Making my PCB hot swappable.

[Moralless]

I found this link from a reddit post showing the plug in inserts to make a PCB hot swappable: http://au.mouser.com/new/harwin/harwinpcbsockets/. But I'm not sure if it will work with the cherry mx pins (not the pins that come with the PCB mounted switches).

Since referring to this: http://www.cherrycorp.com/english/switches/key/mx.htm it says the diameter of the pins are about 0.059 inches +- 0.002. And looking at this pdf file: http://www.mouser.com/catalog/catalogusd/647/1848.pdf which shows the dimensions of the different input sockets, it seems like the only option that would suit the cherry mx pins is 575-036400 (figure R) which has a pin diameter range of .048-.064 inches.

Now, I have no experience with these sorts of parts and was wondering if this range is too big to be able to reliably hot swap cherry mx switches that are plate mounted? And also the same question for LEDs which have a diameter 0.039 +- 0.004 inches with part #:575-033100 (figure K).

[qwack]

I've made a few experiments with hot-swappable switches, and the measurements given by Cherry are for the holes in the PCB, not the pins. The pins are .035-39" rather than .059".

Likewise, a typical LED lead is more like around .020-25" in diameter.

[berserkfan]

I eagerly await the results of your experiments.

[jackalope]

Very interested.

[JackMills]

Watching this thread.
If qwack has the right measurements your looking at a J or a K. This will be one of those experiments where you can only test it by doing it.
I will be waiting for the results 

[CPTBadAss]

moralles, feng has an interest check out for a keyboard called the Smart 68. That's the first time I've seen a hot swappable keyboard and I learned a lot in that thread. Perhaps it may help you as well .

[0100010]

There is a thread somewhere about a keyboard kind of like this already - where the top plate lifts off the PCB along with the switches // will look for it.

EDIT : Found it // http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41004.0

[Eszett]

Is it still a secret which Sockets actually fit MX Cherry pins? Or, in other words, which Sockets are used by e.g. the Smart 68? Maybe these Harwin H3183 ?? http://www.mouser.com/ds/2/181/H3183-349245.pdf ??
https://www.harwin.com/products/H3183-01/


Alternatively, the Zhuque keyboard uses some "black units", instead of SIP sockets.Maybe someone can identify them?
 

[japanitrat]

Apparently, TE connectivity HOLTITE 8134-HC-8P3 work (http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/8134-HC-8P3/A114359-ND/1151726), see explanation here: https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/430702-custom-keyboard-hot-swapable-switch-build/

[MandrewDavis]

I would also check out what user E3E has done. He seems to be the hotswap expert, Cherry and Alps.

[japanitrat]

Who? (can't find E3E here, or maybe I am just too stupid using the search)

[MandrewDavis]

Here is his Alps hotswap buildlog. There is a lot of good info in there and it's much easier for Cherry MX boards as you won't need to drill the PCB.

From Reddit:

Switches, yes, but not with SIP sockets; you're going to want these for switches themselves and these for the LEDs. Use a blunt solder tip to push them into the PCB while the iron is heated. This'll be the most hassle-free way of doing it.

Positive over the sockets I see being used on the boards built with it in mind is that these are flush and not lipped sockets. They're push fit and pretty secure. At worst, you might need a dab of glue or epoxy to hold one securely.

I've made four Alps builds using these. It's much easier to do for Cherry MX.

One last little bit I saved.

Hope that helped. In lieu of a hotswap capabilities, I'm content just using Zealios I'm my main board which supports switchtop opening for stem-swaps.

Anyway, I'm sure he would be happy to assist you if you have more questions.

[japanitrat]

Ah yes, cool, he ia basically referring to the same socket part, afaict. Thanks for linking all these!