PCB mount vs. plate mount switches

[Kalmarauder]

I am planning on building my own keyboard which I would like to be plate mounted. It appears to me that the only difference between PCB and plate mounted switches are the pins for securing the switch to the PCB. Am I correct in assuming that it is possible to use PCB mounted switches in a Plate mounted board? I think it would just require holes in the PCB to accommodate the pins. I ask because PCB mount switches seem to be more available and less expensive.

[Appeac]

People usually clip the legs off, but if you were to design a pcb with holes in it, I don't see how that wouldn't work either.

[Leslieann]

Plate mount's extra pins could probably give you a more solid keyboard if you took advantage of them, but you probably wouldn't notice a difference. It also means double the work when you go to change anything.

As for cost, it depends on where you get them, check Deskthority for 7bit's group buys, his plate mounted switches are cheaper by about 20 cents per switch.

[alaricljs]

All the info above is correct, I've built pcb, plate and pcb switches w/ plate.  It all works but PCB and a plate make a very firm combo.

[Kalmarauder]

Alright, thank you all for the responses.

I'm not sure if this was the right place to put this thread. I meant to put it in "Making stuff together."

[alaricljs]

Oh hey, good point.  I'll move it.