Keyboard Builders' Digest / Tips & Tricks
3D-printed hotswap sockets V4
V4 of the 3D-printed hotswap sockets by stingray127 are open source.
Published June 12, 2021
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STL: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4791318
Guide on Github: https://github.com/stingray127/handwirehotswap
This is a completely solderless way of wiring a keyboard matrix together. Using these 3d printed pieces, through hole diodes, and solid core wire, you can put together a keyswitch matrix that conforms to the shape of any build space, with the added benefit of being able to remove and replace all of the switches.
Version 4 improvements:
- Easier to print
- Improved robustness of row wire connection
- Faster to assemble / put in diode
- Better method of connecting pin and diode
How long does it take to assemble each socket on average?
I got this down to like 1:30 - 2 minutes per socket, so yeah its still a time sink.
Published on Sat 12th Jun 2021. Featured in KBD #30 (source).
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