also ships with the stabilizers pre-lubed.
3. Install the switches
Slim Choc only accepts Kailh low-profile switches — forcing an MX switch into the socket may cause irreversible damage to the PCB. Mind the pin orientation:
- Stabilized keys: rotate the switch so pins face right
- Every other position: pins face up
Incorrect orientation will bend the pins or damage the hot-swap socket. Always double-check before pressing in.
Mind the pin direction — the wrong orientation will kill the per-key LED and/or the socket.
4. Install the keycaps
Install keycaps left to right. For the stabilized (large) keys, press the keycap fully onto both the switch stem and the stab stems so they return cleanly.
When installing 3D-printed keycaps, some of the large keys may need light sanding to fit the stem. When pulling keycaps off, always pull straight along the switch axis — 3D-printed parts are weakest along the Z axis and the stem can snap off inside the switch.
References
Full assembly video and tutorial:
- GitHub repo: ph-design/PH60
- MakerWorld product page: PH60slim_choc
- Bilibili: assembly tutorial
Remapping keys
Slim Choc runs QMK firmware and supports browser-based remapping via VIA.
How to use VIA
- Connect the keyboard to your computer
- Open via.phdesign.cc in your browser
- Grant HID permission
- Pick PH60 Slim Choc in the device picker
- Once connected you can remap keys and tweak RGB
VIA does not require reflashing. Changes are saved to the keyboard and take effect immediately.
Firmware flashing
We continue to ship updates and stability fixes for Slim Choc.
Download
The latest firmware is available from:
- GitHub Releases — recommended
- QQ group files — mirrored there as well
Flashing steps
-
Enter the bootloader:
- Unplug the cable
- Hold the top-left key (usually ESC or ~)
- Plug the cable back in while still holding
- Your computer will show a drive called
RPI-RP2
-
Flash the firmware:
- Drop the
.uf2file onto theRPI-RP2drive - The keyboard flashes and reboots automatically
- Drop the
-
Factory recovery (optional):
- If the keyboard won't enter the bootloader for whatever reason
- There are two pads labelled
BOOTunder the spacebar - Short them twice with a conductive object (tweezers, paperclip) within 500 ms to force the bootloader
A firmware update resets the keyboard to factory settings — always back up your VIA config first.
Building from source
For custom firmware, build it yourself:
# Point QMK_HOME at the ph-design/qmk_firmware fork
qmk setup -H <path-to-ph-design_qmk_firmware>
# Build the VIA firmware
qmk compile -kb phdesign/ph60slim_choc -km via
# The resulting firmware lives in .build/
Keymap
60% ANSI
PH60SC base layer
PH60SC Fn layer
The keymap can be customized with VIA — no reflashing required.
FAQ
Hardware
Q: Which switches are supported?
A: Only Kailh Choc low-profile switches (V1/V2). MX-footprint switches are not supported — forcing one in will permanently damage the PCB.
Q: Which keycaps work?
A: Most low-profile keycaps. Regular-height keycaps may rub against the switch housing and hurt the typing experience.
Q: Keys feel sluggish after installing keycaps. What should I do?
A: On the stabilized keys, make sure the keycap is fully pressed down onto both the switch stem and the stabilizer stems. If it's still off, the stabs may need lubing.
Q: 3D-printed keycaps won't fit on the switch.
A: Some of the large keys need light sanding on the stem to match the switch. Use fine sandpaper or a small file.
Q: The keycap stem broke off inside the switch.
A: 3D-printed parts are weakest along the Z axis — always pull keycaps straight along the switch axis. If a stem breaks off inside, pull it out carefully with tweezers.
Lighting
Q: My RGB looks flaky.
A: Avoid hand-soldering the RGB LEDs if you can. Without SMT tools, gently flex the PCB after soldering to catch any cold joints — it takes patience.
Q: At max brightness the keyboard won't start.
A: Correct — we added a resettable fuse for safety. If you're building your own firmware, cap max brightness around 80%, or bridge the fuse (not recommended).
Q: I can't find the RGB settings in VIA.
A: Make sure you're on the VIA firmware and connected through via.phdesign.cc. The RGB settings live under the "LIGHTING" tab.
Firmware
Q: How do I enter the bootloader to flash firmware?
A: Unplug the cable, hold the top-left key (usually ESC or ~), and plug it back in. A drive called RPI-RP2 will show up.
Q: The keyboard won't enter the bootloader.
A: There are two pads labelled BOOT under the spacebar. Short them with a conductive object (tweezers, paperclip) to force the bootloader.
Q: Will flashing wipe my settings?
A: Yes — a firmware update resets to factory settings. Back up your VIA config first.
Q: Why wasn't this submitted upstream to QMK?
A: Honestly, it consumed too much of our mental bandwidth. PH60SC was a spur-of-the-moment project that happened to fill a gap in the low-profile market. We're a three-person team, each of us doing full-stack work — project maintenance time is limited. Thanks for understanding.
Q: Vial support?
A: It's on the TODO list. We've noticed Vial matches user needs better and is more approachable — we may get around to it eventually.
Purchasing
Q: Where can I buy PH60 Slim Choc?
A: Finished kits are available on Taobao. DIYers can also grab the 3D-print files from MakerWorld.
Q: What's in the kit?
A: Pre-assembled case + PCB, 5 stabilizers (pre-installed and pre-lubed on the latest batch), and a 2 m USB-A to USB-C cable. Switches and keycaps are not included.
Q: Does it need soldering?
A: No. PH60 Slim Choc uses hot-swap sockets — just drop the switches in.
Getting help
If the FAQ didn't solve your problem:
- GitHub Issues: ph-design/PH60Slim-Choc
- QQ group: join
- Discord: ph-design community
Contact
| Channel | Link | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| QQ group | join | Tech support and community chat |
| GitHub | ph-design/PH60Slim-Choc | Source, firmware, issue tracker |
| Taobao | PH Design official store | Buy a finished kit |
| Bilibili | assembly tutorial | Watch the full assembly walkthrough |
| MakerWorld | 3D-print files | Case and keycap models |
| Official site | phdesign.cc | More PH Design products |
Thanks
Thanks for supporting us. PH60 Slim Choc is the work of a small team that cares a lot about this keyboard — we hope it gives the low-profile scene another option worth having. If you have feedback or ideas, reach us through any of the channels above.
Last updated: October 2025