Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Soldering Technique Help
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downStarius
703
Feb 28, 2018
While we're on the subject, anyone know of any good video tutorial sources for beginners in soldering?
bonbonelan
6
Feb 27, 2018
Thanks for the help, everyone. Ordered PCB mounted switches from Novelkeys. Will report back when it's redone.
LevelSteam
Feb 28, 2018
bonbonelanThat's probably the best plan based on that picture. Do you have any experience desoldering contacts?
yanfali
1544
Feb 26, 2018
bonbonelanSorry to tell you this, but you're doing it the hard way. Plate mounted switches without a plate are extremely challenging to align. Having said that, if you really want to do this. You can start by only soldering one of the two pins and then using that an anchor. Then carefully heat that single pin and get the switch aligned.
Skully over at clueboard has recommended using a ruler, clamped to the PCB to align all the switches in a row, but you'll still probably have to desolder at least one of the switch legs to get them straight.
The recommended way to build a keyboard without a plate is to use a 5 pin/leg PCB mounted keyboard switch. You can get them from Cherry, Gateron and Zeal. Outemu and Kailh pretty much only sell Plate mounted switches and so you either have to get creative or buy a plate.
Good luck.
Skully over at clueboard has recommended using a ruler, clamped to the PCB to align all the switches in a row, but you'll still probably have to desolder at least one of the switch legs to get them straight.
The recommended way to build a keyboard without a plate is to use a 5 pin/leg PCB mounted keyboard switch. You can get them from Cherry, Gateron and Zeal. Outemu and Kailh pretty much only sell Plate mounted switches and so you either have to get creative or buy a plate.
Good luck.
bonbonelan
6
Feb 26, 2018
There's no plate with the kit I purchased directly from MinVan, and the prongs on these Kalih switches don't keep the switches in one place. I'll post a pic shortly.
LevelSteam
Feb 26, 2018
As far as I know the MiniVan uses a plate no? The plate itself should keep your switches pretty straight before you even solder. With plate mounted switches typically I mount and solder the corners first, then mount the rest of the switches and solder them in.
PCB mounted switches should grab the board with two prongs, which will keep the switch straight too, so I'm really not sure what's happening here. Can you post some pics?
PCB mounted switches should grab the board with two prongs, which will keep the switch straight too, so I'm really not sure what's happening here. Can you post some pics?
Related Posts
TotallyJaded
How do you do per-key RGB lighting on a Shift V2?
I saw the online configurator that lets you do this on the Shift V1, where it spits out a compiled firmware file to flash. The V2 doesn't seem to have this function in the Windows configurator, though. I can't imagine the answer here is "you're going to have to manually write the hex for every key in QMK, compile it, and flash that".
Apr 18, 2024
lwthunder
Drop CTRL V2 Mechanical Keyboard PCBA
If I want some hot-swap socket for replacement, where I can buy to ensure it fits this PCBA?
Apr 17, 2024
Keyboy
help Momoka zoo 65
What is the diameter and length of the screws for the momoka zoo 65
Apr 14, 2024
jtgas23
ALT V2 not detected with Drop Keyboard Configurator
Hi, This is my first non-mac keyboard. I was under the impression that this would work out of box with with mac desktop however I am having issues getting the ALT V2 detected with the keyboard configurator software. The keyboard is plugged in and powered on. Apologies if this is very basic or if I have used incorrect language describing my issue, I don't have experience with this. Thank you
Apr 13, 2024
TheGreyFirewlf
Upgrading Keyboard
Hey everybody, I have this E-Yooso Z11 keyboard which i want to upgrade, im new to keyboards and modding, any suggestions? https://www.amazon.com.mx/gp/product/B09TT887MB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this is where i bought it from and idk what can i upgrade, im thinking to upgrade switches but idk what else can i find to upgrade from it, i might change the keycaps but idk where to start. I would appreciate the help to every extent. Hope u doing great and may the keyboard lord bless you
Apr 11, 2024
Trending Posts in Mechanical Keyboards
lantz
Red Samurai on a 75%
Corsair K65 Plus Wireless GMK Red Samurai Moondrop Tactile Tessence
Apr 19, 2024
Keyled
My PRECIOUS!!!!
All that sweat and money paid off. I will use it wisely. Tokyo 60 GMK Serenity Gateron Oil KIng
Apr 19, 2024
TotallyJaded
How do you do per-key RGB lighting on a Shift V2?
I saw the online configurator that lets you do this on the Shift V1, where it spits out a compiled firmware file to flash. The V2 doesn't seem to have this function in the Windows configurator, though. I can't imagine the answer here is "you're going to have to manually write the hex for every key in QMK, compile it, and flash that".
Apr 18, 2024
AiheyStudio
Favorite Artisans
Dragon Pillar Artisan Keycaps Creative Resin Keycaps for 6.25u and 7u Space Bars
Discover the allure of our Dragon Pillar Artisan Keycaps – unique resin keycaps designed to adorn your 6.25u and 7u space bars. Crafted with creativity and precision, each keycap features an...
Apr 18, 2024
lwthunder
Drop CTRL V2 Mechanical Keyboard PCBA
If I want some hot-swap socket for replacement, where I can buy to ensure it fits this PCBA?
Apr 17, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop
Thanks!