Author Topic: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs  (Read 75401 times)

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Offline damorgue

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SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:20:41 »
Here is another one of my guides to something which I thought was quite obvious but which I receive a lot of questions about. Using SIP sockets in Cherry MX switches which allows you to exchange the LEDs much faster without desoldering.


End result:




Required parts:
Cherry MX switch, the MX lock is unsuitable unfortunately. I might make another guide for how to install LEDs to make the LED legs centered though.
LED, 2x3x4mm is suitable. If you get a round 3mm one, get one without the flange and preferably with a flat top)
SIP sockets, they usually come in arrays with a certain pitch where you snap off the number you need.




SIP socket:
It is basically a socket which allows you to push in pins from another component into the top holes with no soldering required. The SIP socket itself is of course soldered in place.




SIP socket installed:
You will need to install it inside the switch with its legs where the LED's legs would otherwise have been. The fitting is very tight so you need to be careful when you cut them into pairs to ensure that they will fit and allow the switch housing to be fully closed.




Closed Switch:




And when you push a LED into the socket you will end up with something like this:

Replacing the LED once this is done is possible when the switch is installed in a plate and soldered to a PCB. Remember to also solder SIP sockets to the location of the resistors, or put some switches there, to allow you to quickly change the resistance to match the LEDs. Anyway, I hope this helps someone.

Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #1 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:25:57 »
Where to get these magical SIP sockets?

Offline jdcarpe

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #2 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:29:45 »
damorgue, this is brilliant. :thumb:
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Offline AKIMbO

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #3 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:32:32 »
damorgue, this is brilliant. :thumb:

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Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #4 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:34:52 »
Where to get these magical SIP sockets?

Your local electronics store, or Ebay. I think I got mine from Ebay and they are like a few cents each at the most, shipping inclided, at least when you buy a few.

Edit: I am unsure how many changes the SIP sockets are rated for. That might be of interest to some of the crazier people around here who switch things around frequently but I don't think any of us are close to that rating anyway to be honest.
« Last Edit: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:36:42 by damorgue »

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #5 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:37:38 »
This is an awesome idea. I will most likely do this with my upcoming build(s).

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Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #7 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:40:17 »
I didn't mention one thing about the sockets for the resistors. These sockets are a bit tall and once you push a resistor in, it might protrude too far from the PCB and might not fit in the case. I simply bent the legs of the SIP socket and press the resistor in sideways. The socket are roughly the same height as a small resistor when they are flush against the PCB.

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #8 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:42:50 »
So this is what I'd want right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-40-Pin-DIP-SIP-IC-Sockets-Adaptor-Solder-Type-USA-SELLER-Free-Shipping-/22118604294

That link is weird for me. Get SIP, not DIP. I think DIP are 'dual' and have two rows and you don't want that.

Edit: It appears a few sellers use both DIP and SIP interchangeably but make sure that you get a single row of sockets, something like this. That link is for 200 of them which should be enough for 100 LEDs.
« Last Edit: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:46:16 by damorgue »

Offline MJ45

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #9 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:44:07 »
Very neat idea "Paranoid" has a thread with similar mod Ducky Shine II TKL mod (Plate, switch, solderless LED, caps, ...
« Last Edit: Tue, 03 December 2013, 10:35:08 by MJ45 »

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #10 on: Mon, 02 December 2013, 11:47:47 »
So this is what I'd want right?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-40-Pin-DIP-SIP-IC-Sockets-Adaptor-Solder-Type-USA-SELLER-Free-Shipping-/22118604294

That link is weird for me. Get SIP, not DIP. I think DIP are 'dual' and have two rows and you don't want that.

Edit: It appears a few sellers use both DIP and SIP interchangeably but make sure that you get a single row of sockets, something like this. That link is for 200 of them which should be enough for 100 LEDs.

Yeah that was the link I had just cut off the last number oops :D

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-40-Pin-DIP-SIP-IC-Sockets-Adaptor-Solder-Type-USA-SELLER-Free-Shipping-/221186042943


Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #12 on: Tue, 03 December 2013, 00:25:52 »
Got a bunch of these in the mail today, thanks to Paranoid's suggestion.  Plan to do the same :thumb:

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=33130.msg1142265#msg1142265
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Offline Paranoid

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #13 on: Tue, 03 December 2013, 02:25:09 »
Nice damorgue :) I tried a different approach by cutting it all up and only using the metal pins. I found that using the plastic doesn't allow me to close the switch fully, which is annoying when you want to switch keycaps. You risk pulling the top half of the switch off if you have a plate where you can open the switches. But I'm guessing the way you did it takes a lot less time positioning wise, but probably more cutting wise to make everything fit nicely.

For detailed steps on my approach you can see it here. Look for the MORE button where the pins are placed for more detailed pictures:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50784.msg1112489#msg1112489

And where I got the initial idea and where I bought them under this "more" button:
More
About the LED pins, I originally had the inspiration from an article on KBDMania. I only found the article again after I already did the mod  :thumb:
http://www.kbdmania.net/xe/index.php?mid=best_article&document_srl=6246034&6246034_cpage=1

This guy tried different approaches to use these female headers. I also tried different things but figured I didn't want to do the effort of chamfering all of them precisely so I just cut them open completely and used only the pins. I did this for a whole keyboard as well, took me quite some time.

You can find em very cheap on Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/3Pcs-Single-Row-40Pin-2-54mm-Round-Female-Pin-Header-/140910386490?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:BE:3160

But be advised, you have to be mentally prepared to do this for a whole keyboard   :cool:

You can see how I did it for a Ducky Shine II TKL here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50784.0

And on the 3700 here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=50768.0


If you don't like me putting this here or consider it threadcapping of some sorts, just let me know and I'll get rid of it ;) Just wanted to share this to give everyone options :)

Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #14 on: Tue, 03 December 2013, 02:30:01 »
MOAR keyboard science! Now I have to do this mod!

Offline RabRhee

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #15 on: Tue, 03 December 2013, 03:06:55 »
Many thanks for this Damorgue, I ran into these sockets a while ago and meant to chase them up for just this purpose, saved me a search :)
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Offline Paranoid

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #17 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 03:21:16 »
Yup, the top ones will definitely work since these are the ones I ordered ^^ the bottom ones will work just as fine :)

Offline Cottonsox

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #18 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 03:30:35 »
Thanks heaps! !!

Offline Moosecraft

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #19 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 03:37:25 »
Great work :D Gonna try this when I build my next board
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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #20 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 07:07:15 »
Just got some of these in as well!!

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #21 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 08:23:23 »
I don't know for sure, but there might be some tiny variance between different manufacturers in dimensions which usually don't matter for the applications where they are normally used. If they are a fraction of a mm wider it won't matter in most cases but in our case it might make it very tight. If it requires too much force to push in, I would clip it a little so that you don't damage the switch housing.

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #22 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 08:27:21 »
Whoa, what a fun idea. We can swap LEDs to match keycap sets! :D

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #23 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 12:31:12 »
Whoa, what a fun idea. We can swap LEDs to match keycap sets! :D

Building backlit keyboards for sale would also be much easier.  The customer can pick whatever color leds they want (assuming the resistors are correct).  I am going to put resistors for white/blue/green/etc on my boards and just not use red leds (cause they all seem to be different from what i can tell).  This is an awesome idea though.  I have ~400 in the mail to me.  :P

Offline CPTBadAss

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #24 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 12:32:40 »
swill you miss my point. I swap caps on my keyboards probably every month or two. When I swap caps, I can swap out LEDs too. So like magneta for Miami or red for Klaxon and blue for Raindrop :P.

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #25 on: Tue, 10 December 2013, 12:49:23 »
swill you miss my point. I swap caps on my keyboards probably every month or two. When I swap caps, I can swap out LEDs too. So like magneta for Miami or red for Klaxon and blue for Raindrop :P.

Yes for sure.  :)  It is a pretty cool feature...

Offline elton5354

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #26 on: Fri, 13 December 2013, 16:29:40 »
Thanks for sharing.  Bought a bunch :)

Offline Pacifist

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #27 on: Fri, 13 December 2013, 20:56:08 »
how much did you shave down the sockets? can you give more pics?

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #28 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 05:19:28 »
They have to be clipped down the middle between them when you separate them. When you clip the row into pairs, if there is more plastic on one side, you have to remove the excess.

I also found the LEDs to be easier to install if I clipped one side of the upper end a little, as seen here. If someone finds slightly versions with slightly smaller plastic casings then please post them. I wonder if it might be easier to just break off the plastic altogether since all it does is keeping them at a fixed distance. If one puts a led in before soldering, the distance between them is also ensured so the plastic isn't very necessary in our case.

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #29 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 07:09:16 »
how much did you shave down the sockets? can you give more pics?

Also see paranoids post above he used these also

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=51792.msg1142798#msg1142798

Offline mousesony

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #30 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 11:36:53 »
I'm confused about how you setup the resistors. I wish there was a picture.

Offline elton5354

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #31 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 12:32:17 »
Can someone post a picture of the underside of a switch and the underside of a PCB with these installed?

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #32 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 12:38:19 »
They should look the same as normal LEDs on the under-side of the swtich housing and the PCB.  I have these housings.  It's just 2 pins that get inserted into the LED holes--only they terminate in empty housings instead of the LED.
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Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #33 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 15:39:32 »
I'm confused about how you setup the resistors. I wish there was a picture.
If you just solder these on the PCB and then push the resistor into them, it will add a few mm which might cause conflicts with various cases. The ones in the switches will not conflict with cases of course, but the resistor ones might. I bent the legs of the socket to make the socket lie sideways, flat onto the PCB. The resistor is then pushed into the socket along the PCB. The only reason to do that is to make it less tall.

Edit: If you often switch between two colours often, then soldering two different resistors with a switch might be easier.

Offline mousesony

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #34 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 19:35:01 »
Ok thanks. Thats what I was imagining.

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #35 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 19:38:11 »
Edit: If you often switch between two colours often, then soldering two different resistors with a switch might be easier.

I can't get a visual on this.  How would you solder two different resistors with a switch on the back of the board?  I am guessing you would be doing that for every mx switch?

Offline Mine

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About SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #36 on: Sat, 14 December 2013, 23:41:15 »

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #37 on: Sun, 15 December 2013, 01:33:54 »
Edit: If you often switch between two colours often, then soldering two different resistors with a switch might be easier.

I can't get a visual on this.  How would you solder two different resistors with a switch on the back of the board?  I am guessing you would be doing that for every mx switch?

I have never done this for a full board. It would be quite cumbersome if you have individual resistors for every LED on the board. In my case of only LEDs on the lock keys, I simply put two resistors in parallel with a switch (by swtich, I do NOT mean MX switch but a toggling one which you can select which LED to use), eg: epic paint btw I realise now that when I wrote switch earlier that might have been interpreted as the MX switch which really hasn't much to do with the LED circuit.

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Re: About SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #38 on: Sun, 15 December 2013, 09:51:59 »
Seems like a lot of work....but thanks for the info

Offline mousesony

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #39 on: Fri, 20 December 2013, 12:40:59 »
What are the dangers of mismatching leds and resistors? I'm not really sure how resistors work, but I just got my sockets in the mail and I tested out all the leds I have on my leopold keypads num lock. My white, blue and green leds seemed to be exceedingly bright while the red, yellow and orange ones seemed to be on the normal/ dim side. I'm planning to use about 100 of these white leds on a kmac... I don't know what resistors the keyboard is going to come pre-soldered with but I'm assuming the white leds will be bright on that as well. I'm hoping that the only risk is that the leds could burn out fast.

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #40 on: Wed, 25 December 2013, 15:08:48 »
I got 360 SIP sockets last night (christmas eve), so I figured I would test them out.  I tried just cutting them into two unit pieces to start with.  The housing is a little too big, so the switch top does not go back on easily so you need to remove some of the plastic on the SIP socket.  I tried doing that, but it was just too finicky for me.  I was going to drive myself nuts trying to 'shave' the tiny parts.

Instead, I decided to remove the housing completely.  I started doing this with a knife, but it was taking too long, so I tried a pair of end cutters.  Those worked awesome.  I was able to do 360 sockets in less than an hour.  I even made a little video for you guys.  Sorry about the potato focus.   :)

Note: When removing the whole housing, you will need to put an LED in the sockets when you solder them on the PCB so the pins line up correctly...

Trick: Only clip half the housing.  This stops the plastic piece to go flying and will usually loosen the socket so it easily comes out...

Hope this helps others...

49037-0
« Last Edit: Wed, 25 December 2013, 21:20:50 by swill »

Offline justnits

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #41 on: Thu, 26 December 2013, 22:01:26 »
i was wondering if the led will be jiggly or loose enough to fall off if you overturn the keyboard after doing this mod.
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Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #42 on: Thu, 26 December 2013, 22:09:35 »
i was wondering if the led will be jiggly or loose enough to fall off if you overturn the keyboard after doing this mod.

The LED is very much in there.  You pretty much have to use a pair of pliers to get the led out (cause you can't get a hold of it and it is tight), so I would not be worried about that at all.

Offline justnits

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #43 on: Fri, 27 December 2013, 04:34:36 »
i was wondering if the led will be jiggly or loose enough to fall off if you overturn the keyboard after doing this mod.

The LED is very much in there.  You pretty much have to use a pair of pliers to get the led out (cause you can't get a hold of it and it is tight), so I would not be worried about that at all.

awesome possum! :thumb:
thanks swill
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Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #44 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 18:05:09 »
I just tried an entire keyboard for a friend and can confirm that it is easier to clip them completely. There is no hassle with getting an exact cut and less concentration is needed.

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #45 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 19:55:05 »
I just tried an entire keyboard for a friend and can confirm that it is easier to clip them completely. There is no hassle with getting an exact cut and less concentration is needed.
Show Image


tips on keeping them in correctly while soldering?

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #46 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 19:58:21 »
I just tried an entire keyboard for a friend and can confirm that it is easier to clip them completely. There is no hassle with getting an exact cut and less concentration is needed.
Show Image


tips on keeping them in correctly while soldering?

It has already been mentioned, but  simply put a LED in, or anything with the correct pitch really. Using the LED which you will be using later on is convenient as you ensure that it will work.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #47 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 20:12:28 »
I just tried an entire keyboard for a friend and can confirm that it is easier to clip them completely. There is no hassle with getting an exact cut and less concentration is needed.
Show Image


tips on keeping them in correctly while soldering?

It has already been mentioned, but  simply put a LED in, or anything with the correct pitch really. Using the LED which you will be using later on is convenient as you ensure that it will work.

thanks. thats genious

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #48 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 21:09:51 »
Just for a reference for people.  Here is a switch with SIP sockets which have had the entire housing removed and an LED in place so it is ready to solder...

49732-0 49734-1

Edit: I did not check if the LED was in the correct orientation, it was just to illustrate the previous point...

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #49 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 21:11:36 »
Just for a reference for people.  Here is a switch with SIP sockets which have had the entire housing removed and an LED in place so it is ready to solder...

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Edit: I did not check if the LED was in the correct orientation, it was just to illustrate the previous point...

what board is that? looks sexy

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #50 on: Thu, 02 January 2014, 21:32:02 »
Just for a reference for people.  Here is a switch with SIP sockets which have had the entire housing removed and an LED in place so it is ready to solder...

(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)

Edit: I did not check if the LED was in the correct orientation, it was just to illustrate the previous point...

what board is that? looks sexy

Filco Majestouch 2 TKL with browns with some no longer available IMSTO thick cherry PBT caps and the Banggood OEM RGB bottom row (space bar is from IMSTO).  I like OEM on my bottom row because they stand a bit higher and I found I was always reaching for the cherry bottom row.  They sit the same height as the cherry spacebar now.

Offline strict

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #51 on: Sun, 09 March 2014, 10:38:25 »
This is awesome! Im definitely going to be adding SIP sockets to my phantom for scroll and caps after seeing this thread.

Does anyone have any part numbers for the rectangular LED's your using?

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Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #52 on: Sun, 09 March 2014, 13:53:48 »
They are 2x3x4mm rectangular LEDs.
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Offline SpAmRaY

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #53 on: Mon, 10 March 2014, 07:45:51 »
They are 2x3x4mm rectangular LEDs.

And most of the time you want to add water clear to that :D

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #54 on: Mon, 10 March 2014, 13:40:00 »
Doesn't really matter actually, diffused should be okay too, as long as they are not dim.
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Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #55 on: Mon, 17 March 2014, 09:31:05 »
I like matte/frosted/milky or whatever people call them. They distribute the light more evenly on the window if there is one and also around the key imo.

Offline Pacifist

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #56 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:23:20 »
Does anybody else have closing problems even without the black plastic? It won't close all the way and makes taking off caps a PITA

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #57 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:24:59 »
Does anybody else have closing problems even without the black plastic? It won't close all the way and makes taking off caps a PITA

I have not had that problem yet.  I have not done a whole board though...  Its the switch top you cant get to close correctly?

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #58 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:26:51 »
Yes, they don't fit perfectly because the black top part interferes:



Edit: added corrected area that seems to interfere.

Takes more effort to close the switches, and they don't close fully, though when they do close, there's no interference that I've noticed.  I've used them for my entire LightSaver's worth of switches, and it took a lot of extra time :(

« Last Edit: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:40:46 by Photoelectric »
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Offline Pacifist

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #59 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:29:44 »
Does anybody else have closing problems even without the black plastic? It won't close all the way and makes taking off caps a PITA

I have not had that problem yet.  I have not done a whole board though...  Its the switch top you cant get to close correctly?

Yea the switch tops won't close all the way. It may be because the SIP sockets aren't perfectly aligned, but I'm not exactly sure

Offline Pacifist

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #60 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:31:21 »
Yes, they don't fit perfectly because the black top part interferes:

Show Image


I circled the parts on the side, but I it might be more than that.  I need to do a test with teflon tape.  Takes more effort to close the switches, and they don't close fully, though when they do close, there's no interference that I've noticed.  I've used them for my entire LightSaver's worth of switches, and it took a lot of extra time :(

Yea I noticed those things and it was driving me crazy.

There is no interference when closed, but when taking off caps (esp tight ones) its hard to pull it off without taking the whole switch top and LED with it.


Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #61 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 20:41:21 »
Redone the photograph to show the part on the top cover that interferes with the tops of the SIP sockets and doesn't allow for the top cover to close as tightly as it would without the sockets.
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Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #62 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 21:11:37 »
Redone the photograph to show the part on the top cover that interferes with the tops of the SIP sockets and doesn't allow for the top cover to close as tightly as it would without the sockets.

I had that problem before I completely removed the housing on the SIP sockets, but I have not had issues once I completely removed all the plastic.  I have not done a full keyboard yet though...

Offline Photoelectric

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #63 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 21:13:23 »
I removed all the pins from their plastic housing before installing them into switches.  Still had that issue.  Skipped switch stickers even to compensate somewhat.  Everything is fine and is in working order, and all the SIP sockets were aligned with LEDs inserted into them prior to soldering, but switch covers definitely did not close as well as they would have without the sockets.
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Offline stancato9

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #64 on: Wed, 26 March 2014, 21:43:10 »
Has anyone found some SIP sockets on eBay that work perfectly? Is there even any variation between the types you can buy?
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Offline nuclearsandwich

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #65 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 03:16:55 »
When I install SIP sockets, even when inserting the switch fully into the PCB the ends of the sockets barely make it through the PCB holes. Is that everyone else's experience as well? It seems like it puts the connection to the LED at risk unless you really get in there with the solder.

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #66 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 07:05:46 »
When I install SIP sockets, even when inserting the switch fully into the PCB the ends of the sockets barely make it through the PCB holes. Is that everyone else's experience as well? It seems like it puts the connection to the LED at risk unless you really get in there with the solder.

Yes, on a 1.6mm PCB it will basically be flush with the bottom of the PCB.

I am using a sprit PCB, so the led holes are all the way through so there is lots of surface to solder to. No issues at all. Desoldering them is a bit of a PITA, but I think that is to be expected.

If you have a single sided PCB then I could see you maybe having some issues.

Which PCB are you using and do the pads go through the PCB?

Offline nuclearsandwich

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #67 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 09:13:21 »
When I install SIP sockets, even when inserting the switch fully into the PCB the ends of the sockets barely make it through the PCB holes. Is that everyone else's experience as well? It seems like it puts the connection to the LED at risk unless you really get in there with the solder.

Yes, on a 1.6mm PCB it will basically be flush with the bottom of the PCB.

I am using a sprit PCB, so the led holes are all the way through so there is lots of surface to solder to. No issues at all. Desoldering them is a bit of a PITA, but I think that is to be expected.

If you have a single sided PCB then I could see you maybe having some issues.

Which PCB are you using and do the pads go through the PCB?

I've most recently been working on Duck PCBs, Butterfly keypad and Orion. That is a good note as I do my own PCB design. Are there SIP sockets that are extra long?

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #68 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 09:26:15 »
When I install SIP sockets, even when inserting the switch fully into the PCB the ends of the sockets barely make it through the PCB holes. Is that everyone else's experience as well? It seems like it puts the connection to the LED at risk unless you really get in there with the solder.

Yes, on a 1.6mm PCB it will basically be flush with the bottom of the PCB.

I am using a sprit PCB, so the led holes are all the way through so there is lots of surface to solder to. No issues at all. Desoldering them is a bit of a PITA, but I think that is to be expected.

If you have a single sided PCB then I could see you maybe having some issues.

Which PCB are you using and do the pads go through the PCB?

I've most recently been working on Duck PCBs, Butterfly keypad and Orion. That is a good note as I do my own PCB design. Are there SIP sockets that are extra long?

I have not run into any, but I have not looked either. I know you can get header sockets with longer pins, so it may be possible.

Offline Igthorn

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« Last Edit: Fri, 25 July 2014, 09:56:45 by Igthorn »

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #70 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 09:56:36 »
Excellent information Igthorn. That would explain why some have had a harder time closing the switch housing than others. Someone should get a few of each and report back which profile works the best.

Offline swill

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #71 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 10:01:53 »
Excellent information Igthorn. That would explain why some have had a harder time closing the switch housing than others. Someone should get a few of each and report back which profile works the best.

I think some people are not completely removing the housing as well.  When I didn't remove the housing I had problems closing the switch.  I tried to 'shave' the sip socket pair and that was just too tedious for me...

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #72 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 10:06:45 »
Excellent information Igthorn. That would explain why some have had a harder time closing the switch housing than others. Someone should get a few of each and report back which profile works the best.

I think some people are not completely removing the housing as well.  When I didn't remove the housing I had problems closing the switch.  I tried to 'shave' the sip socket pair and that was just too tedious for me...

Someone should try out the "Ultra-low profile" type listed in the pdf and see if it is any better in that regard.

Offline blackbox

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #73 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 11:33:38 »
Nice mod! Might do it on my CM QF XT
Keyboards: Dell AT102W (matias standard clicky), Maltron two-hand 3D fully ergonomic keyboard (Vintage MX Black). CM QF XT (MX Grey) IBM model M

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http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=62536.0

Offline nuclearsandwich

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #74 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 12:22:47 »
Excellent information Igthorn. That would explain why some have had a harder time closing the switch housing than others. Someone should get a few of each and report back which profile works the best.

I think some people are not completely removing the housing as well.  When I didn't remove the housing I had problems closing the switch.  I tried to 'shave' the sip socket pair and that was just too tedious for me...

Someone should try out the "Ultra-low profile" type listed in the pdf and see if it is any better in that regard.

I got a few of the long tail ones to try in my next build. (A Lightsaver, I think is my next modern build.) I will report back with results in photographic form.

Offline damorgue

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #75 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 12:31:35 »
Excellent information Igthorn. That would explain why some have had a harder time closing the switch housing than others. Someone should get a few of each and report back which profile works the best.

I think some people are not completely removing the housing as well.  When I didn't remove the housing I had problems closing the switch.  I tried to 'shave' the sip socket pair and that was just too tedious for me...

Someone should try out the "Ultra-low profile" type listed in the pdf and see if it is any better in that regard.

I got a few of the long tail ones to try in my next build. (A Lightsaver, I think is my next modern build.) I will report back with results in photographic form.

Longer leads might make them stick out more through the PCB, but I recon they wil be worse in the aspect of being able to close the switch housing easily. If your next build is delayed, please just try it in a switch and report back.

Offline Igthorn

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #76 on: Fri, 25 July 2014, 13:32:41 »
TE's sip sockets have a taller upper section versus the Mill-Max ones, .180in vs .165in.  So there is difference between brands.

The difference between Mill-Max's standard and long is only in the pin length.

The ones I have fit completely inside the switch and have wiggle room when the plastic is completely removed.  When I left the plastic on, it fit perfectly.  I'm not sure which brand it is (got them ages ago), but the measurements are about the same as the Mill-Max.

Offline asdfjkl36

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #77 on: Fri, 05 September 2014, 17:33:39 »
i asked previously but then I thought i fixed it.

Apparently not.

My girlfriend just told me "why dont you ask people on geekhack. They're pretty smart" and so here i am.


I have all the SIP sockets soldered in and i'm adding LEDs on there to test. I will slowly start adding LEDs and i will add one that will cause the other LEDs to dim.

Is there something i'm doing wrong?

Offline dorkvader

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #78 on: Fri, 05 September 2014, 18:15:19 »
i asked previously but then I thought i fixed it.

Apparently not.

My girlfriend just told me "why dont you ask people on geekhack. They're pretty smart" and so here i am.
Your GF knows what's up.

I have all the SIP sockets soldered in and i'm adding LEDs on there to test. I will slowly start adding LEDs and i will add one that will cause the other LEDs to dim.

Is there something i'm doing wrong?
What board is this? In some KBs (TG3 BL82) the LEDs are wired up differently and won't work at all unless there are a proper "pair" wired up.

In other KBs, the LED regulation isn't as good, and it will give less or more current to LEDs depending on load.

If it's a KB I have, I'll be happy to test it out.

Offline asdfjkl36

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #79 on: Fri, 05 September 2014, 18:16:48 »
i asked previously but then I thought i fixed it.

Apparently not.

My girlfriend just told me "why dont you ask people on geekhack. They're pretty smart" and so here i am.
Your GF knows what's up.

I have all the SIP sockets soldered in and i'm adding LEDs on there to test. I will slowly start adding LEDs and i will add one that will cause the other LEDs to dim.

Is there something i'm doing wrong?
What board is this? In some KBs (TG3 BL82) the LEDs are wired up differently and won't work at all unless there are a proper "pair" wired up.

In other KBs, the LED regulation isn't as good, and it will give less or more current to LEDs depending on load.

If it's a KB I have, I'll be happy to test it out.

She does. I'm just to stubborn to ask for help >.>

It's a Ducky Shine 3 TKL

Offline do_Og@n

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #80 on: Wed, 24 September 2014, 23:59:01 »
I like this idea a lot! Well done good sir!

I have some GH60 pcb's that will be very happy with this mod.

Offline berserkfan

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #81 on: Thu, 25 September 2014, 02:02:25 »
I'm having a problem after a SIP mod to make my Deck a Christmas tree. Everythyng worked fxcept one LED. Tried fixing and now - all leds won't light up. Lock lights work. There is actually a teeny bit of light from orange LEDs but not any other color. Light brightness controls don't cause any more light. I don't know what is going on. Thinking that maybe 2.2v leds are causing a problem I removed them and now have no light on this keyboard anymore.
Most of the modding can be done on your own once you break through the psychological barriers.

Offline nuclearsandwich

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #82 on: Wed, 29 October 2014, 10:51:03 »
It took me ages and ages, but I finally put the longer sockets in a keyboard, I vastly prefer working with them but they are $$$ compared to the regular ones.  I've added them to the 2x3x4 LED group buy to try and get a volume price from Mouser.

My good camera's been borrowed. I'll retrieve it today and put up some comparison pictures tonight.

Offline PocoLoco

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #83 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 10:09:51 »
sorry if this is a noobish question but wouldn't it be possible theoretically speaking to use sip sockets to mount your switches to the pcb ? to easily assemble & disassemble without needing to solder twice ?

Offline berserkfan

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #84 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 10:12:20 »
sorry if this is a noobish question but wouldn't it be possible theoretically speaking to use sip sockets to mount your switches to the pcb ? to easily assemble & disassemble without needing to solder twice ?

NO, not possible. The LED matrix is wired differently ie your switches will be physically attached to the board but not their electrical contacts, so the switches won’t be able to send signals to the keyboard controller. You'll wind up with a bright paperweight.
Most of the modding can be done on your own once you break through the psychological barriers.

Offline whiskytango

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #85 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 11:11:15 »
sorry if this is a noobish question but wouldn't it be possible theoretically speaking to use sip sockets to mount your switches to the pcb ? to easily assemble & disassemble without needing to solder twice ?

I think theoretically yes. But, it would not be very sturdy. You'd have to use a plate. But then you'd also have the SIP socket sticking up off the PCB so your distance between plate and PCB would be greater than usual (the switches are normally flush with the PCB). So you'd have a thicker package overall and depth of your case might become an issue. Also you'd have to find the correct SIP sockets to accept the blade shaped contacts found on MX switches. And if I'm not mistaken the switch contacts are actually two different sizes, one is stiffer than the other on each switch.

I think there is a company that made a keyboard using this concept though. Can't remember the name right now. Something Chinese maybe?
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Offline 0100010

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #86 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 13:36:06 »
  Quoting me causes a posting error that you need to ignore.

Offline MOZ

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #87 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 14:37:26 »
OT: Wow, whiskyTanog, I haven't seen you post since forever, good to see brother!

Offline whiskytango

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #88 on: Sat, 13 December 2014, 19:04:59 »
OT: Wow, whiskyTanog, I haven't seen you post since forever, good to see brother!
We had a baby. He is two months. I'm still around, just don't have much free time these days, ha. It's getting better though.
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Offline MOZ

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #89 on: Sun, 14 December 2014, 00:27:47 »
Congratulations on becoming a father. I hope you have started to pass on the keyboard knowledge and passion.

Offline rpeterclark

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #90 on: Thu, 09 July 2015, 14:18:22 »
An alternative to Swill's flush cutter method is to just grab the socket and push it up through the housing. It's quick and easy and I've not yet mangled any SIPs like I did when cutting them out.

Apologies for the necro, but this seemed like the right place!


Offline thesiscamper

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #91 on: Fri, 11 March 2016, 03:59:25 »
An alternative to Swill's flush cutter method is to just grab the socket and push it up through the housing. It's quick and easy and I've not yet mangled any SIPs like I did when cutting them out.

Apologies for the necro, but this seemed like the right place!


Great tip, I'm expecting a few next week. Thanks.


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Offline juahenza

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #92 on: Sun, 24 July 2016, 03:10:56 »
currently installing LEDs on these sockets in my switches. my fingers are crying blood  :'(
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Offline Xantus

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #93 on: Wed, 30 November 2016, 05:05:40 »
Hi Geeks,

I'm planning to build my first Diy Mechanical Keyboard, a GH60 (Rev. C) with white Gateron Switches. I've found alternative source for SIP Socket but Im not sure about these. Will these work for SIP Modding?

https://www.reichelt.de/IC-Sockel/SPL-64/3/index.html?ACTION=3&GROUPID=7429&ARTICLE=19401&OFFSET=16&SID=93WD294KwQATIAAHs@BQga7d5eaf29114b26554eec9470c9a604d&LANGUAGE=EN

https://www.reichelt.de/Sockets-IC/MPE-006-1-050/3/index.html?ACTION=3&LA=2&ARTICLE=119951&GROUPID=7429&artnr=MPE+006-1-050&SEARCH=%252A

Best Regards

X.

« Last Edit: Wed, 30 November 2016, 05:07:41 by Xantus »

Offline DillonHightower

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #94 on: Thu, 23 March 2017, 22:36:41 »
Sorry im late , but im wondering if something like this would work with the gateron switch ? I dont have one handy to compare to the mx switch.
            

Offline rpeterclark

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #95 on: Fri, 24 March 2017, 06:37:45 »
Sorry im late , but im wondering if something like this would work with the gateron switch ? I dont have one handy to compare to the mx switch.

Yes, it works with Gateron switches.

Offline Bi0

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #96 on: Wed, 26 April 2017, 04:06:12 »
Question on this did anyone ever figure out the best ones to use?  I see a couple of others mentioning the Mill Max ones: http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mill-Max/311-43-164-41-001000/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%2fSh%2fkjph1tjJZclYmfaNPJ3I9Z5RDf1I%3d

I'm getting one of the new Sabers and want to try this on the mod switches.   ^.^
« Last Edit: Wed, 26 April 2017, 14:38:57 by Bi0 »

Offline deadall127

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #97 on: Sat, 30 September 2017, 11:37:53 »

Offline tuxkey

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #98 on: Sun, 15 April 2018, 15:28:35 »
interesting post / topic..

Could you please elaborate on what you said

"the MX lock is unsuitable unfortunately "


What does this mean exactly ??
i know this is an old post but as it's not that long and still current a far as i'm concerned i see no reason to start a new topic.
Keeping all the info in one place is way more valuable..
Thanks for youre help guys..

Offline TalkingTree

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Re: SIP sockets for faster removal of LEDs
« Reply #99 on: Sun, 15 April 2018, 15:37:30 »
Could you please elaborate on what you said

"the MX lock is unsuitable unfortunately "
The Cherry MX Lock switch has the LED hole shifted to the right and it won't align with the PCB pads that are usually centered.

My opensource projects: GH80-3000, TOAD, XMMX. Classified: stuff