Confused on RGB vs SMD for Switches

[Krustyboomer]

Sorry for the newb Q!  I know an SMD LED is PCB mount, but confused on what it means when they say a particular switch is "RGB".  I assume meaning compatible with RGB SMD LEDs?  And what does that compatibility mean?  Translucent bases/tops, or the base cutouts to clear the SMDs on the PCB?

Can I assume a 5-pin "RGB" switch has the clearance for PCB mounting with SMD LEDs?

New to the game so I have no clue!

[AKmalamute]

SMD = Surface Mound Diode (related to SMT, or surface mount technology -- IE, resistor, LED, diode, clock, whatever)

LED = Light Emitting Diode (Can't just use them like a diode, but diodes they are)

RGB = Red, Green, Blue (You can energize different parts of the LED to get different colors; IE it's multiple LEDs in one package)

I've not seen the abbreviation TH too often, but 'through-hole' is a alternate interpretation of getting discrete electronics components into the flow of electricity on, say, a PCB (printed circuit board).

Does this collection of TLAs ('three letter acronyms, later to be replaced by eTLAs, or extended three letter acronyms. Not to be confused with ETLAs, or enhanced three letter acronyms) help reduce your confusion?

Because honestly I'm not quite sure what you're asking, unless you're planning on buying a commercial board, ripping it apart, and putting the innards into a custom built (-to very tight tolerances) case...

[Krustyboomer]

My confusion comes from this massdrop and this ebay listing.  The massdrop specifically says SMD compatible, but also looks plate mount only.  The ebay listing says RGB and 5-pin (PCB mount), but not sure if it's truly SMD compatible.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/smd-led-compatible-gateron-switches

http://www.ebay.com/itm/61-87-104-108-120-PCs-Gateron-RGB-Series-Green-5-Pin-Mechanical-Switch-Keyboard-/272161331420

[AKmalamute]

Still not sure what you're confused about; nothing in those listings conflict with what they say.

And yes, the MD switches are plate mount ("three pin") and the ebay listings are PCB mount ("five pin") since they're counting the plastic anti-wiggle protrusions as 'pins'.

SMD LED compatible means, since the tops are clear, if the LED is way down there underneath the switch, will you still see it? Yes, you can use these switches with keyboard PCBs that have SMT pads for LED / resistor parts.

[Krustyboomer]

The real question are the ebay ones SMD LED compatible?  e.g. does the "RGB" listing pretty much mean SMD LEDs?  Or does the black base give away that it isn't?  Does the white base on the massdrop listing have anything to do with the SMD compatibility?  Translucency?

What I'm really after is a PCB mount switch that is SMD LED compatible.  To me the ebay listing is not explicit in that regard.

[AKmalamute]

To me the ebay listing is not explicit in that regard.

I agree, they have not answered your question.

Looking at the way the cover is designed, I'd guess it would work, but ... you might want to buy a small sample first if it's going to be a deal-breaker.

[Krustyboomer]

Thanks for putting up with a noob!   

I went ahead and asked the seller.  I assume they are OK with SMDs, but the picture is hard to see.  I think it might be the rectangular larger LED opening vs a smaller one.  Kind of like this (SMD on left?)