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bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
Ok so dumb question since this will be my first hotswappable, when buying different switches. I saw that there are 2 kinds, plate and pcb mount, which ones do I need?
linnes
126
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnit depends on what the PCB is designed to use. I would presume that this will be PCB mount as they are more stable than plate mount and are typically used in custom boards. However, even if the PCB does not have the holes to accomodate the extra legs that PCB mount switches have, you can clip them off with flush cutters and they will then be the same as plate mount switches.
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
linnesSo do we know what type are they for this keyboard? I would like to order the switches before the keyboard comes
linnes
126
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnThere has been no mention anywhere. Buy PCB mount switches and a pair of flush cutters and your set for either situation. https://www.ebay.com.au/p/25004059269?iid=153152730571 edit: don't forget this drop includes switches
(Edited)
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
linnesYep I just wanted heavier saitches
tkb608
63
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnAlso, you have plenty of time. Current delivery estimate is mid-February. So three months at a minimum. Don't be surprised if it ends up being more like 5 months.
(Edited)
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
tkb608Yeah I'm familiar with massdrop :x
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
linnesthey said 5 pin
(Edited)
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
Hcgamer25So I won't have to cut anything? I've only bought pre-builts :x im.planning on getting those 78gs zealios
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnNo 5 pins come with the extra holes for switches that have 3 Plastic legs won’t have to clip ... I just had to clip my gateron ink blacks for my dropalt because it’s 2 pin
tkb608
63
Nov 19, 2019
linnes
126
Nov 19, 2019
Hcgamer25Where? I haven't seen anything on the GH thread?
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
tkb608I said 5
tkb608
63
Nov 19, 2019
Hcgamer25My bad, edited.
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
Hcgamer25Ok so it is 2pins? My mito godspeed still in shipping box cause I realized they'd look like shit as floating on a alu68.
(Edited)
tkb608
63
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnI have nothing to go on but the picture, that shows 2 pins. But maybe 5 I guess.
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
tkb608Worst case scenario I just have to snip snip right
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
tkb608I give up I tried
tkb608
63
Nov 19, 2019
Hcgamer25I'm sure your right, I just am not in the know. This is only my second board and I've never soldered or hot swapped a switch. Just saw that picture of the socket.
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
tkb608The picture is just showing the connection type
linnes
126
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnYes bbnn. Get PCB mount switches. If the PCB has the holes for the extra plastic legs that PCB mount switches have, they will help ensure your switches are both secure and properly aligned. It looks like everyone is guessing as to what the PCB supports, but usually custom PCBs will support PCB mount switches and worst case, you snip the extra legs off (v easy)
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
linnesWell I'm gonna be getting the 78g zeals which I believe are 5 pins?
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 19, 2019
bbnnOk look let me put it this way there’s no scenario that your switches won’t work with the keyboard k?
bbnn
35
Nov 19, 2019
linnes
126
Nov 20, 2019
Hcgamer25If he has flush cutters then there is no scenario where the switches won't fit.
MountainPass
223
Nov 20, 2019
bbnnFor the purpose of this discussion, please ignore the image I posted of the Kailh hotswap socket with 2 holes. That socket will be mounted on the underside of the PCB and will accept 2 pins without interfering with any others your switch may have. In other words, the hotswap socket itself is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. But that doesn't really answer your question. You should only be concerned with the number of holes on the PCB (not the sockets), which will be either 3 or 5. This leaves us with two possible scenarios: Scenario A: The PCB has 5 holes. Both 3-pin (plate-mount) switches and 5-pin (PCB-mount) switches will fit. The extra two pins on 5-pin switches can add stability, but I don't know whether that will really help since this keyboard has a steel plate for stability. The switches can rely on the steel plate for stability and only need to connect to the PCB (or technically, the sockets attached to it) for their electrical function. Scenario B: The PCB has 3 holes. Only 3-pin (plate-mount) switches will fit. The extra two pins on 5-pin (PCB-mount) switches will interfere with the PCB because they won't have holes to go through. As others have mentioned, this can easily be remedied by cutting off the two extra "pins", which are just plastic nubs.
bbnn
35
Nov 20, 2019
MountainPassTy for the detailed response!
Hcgamer25
49
Nov 20, 2019
bbnnyou still here?
tkb608
63
Nov 20, 2019
MountainPassThanks for this. Now I know a thing.
PobX
48
Nov 21, 2019
bbnnHulk Smash! :-) Have you tested those? Or are you just used to heavy switches and want to try those out? I bought a key tester just for Cherry MX's but now I want to test "all the switches"
bbnn
35
Nov 22, 2019
PobXyes but just on the cherry switch testers. its also important to note that the 78g zelios are bottom out force while the cherry greens are 80g actuation? i think. so it still might be lighter than the greens. currently using 62g ergo clears, but i want something heavier for long typing sessions
Kiefofpolice
171
Dec 8, 2019
bbnnThis is a plate mount keyboard so you'll want plate mount switches....but you can use PCB mount switches...it's just a tedious process to cut off two plastic legs off of each switch. So might as well just use plate mount. They already come with switches though. Most other kinds come in plate mount too unless you're using like zealios or zilents or something
linnes
126
Dec 8, 2019
KiefofpoliceAlmost every custom keyboard PCB has holes for PCB mount switches. The fact that this uses a plate doesn't mean you should buy plate mount switches. The extra legs on PCB mount switches actually help with switch alignment and stability
(Edited)
Phlooke
198
Dec 8, 2019
linnesI realize what PCB mount switches are, but I also have only seen that this board only accepts plate mount stabs and all of the pics and info of them building it on the forums don't look like they have 5 holes.
linnes
126
Dec 10, 2019
PhlookeMuni (from melgeek) has confirmed that PCB mount switches and screw in stabs are supported with the ember
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