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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: MajorKoos on Sat, 03 September 2016, 08:46:37

Title: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: MajorKoos on Sat, 03 September 2016, 08:46:37

Of late I've taken to opening my switches (Zelios/Gateron) and placing the LED inside rather than using SIP sockets.
The biggest downside I have is that I can actually see the LED's now, so perhaps it's a bit too bright?

Any thoughts on using these:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/led-color-changer

Title: Re: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: suicidal_orange on Sat, 03 September 2016, 10:56:12

You've hit one of two problems - being blinded by bright LEDs where the face forward.  The other is that the light doesn't spread as well if you have a plate as the LEDs are below the plate.  If you can live with that and don't need to change the colour often go with it.

I don't think the colour changers will work with this setup though as they will be floating above where the LED normally sits with the LED shining it's true colour out from under it.

Title: Re: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: duynguyenle on Sat, 03 September 2016, 13:07:23

You could try getting some Gateron switches with translucent top instead of transparent, that will help diffuse the light a bit more and remove some of the glare.

Title: Re: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: MajorKoos on Sat, 03 September 2016, 23:13:03

Quote from: suicidal_orange on Sat, 03 September 2016, 10:56:12

You've hit one of two problems - being blinded by bright LEDs where the face forward.  The other is that the light doesn't spread as well if you have a plate as the LEDs are below the plate.  If you can live with that and don't need to change the colour often go with it.

I don't think the colour changers will work with this setup though as they will be floating above where the LED normally sits with the LED shining it's true colour out from under it.

I've been thinking about options all day - cellophane, some sort of insert, etc.  None of them are good options and you've basically confirmed my suspicions.  Having reinvented the wheel I now know why SIP sockets are a good thing.

It's at times like this that I really appreciate my Hakko desoldering gun :)

Title: Re: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: IBNobody on Sun, 04 September 2016, 01:22:03

Have you considered getting diffused LEDs instead? Or are you using something tiny like 1.8mm LEDs?

Title: Re: [Q] SIP Sockets vs putting the LED inside the switch
Post by: MajorKoos on Sun, 04 September 2016, 06:47:40

Quote from: IBNobody on Sun, 04 September 2016, 01:22:03

Have you considered getting diffused LEDs instead? Or are you using something tiny like 1.8mm LEDs?

I've been using white 1.8mm LEDs.

Getting the LED up under the keycap seems to be the best route - no direct line of sight.