Mechanical switches parts
Sep 19, 2022
Let us make a deep look as the parts of a mechanical keyboard switch and learn their significance one by one.
1. The key cap
The keycap is not a part of the mechanical keyboard switch, but it will generate the noise when the key is bottomed out, some of the noise comes from the hitting the switch’s upper housing and steel panel. The keycap can be made with different material and height as your requirements.
2. The stem of keyboard switch
The shape of the keyboard switch’s stem will makes different actuation and hand feedback, it is usually used with POM material ,because of the long time pressing will wear it. The stem of mechanical keyboard push button switch creates the keystroke feeling and decide the switch characteristic.
3. The upper housing
The upper housing protects and guides the stem to hit.
4. The coil spring
The resistance of the coil spring decides the press force needed to actuate the key switch,when you release your hands, it guides the switch to slide the original position.
5. The base housing
The base housing is fit for the upper housing, this part that can be mounted onto the PCB board.
6. The metal contact terminal
A small metal piece that allows the current flows, upon you click the key switch, the contact mechanism hits the PCB and complete the circuit, thus registering the key.
