Are you building your own mechanical keyboard but have no idea how many pins you need for a Cherry MX switch? Are all the numbers confusing you?
Here I will be explaining how many pins come with a Cherry MX switch that is compatible with most keyboards today, giving helpful tips to avoid making mistakes while setting up your keyboard.
Table of Contents
How Many Pins Do Cherry Switches Have
Different Cherry MX switches have different number of pins, some Cherry MX switches have 3 pins and some Cherry MX switches have 5 pins. The 5 pin design is an improvement over the 3 pin design as it helps reduce friction between the switch and the circuit board.
Which Cherry MX Switches Have 3 Pins
Cherry MX switches that have 3 pins are the following: Black, Brown, Blue, Red and Clear. These switches can be used in gaming keyboards or any other type of keyboard. They all provide a different tactile feel and sound profile when pressed.
Which Cherry MX Switches Have 5 Pins.
Cherry MX switches that have 5 pins are the following: Silver, Silent Red, Silent Black and Speed Silver. These switches are typically used in gaming keyboards and other keyboards that need a very fast response time. They also provide a different tactile feel and sound profile when pressed. The 5 pin design helps to reduce friction between the switch and the circuit board.
How do you know if a switch is 3 pin or 5 pin
To know if a switch is 3 pin or 5 pin, you need to look at the switch’s bottom. If it has 3 pins, the pins will be in a line formation. If it has 5 pins, the pins will be in a star formation. Additionally, the 5 pin switches are usually labeled with an “S” prefix (such as S-Red or S-Silver) to denote the 5 pin design.
Can you put 5 pin switches in a 3 pin PCB
Yes, you can put 5 pin switches in a 3 pin PCB. However, it is important to note that the 5 pin switch will not be able to take full advantage of the increased stability offered by the additional pins. Additionally, there may be issues with compatibility due to the different pin sizes. It is also recommended to check if your keyboard supports 5 pin switches before attempting this modification.
How many pins do Cherry MX Red switches have
Cherry MX Red switches have 3 pins. They are a linear switch, meaning they do not provide any tactile feedback or audible click when pressed. These switches are most commonly used in gaming keyboards and offer a smooth and fast keystroke experience.
How many pins do Cherry MX Blue switches have
Cherry MX Blue switches have 3 pins. They are tactile switch, meaning they provide a tactile bump and an audible click when pressed. These switches are most commonly used for typing and offer a unique feel with each keystroke.
Conclusion
The number of pins that a Cherry MX switch has depends on the type of switch you are using. Most switches have either 3 or 5 pins, but it is important to check before making any modifications. 3 pin switches are most commonly used in gaming keyboards while 5 pin switches offer increased stability and compatibility. It is also important to ensure that your keyboard supports the type of switch you are attempting to install.