November 13, 2018 - After some testing, I'm starting to roll out these new Pro Micro footprints to my various PCBs. The zigzag staggering of the header pins allows you to push the header pins onto the PCB and have enough pressure onto the pads to make a connection. You then solder the header pins to the controller (Pro Micro, Elite-C), clip the pins, and you're done.

November 17, 2025 - Hot-swap PCBs come with small metal sockets already soldered into the switch holes. These sockets allow you to push in or pull out switches without the need for soldering. They’re perfect for beginners or for those who enjoy trying different ...

August 23, 2022 - So I can just get this Dupont connector kit to connect the nice!nano to ferris sweep compact PCB board ... If you want to have a cable between your board and the controller, then Dupont connectors would work, but do note that you need a crimping tool, which is not included in that kit. These are the basic pin headers I was talking about. These are nicer, but I have no personal experience with them. Both can be cut to whatever length you need, and all of these solutions still require soldering on both ends.

September 18, 2023 - At the heart of every mechanical ... While traditional PCBs require soldering switches, many newer boards use hotswap PCBs which allow swapping switches without soldering....

June 21, 2022 - I guess you checked the pinouts, general compatibility of the module and are sure the controller is on the correct side of the board (I really managed to solder a TH module to the wrong side because there were no markings and the board had components on both sides). ... Well if schematics would help then the keyboard is open source, its the crkbd.

November 4, 2024 - If you don't have a plastic tool, metal tweezers or a screwdriver can work too, but be careful to not damage the components on the controller, or the traces and components on the PCB. ... A once-socketed controller, removed from its sockets. Using sockets instead of headers? Then the steps to follow are different. Go to the sockets section instead! Headers are included with every microcontroller. While they don't allow you to easily remove them if needed, they're affordable and easy to solder.

June 8, 2026 - Provides reliable permanence but isn’t removable. Hot-Swap Socket – A socket pin header is pre-soldered to the PCB and the switch pins plug into this socket without any soldering needed.

September 28, 2025 - Switch Pads and Hot-Swap Sockets: Allow mechanical switches to be soldered or swapped without soldering. Diodes: Prevent ghosting and enable full N-key rollover. Microcontroller: Acts as the “brain” of the keyboard, handling key inputs and ...

November 24, 2025 - • Hot-Swappable PCB (Hotswap PCB) - Supporting hot-swapping. Users can directly plug and pull mechanical switches without soldering.

December 24, 2022 - Hotswap PCBs are designed to allow users to easily remove and replace key switches without the need for soldering. These PCBs have connectors that allow the key switches to be plugged in and unplugged easily, similar to how a USB connector works.

March 3, 2023 - Hot swappable PCBs are designed to allow you to change your switches without the need for any soldering. This means that you can easily swap out your switches whenever you want, without having to worry about damaging the PCB or the switch.

The keyboard PCB, the heart of the keyboard, is a printed circuit board where switches and everything else fit. There is no soldering to the mechanical keyboard PCB and any switch can be replaced or customized. The following things have to be considered when selecting your keyboard PCB.

February 2, 2023 - This might not be a problem for most people, but if you wanted a split space bar or a stepped caps lock key, there is a high chance that hot-swap PCBs won’t support it. Also if you put too much pressure when installing your switches, you can risk busting the socket, and the only way to fix that is to solder it back onto the PCB, so always support the PCB from the back when installing switches.

March 26, 2024 - You do not need to execute a soldering process in a mechanical keyboard PCB as you can just replace a switch. A mechanical keyboard PCB allows you to have more precise control and response when using the keyboard.

March 7, 2023 - Takes a lot of patience ... A technique that worked for me a few times is: (1) heat one header pin until all the solder around it melts; (2) take it out with tweezers; (3) repeat for each header pin.

May 4, 2026 - DipTrace PCB Design Tutorial: From Schematic to BOM Export · How to Install DipTrace on Linux & Mac: Cross-Platform Setup Guide · DipTrace for Arduino & ESP32 Projects: Design to JLCPCB Manufacturing · Hot-swap sockets let you change switches ...

July 18, 2025 - KeebsForAll is a trusted supplier offering PCBs, switches, keycaps, and other mechanical keyboard parts. They emphasize quality and maintain a strong inventory to meet the needs of the keyboard community. When choosing a replacement PCB, compatibility is key. Double-check that the dimensions and mounting points match your keyboard's case and plate. Additionally, decide whether you need a PCB with hot-swappable sockets or one designed for soldered switches, as this will impact your options.