geekhack Community > Input Devices
Wiring USB Switch to Mechanical Key Switch
FKSSR:
Hello, all!
It's been SOOOOOoooooooo long since I posted here at GH.
However, I'm in need of some help.
I have a Rosewill USB Switch that I use to connect my keyboard and mouse to two computers. When I click the switch it comes with, it switches to the other computer, allowing me to seamlessly switch between computers with my same kb/m setup.
I want to replace the crappy switch that comes with the device to a mechanical key switch, if possible.
This is the inside of the Rosewill switch:
Can anyone guide me to information on how I may be able to connect the two wires shown above to a mechanical key switch (i.e. wiring diagrams or info on where someone else may have done something similar with some other kind of switch)?
Thank you!
suicidal_orange:
Welcome back :)
That switch has two pins but you can solder them either side of the switch. A keyboard switch also has two pins so one wire to each and you're good. All a switch does is connect the two pins so doesn't matter which goes where.
This is assuming the switch is a Normally Open, I would be very surprised if it isn't but if you have a continuity tester test it - the two wires should only be connected when you press the switch. If you don't have a tester worst case is when you connect the new switch it will keep swapping which is probably not healthy, so be ready to unplug it if you see that.
FKSSR:
--- Quote from: suicidal_orange on Wed, 24 June 2020, 14:02:06 ---Welcome back :)
That switch has two pins but you can solder them either side of the switch. A keyboard switch also has two pins so one wire to each and you're good. All a switch does is connect the two pins so doesn't matter which goes where.
This is assuming the switch is a Normally Open, I would be very surprised if it isn't but if you have a continuity tester test it - the two wires should only be connected when you press the switch. If you don't have a tester worst case is when you connect the new switch it will keep swapping which is probably not healthy, so be ready to unplug itb unplug it if you see that.
--- End quote ---
Nice. That makes complete sense! I was hoping you'd say that. :D
The only thing I was concerned about is whether I needed a diode or something else in between the switch and wires, but I guess nothing like that is necessary?
I have a multimeter, so I will use that to try and test if it is normally open.
Thanks so much!!!
suicidal_orange:
Diodes are only needed when using a switch matrix so the controller knows which switches are pressed when you press more than one, no chance of that confusion here :thumb:
FKSSR:
Makes complete sense. Thank you!!
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