Questions about hot swap keyboards

[ergonaut]

Hi,

I’m thinking about getting a hot swap keyboard (the XD75RE), partly as a secondary keyboard for home use and partly as a switch  testing device. But I think I have read somewhere that there are certain limitations in terms of which switches can be used in the hot swap sockets, something about plate vs PCB mounted. Could anyone tell me which switches can be used on that board? I’m specifically interested in trying Cherry blues and Kailh box whites, but maybe also some Gaterons.


Thanks!

[Rob27shred]

Hi,

I’m thinking about getting a hot swap keyboard (the XD75RE), partly as a secondary keyboard for home use and partly as a switch  testing device. But I think I have read somewhere that there are certain limitations in terms of which switches can be used in the hot swap sockets, something about plate vs PCB mounted. Could anyone tell me which switches can be used on that board? I’m specifically interested in trying Cherry blues and Kailh box whites, but maybe also some Gaterons.


Thanks!

While Kailh HS sockets do indeed block the holes for on the PCB for PCB mount switches, this is actually not a problem at all. Because firstly almost every switch out there has plate & PCB mount variants available. Secondly the odd switch out that only comes in PCB mount (Zealios as an example) can easily be made plate mount by clipping the 2 plastic legs off the bottom housing that make a switch PCB mount. For the switches you are interested in though you won't have any issues. Cherry MX blue is available in both plate & PCB mount variants, https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=56. Then all Kailh BOX switches are only made in plate mount, https://novelkeys.xyz/collections/switches/products/kailh-box-switches?variant=3747940106280.

Edit: The real issue to look out for with HS PCBs is ones that have RGB SMD LEDs under the switches. You need to make sure you get one that has the LEDs sitting flush with the PCB to be able to use any switch with it. If the LEDs rise above the PCB you can only use switches that have cutouts in the bottom housings to accommodate taller SMD LEDs. Hope this info helps you pick something out & GL finding what you need/want!

[ergonaut]

Hey Rob,

thank you so much for your well-informed answer!

I think LEDs won't be an issue, as I don't plan on using any. The PCB apparently has some underglow LEDs, but I suppose those are on the other side.

[Rob27shred]

Hey Rob,

thank you so much for your well-informed answer!

I think LEDs won't be an issue, as I don't plan on using any. The PCB apparently has some underglow LEDs, but I suppose those are on the other side.

No problem! Also yes underglow LEDs are on the backside of the PCB so they won't interfere with the switches in anyway.

[Venaros]

Hi,

I’m thinking about getting a hot swap keyboard (the XD75RE), partly as a secondary keyboard for home use and partly as a switch  testing device. But I think I have read somewhere that there are certain limitations in terms of which switches can be used in the hot swap sockets, something about plate vs PCB mounted. Could anyone tell me which switches can be used on that board? I’m specifically interested in trying Cherry blues and Kailh box whites, but maybe also some Gaterons.


Thanks!

While Kailh HS sockets do indeed block the holes for on the PCB for PCB mount switches, this is actually not a problem at all. Because firstly almost every switch out there has plate & PCB mount variants available. Secondly the odd switch out that only comes in PCB mount (Zealios as an example) can easily be made plate mount by clipping the 2 plastic legs off the bottom housing that make a switch PCB mount. For the switches you are interested in though you won't have any issues. Cherry MX blue is available in both plate & PCB mount variants, https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=56. Then all Kailh BOX switches are only made in plate mount, https://novelkeys.xyz/collections/switches/products/kailh-box-switches?variant=3747940106280.

Edit: The real issue to look out for with HS PCBs is ones that have RGB SMD LEDs under the switches. You need to make sure you get one that has the LEDs sitting flush with the PCB to be able to use any switch with it. If the LEDs rise above the PCB you can only use switches that have cutouts in the bottom housings to accommodate taller SMD LEDs. Hope this info helps you pick something out & GL finding what you need/want!

Actually, Kailh hotswap sockets don't block the PCB holes. See: NK65