If you’re passionate about gaming, you’d agree that the right keyboard equipped with top-tier switches is a game-changer. The kind of switch nestled within a keyboard can significantly influence its performance and responsiveness. Among the favorites for gamers, 3 pin switches stand out. Whether you’re thinking about stepping up your current keyboard game or crafting one from the ground up, this guide will shed light on the ins and outs of these products. Here are the best 3 pin switches of 2023:
Glorious Panda Switches
The Glorious Panda Switches are a great choice for those looking for mechanical switches that offer quality and performance. These three-pin switches are designed with premium materials sourced from around the world, including polycarbonate, PA66 nylon, POM, and nickel plated stainless steel. They provide a strong “bump” at the start of each downstroke as well as a quick snap back to their position on the upstroke. While they don’t have quite as much pre-travel or smoothest operation as their “holy” cousin switch, they do still provide an incredibly satisfying typing experience.
In addition to offering superior performance compared to other 3 pin switches like Cherry MX and Kalih, these switches also make it easy to adjust keys due to their popular mounting profile. Plus these pre lubed switches come with high quality Glorious switch lube so you can be sure your keyboard is always performing its best.
The only real downsides we can find with this product are that it does come in loosey goosey plastic bags inside a compact box, which may cause some of the pins to get bent easily when you open them; however they’re easy enough to straighten out again if this happens.
Overall, if you’re looking for reliable and responsive 3 Pin Switches that will give your gaming setup an edge while still providing plenty of satisfaction during use then these Glorious Panda Switches are definitely worth considering!
Akko Lavender
If you’re after a 3-pin switch keyboard, the Akko Lavender CS Switches are an excellent choice. Boasting a lifespan of up to 60 million keystrokes and POM stems for low friction, smooth typing, these switches deliver on performance. The tactile bump at 0.5mm makes them great for those who prefer to tap away at their keyboards while the early actuation point and 4mm throw provide quick response times and improved typing speed. Plus, they are quiet enough to use in shared spaces without being disruptive.
The only downside is that they may be more expensive than other comparable models such as Gateron Pro Reds and may not fit perfectly into Tecware plates or have a green tint that can interfere with backlit keyboards when viewed from the side. That said, if you’re after top-tier 3 pin switches at an affordable price point then look no further than Akko Lavender CS Switches.
Kailh Deep Sea
If you’re a gamer looking for reliable 3 pin switches, then Kailh Deep Sea switches are an outstanding choice. With up to 100 million keystrokes and their patented ‘Box’ design, they provide increased reliability and reduced oxide formation that will stand the test of time. The tactile version offers a satisfying 45gf actuation force with 2.0mm travel distance, while the linear variant gives you an even lower 45gf actuation force and 1.8mm travel distance – perfect for quick response times in competitive gaming or FPS titles. Whether you’re building your own custom keyboard or searching for hot swappable mechanical keyboards, the Kailh Deep Sea Switches deliver unbeatable performance at a great price!
NovelKeys Sherbet
For those seeking a balance of tactility and noise, the NovelKeys Sherbet Switch is an ideal selection. Featuring a 3 pin design, it has an 83g peak force and 45g actuation force that provides excellent responsiveness and durability. Plus, with RGB SMD Clickbar, customizing colors on your keys is possible too. Kailh craftsmanship makes these switches reliable over time; they are well-made and won’t give you any problems. All in all, the Sherbet Switch gives great value for money with its combination of tactile feedback without being overly loud or obnoxious.
Kailh Box Jade
The Kailh Box Jade switches are a great option for any gaming enthusiast. They come with 65 pieces, each with IP56 rating for dust and water resistance, making them very durable and reliable. SMD LED compatibility and plate mounted switches provide great compatibility with hot swap mechanical gaming keyboards as well as DIY custom keyboards. Moreover, they come in different colors such as box whites or bar jades which allow users to mix-and-match according to feedback preferences. The switch puller tool is not very useful but overall these 3 pin switches offer excellent value at an affordable price point without compromising on quality or performance.”
A Comprehensive Buying Guide to the Best 3 Pin Switches
In the world of gaming keyboards, the tiny details often make a significant difference. One such detail comes in the form of switches, those little mechanical components that register each keystroke. While seemingly simple, switches can drastically affect your gaming experience.
Today, we’ll delve into one specific type of switch – the 3 pin switch – and compare it with its sibling, the 5 pin switch.
5 Pin vs 3 Pin Switches: The Key Differences
The primary difference between a 5 pin and a 3 pin switch lies in two additional tiny plastic legs found on the former. These extra legs provide additional stability to the switch when installed in its hotswap socket.
Now you’re probably wondering, “Why not always go for the more stable option?” Well, certain hotswap circuit boards do not support these extra two pins. That’s where our hero – the 3 pin switch – comes into play.
Installation and Stability
Installing a 3 pin switch on a circuit board intended for a 5 pin socket is as easy as pie – no need for additional steps or tools. However, once you remove those fancy keycaps and take a peek underneath, you might notice that your trusty switch seems relatively easy to remove from its socket. This is due to less support provided by the missing extra pins.
While it may initially appear as a trivial detail, recognizing that no single switch type holds an unequivocal edge over the other is crucial. Ultimately, your choice hinges on personal preference and specific needs. Are you a rapid typist or someone who appreciates a super steady keyboard? You might discover that switches mounted without additional support lack stability and can end up lending your keyboard an unstable, rickety feel.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an economical build and don’t mind sacrificing some stability for cost-effectiveness, then PCB-mounted keyboards that typically support 3-pin switches are often cheaper as they don’t require an additional reinforcing plate.
More on 5 Pin vs 3 Pin Switches
Both types of switches can easily be inserted into their respective hot-swappable mounts/sockets without much fuss. The key difference lies in those additional two plastic legs on the 5 pin switch which provide more rigidity and reduce any chance of your beloved switches slipping from the keyboard during those intense gaming sessions or passionate typing marathons.
For more information on different types of switches available out there, check out this handy guide on best keyboard switches.
Transforming Your Switches: The Incredible Shrinking Act
One neat trick up any DIY enthusiast’s sleeve is converting your switches based on necessity. If you have a bunch of extra 5-pin switches lying around but your board only supports 3-pin ones, no worries! Those two extra legs can be snipped off using common household tools like cuticle cutters or nail clippers to transform it into a fully functional (albeit slightly less stable) 3-pin counterpart.
But remember folks – do not clip those metal pins! They’re essential for making sure your keystrokes register properly with your computer.
Treating Your Switch Pins with Care
Whether you’re installing new switches or tinkering with existing ones, always remember to handle them gently. Excessive force isn’t just unnecessary – it’s downright harmful! If you’re finding yourself needing to force in a switch during installation, take it out carefully and inspect those metal pins for bends.
Got bent pins? Fret not – they can be straightened using tweezers before reinstallation. But remember – they’ll be weaker after being bent back into shape so handle with care!
To learn how to safely remove keyboard switches without any special tools check out this detailed tutorial here.
Remember folks – slow and steady wins this race! Research thoroughly before embarking on your DIY journey; understand what sockets, switches, and specific keyboards will suit your needs best. Be patient throughout installation process because taking care now means avoiding damage later!
Conclusion
In conclusion, 3 pin switches are a great option for anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable method of keyboard construction. Whether you’re seeking an economical build or more stability and control during intense gaming sessions, understanding the differences between 5 pin and 3 pin switches can help you make an informed decision when selecting the right switch type for your needs. With proper handling and care, these tiny components can provide years of enjoyment with their tactile feedback and responsiveness.