LED lights and soldering

[atomicus]

I am wondering where I can find LED lights for a keyboard? I have obtained a modded board that has had them removed (so the PCB can take them, it's a Miya Pro), and need to source new ones... but I am unsure where to look. Are they all made the same? I have no real experience with soldering, so I also have no idea if I'm getting in wayyyy over my head with this idea. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks.

[Sup]

You would need these ones 2x3x4 LEDS.

[Sifo]

if you plan to use gmk caps use 1.8mm leds instead.

only thing u need to worry about is putting them in the right way (polarity). solder and then snip the excess legs off.

[atomicus]

You would need these ones 2x3x4 LEDS.

I came across these: http://www.maxkeyboard.com/products/parts-and-accesssories/led-lights/ but looking at the picture you posted these wouldn't be correct. They say 3mm, but the shape seems different, rounded, not square.

Also, you posted white, and I know the board originally came with white, but would I be able to use a different colour?

if you plan to use gmk caps use 1.8mm leds instead.

only thing u need to worry about is putting them in the right way (polarity). solder and then snip the excess legs off.

Thanks. I don't plan on using GMK as I prefer PBT caps.

Is there an easy way to know the polarity is correct? Do they have indicators/markings on the pins?

[Sifo]

You would need these ones 2x3x4 LEDS.

I came across these: http://www.maxkeyboard.com/products/parts-and-accesssories/led-lights/ but looking at the picture you posted these wouldn't be correct. They say 3mm, but the shape seems different, rounded, not square.

Also, you posted white, and I know the board originally came with white, but would I be able to use a different colour?

if you plan to use gmk caps use 1.8mm leds instead.

only thing u need to worry about is putting them in the right way (polarity). solder and then snip the excess legs off.

Thanks. I don't plan on using GMK as I prefer PBT caps.

Is there an easy way to know the polarity is correct? Do they have indicators/markings on the pins?

this applies to anything resembling cherry profile, so even if you like pbt if you're using ePBT or something you need 1.8mm

you can check polarity by looking at the bulb or the legs. normally the shorter LED leg is the negative end

[atomicus]

this applies to anything resembling cherry profile, so even if you like pbt if you're using ePBT or something you need 1.8mm
you can check polarity by looking at the bulb or the legs. normally the shorter LED leg is the negative end

I am using Tai-Hao PBT keycaps on a Varmilo VA68M at the moment... with MX Silent switches which that have the LEDs on the bottom. I know the Miya Pro has the LEDs at the top, and as mentioned the board has been modded with Zilents anyway, which may change things.

Where would you suggest I source suitable 1.8mm LEDs? Do you mean ones like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-1-8mm-Diode-Light-Bulb/dp/B00WX39R3S
https://www.amazon.com/1-8mm-2mm-Round-Top-Purple/dp/B017TRB2R6

[Sifo]

this applies to anything resembling cherry profile, so even if you like pbt if you're using ePBT or something you need 1.8mm
you can check polarity by looking at the bulb or the legs. normally the shorter LED leg is the negative end

I am using Tai-Hao PBT keycaps on a Varmilo VA68M at the moment... with MX Silent switches which that have the LEDs on the bottom. I know the Miya Pro has the LEDs at the top, and as mentioned the board has been modded with Zilents anyway, which may change things.

Where would you suggest I source suitable 1.8mm LEDs? Do you mean ones like this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-1-8mm-Diode-Light-Bulb/dp/B00WX39R3S
https://www.amazon.com/1-8mm-2mm-Round-Top-Purple/dp/B017TRB2R6

2x3x4 should work with taihao caps but if you ever think you'll have cherry profile then they might not. you can always file them down. Or if you have transparent tops you can put the 2x3x4 led inside the switch.

The ones you linked look correct for 1.8. I normally buy from ebay but they come from China so shipping sucks

[mike-y]

I only use the 1.8mm type LEDs now.  you can solder them directly to the pcb and install the switch right on top of them (if it has an LED window in the bottom).  No chance for keycap interference, and you can replace the switch without having to desolder the LED's which is a huge PITA.

This style here:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/100pcs-1-8mm-Diffused-White-Color-White-Light-LED-Diodes-DIP-High-Quality-USA/121741967393?hash=item1c58630021:g:s9gAAOSw7FRWVw~U


Just note if you buy different colors, pay mind to the voltage.  mixing different voltages can cause some colors to be really dim.  but if you put all the same color in a board, it won't matter.