Backlight LEDs that don't interfere with keycaps

[metalliqaz]

I've had some very bad results trying to get backlight LEDs that don't interfere with my keycaps.

The old Geekhack wisdom was to use 2x3x4mm rectangular LEDs for backlighting.  I've done so on a couple of keyboards, and they work for the most part, however they have serious problems with certain keycaps.

OEM profile and SP DSA are fine.  Cherry profile and SP DCS rub the LEDs a little bit when they bottom out.  Thick PBT bump the LEDs completely.  The keys feel so awfully mushy because they are making contact with the LEDs before bottoming out.  I simply can't tolerate typing on a board like that.

So has anyone solved this problem?

By the way, don't buy the 2x3x4mm LEDs from Colorfulplace888 on ebay.  I used their "Blue Water Clear" LEDs in my latest project and the failure rate is staggering.  Probably about 10%, which is unheard of for LEDs.  Cheap-ass Chinese garbage.

[Lepidus]

What switches are you using? If gaterons, zealios or something with a similar housing, you cant fit a 2x3x4 led inside their housing. Or you could use 1.8mm leds, I dont think they interfere on the keycaps.

[Cocopah]

Use 1.8mm LEDs, they won’t interfere with anything.

[metalliqaz]

What switches are you using? If gaterons, zealios or something with a similar housing, you cant fit a 2x3x4 lide inside their housing. Or you could use 1.8mm leds, I dont think they interfere on the keycaps.

Cherry MX, of course.

[metalliqaz]

Use 1.8mm LEDs, they won’t interfere with anything.

Hmmm... have you built any boards like that?  I've never seen those used.

My Leopold board uses a T-1 LED (without the collar), but it has OEM caps.  I've not seen what OEM Cherry uses.

[metalliqaz]

This has been discussed before...

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62943.0

[Hellcatz]

I've seen a few people out there use smd for the led pads

[metalliqaz]

I've seen a few people out there use smd for the led pads

Yeah but my board isn't equipped for that.  I've ordered some cheap 1.8mm LEDs on eBay, hopefully those work out.  Not looking forward to desoldering and resoldering 89 LEDs, but you gotta sacrifice for the KB game

[Cocopah]

Use 1.8mm LEDs, they won’t interfere with anything.

Hmmm... have you built any boards like that?  I've never seen those used.

My Leopold board uses a T-1 LED (without the collar), but it has OEM caps.  I've not seen what OEM Cherry uses.

Ya I've built plenty of boards with 1.8mm LED's. They're the only ones I use.

[Puddsy]

Use 1.8mm LEDs, they won’t interfere with anything.

Hmmm... have you built any boards like that?  I've never seen those used.

My Leopold board uses a T-1 LED (without the collar), but it has OEM caps.  I've not seen what OEM Cherry uses.

Ya I've built plenty of boards with 1.8mm LED's. They're the only ones I use.

same