Making a Gateron SMD LED Footprint Compatible with WS2812's

[IBNobody]

Need some help... Does anyone have any dimensions on the LED window on the Gateron SMD compatible switch? I'm trying to create a footprint that would allow me to use them with a WS2812.

I have something close, but I need some measurements to make the footprint exact. I need Y data to align a lens of a WS2812 up.

Here's a preview of the footprint.



The idea is that the switch would sit on one side of the PCB, and the WS2812 would partially sit in the 5mm wide trench on the opposite side. The lens would point up into the PCB. Note that the picture is not exactly correct. The pads for the WS2812 would go right up to the wall of the trench (but not into the trench or down the trench's wall- can't do a PTH "finger" easily). I would have to solder-blob the legs of the WS2812 to the pads at their knee.

EasyEDA's PCB fab does a great job with trenches, and it didn't add any cost to my last board

[SKD]

I have these switches. The LED window is about 3mm x 9.5mm with my calipers.

[IBNobody]

I have these switches. The LED window is about 3mm x 9.5mm with my calipers.

What about from the stem center to the window center? Would you say it is approximately where a normal LED would be?

[IBNobody]

Just had a look... My non-SMD Gaterons came today. LEDs are indeed centered.

[SKD]

Need me to measure anything else??

[IBNobody]

No, thank you, though!

[redbanshee]

I wouldn't put the WS2812's directly under the switch as that eliminates 90% of switch compatibility, put them between the switches.


EDIT: like what this guy did https://hackaday.io/project/13210/gallery#8bdfa81816d9b51aa046b534e9514292

[IBNobody]

I wouldn't put the WS2812's directly under the switch as that eliminates 90% of switch compatibility, put them between the switches.

This method is not a PCB-LED-SWITCH sandwich like most RGB setups. It is a LED-PCB-SWITCH sandwich. The WS2812 is mounted on the opposite side of the PCB from the switch, but it is aimed to shine up into the switch. As long as the switch has a clear bottom, it will fit and the LED will shine through.

EDIT: like what this guy did https://hackaday.io/project/13210/gallery#8bdfa81816d9b51aa046b534e9514292

What those pictures don't show you is that the LEDs shine between the keycaps and will sear your eyes out. It is extremely annoying to have to type on. My first K90RGB had misaligned LEDs, and I hated every time I'd shift in my seat and get lasered by direct line of sight between my eyeball and the SMD LED. I don't want to design that into a keyboard.

[redbanshee]

I wouldn't put the WS2812's directly under the switch as that eliminates 90% of switch compatibility, put them between the switches.

This method is not a PCB-LED-SWITCH sandwich like most RGB setups. It is a LED-PCB-SWITCH sandwich. The WS2812 is mounted on the opposite side of the PCB from the switch, but it is aimed to shine up into the switch. As long as the switch has a clear bottom, it will fit and the LED will shine through.

EDIT: like what this guy did https://hackaday.io/project/13210/gallery#8bdfa81816d9b51aa046b534e9514292

What those pictures don't show you is that the LEDs shine between the keycaps and will sear your eyes out. It is extremely annoying to have to type on. My first K90RGB had misaligned LEDs, and I hated every time I'd shift in my seat and get lasered by direct line of sight between my eyeball and the SMD LED. I don't want to design that into a keyboard.

Had no idea Corsair released a board with the LEDS not in-switch... weird af. Anyway, I would say the amount that it shines in your eyeball all depends on the plate involved. Ive seen a few pcbs with the design your talking about: http://imgur.com/a/PwRYX , and I think Zeals 60% pcb thats coming out is sporting a similar design. NerD pcb (http://imgur.com/a/XXzKg) has an off set (single color LED) design too that demonstrates a southern type placement I was thinking about. /shrug

[IBNobody]

Ive seen a few pcbs with the design your talking about: http://imgur.com/a/PwRYX , and I think Zeals 60% pcb thats coming out is sporting a similar design.

Yes, that is what I am going for, but without the need to bend the pins like they did. And the WS2812 LEDs are a little bigger. Thanks for the link!

EDIT: Actually, they may be these...

[IBNobody]

The WS2812 (but more likely the SK6812RGBW) will fit onto the bottom, opposite of the switch. LED lens points up.

Footprint is available here.

https://easyeda.com/editor#id=4piusL3ue

I've ordered 5 coupons to test them out before I do a full layout.