Hi all,
I’m planning to build a DIY keyboard using mechanical switches. Well, let’s call it a videogame controller, not off topic, please read on. Maybe “normal” (Cherry, Kailh, Gateron) MX, or (Kailh) low profile choc switches, it’ll depend on the answers I get, because I have zero experience with this stuff.
I know MX switches clip into 1.5mm thick alu plates (14x14mm).
And I also heard that for 3mm acrylic switches might mount but might pop out - consider this is a fighting game controller, one smash it a lot harder than a regular keyboard. But thinner than 3mm is to fragile.
What’s about 1.5mm polycabronate? Will that hold as it’s a lot stronger than acrylic? Can the switches be pulled and replaced multiple times like they would with alu?
And (Kailh, Gateron) low profile switches? Are they even clip in (again: alu vs. pc vs. acrylic), or must be pcb mounted?
Simple example:
https://github.com/HTangl/BudgeTangl
thanks a lot!
how are you making the plate? Laser limits your options. You either get 1.5ish mm thick, or you get switches that are forced in without locking.
If you CNC router the plates, you have a lot more freedom. You can use plates up to 6mm and just mill a little ledge for the switch to lock onto.
Example aluminium integrated plate housing for my CNC control panel.
https://preview.redd.it/ufcho49wna2c1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f625aa72ddb4f146e1e3c87b4ed83d11027544c