diodes question

[radish]

Hey guys, i was wondering for the nerd tkl 2.0 pcb from gonskeyboards say if i didnt want to use through hole diodes and wanted to switch to plate mounted diodes... would that work?

and whats the part number of the component i need? any thoughts are appreciated.

[plegnic]

The ones they sell on the site would probably work fine.

Note: they do not recommend using SMD diodes on the site, since the PCBs are designed to use through-hole diodes. Honestly, through-hole will make any assembly/repair much easier, so I would recommend sticking with them unless you have a severe aversion.

[radish]

where can i read about this? those dont look like surface mount diodes, probably why they arnt recommended. i couldnt find any info regarding this so anything to explain why either component is advantageous to use would be greatly appreciated. i personally think that the smd diodes will be cleaner looking. i found surface mounted components are much easier to deal with. but thats probably because i havent gotten myself into any significant problems with surface mounted components.

also, i found this video.

[plegnic]

There are plenty of articles comparing SMT/SMD vs through-hole components. Here's a stack-exchange post. Keep in mind that they are focusing on high-frequency uses. Keyboards aren't high frequency so just about any 'standard' diode would work.

The thing about surface mount is that it does look nice and the components are smaller, but they can be harder to deal with. There is more room for error. If you are going back to replace them, you run a higher risk of tearing a pad off since the contacts are smaller. Also, I'm not sure of how the contacts are laid out on the GON boards, but if they are suggesting through-hole, there may not be a proper surface-mount pad.

As far as looks go: are you not going to be putting this board into a case? Ideally, you won't even be able to see the diodes 99% of the time. Of course, it's your board so do whatever will make you enjoy it the most.

[radish]

yea i got the through hole diodes, i get what you mean, and i suppose you are right about not seeing... i suppose how bad my ocd gets

found https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=30875.0

he is using 512-MMSD4148 diodes from mouser. maybe ill pick up a bunch and give it a shot. hopefully i find someone who's done it.

[plegnic]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.