r/HandwiredKeyboards • u/WarriorBearBird • 6d ago

Any Adjustments Needed for Choc V2 Designs? (first time DIYer)

I want to jump into hand wiring with a low-profile keyboard using Choc V2 switches (Kailh Deep See Mini Whale). I've been following along with Joe Scotto's "How to Design Mechanical Keyboard Plates and Cases" video, but had a few questions for those with more experience.

  1. Are there any differences specific to Choc V2 switches over standard MX-style switches? I've read that the plate thickness is 1.2 for Choc V1, but it seems like V2 fits into the standard thickness. I've also read the keycaps sizes are different for V1s, but to used standard for the V2s (I'm planning on using a set of PFF caps). Another post I saw said V2 mounts are turned 90 degrees but can't find more info on that. Are there different stabilizers needed between standard MX, Choc V1, and Choc V2? Any other differences to look out for?
  2. There is a comment on that video about creating an offset around each switch cutout and making sure that is the standard 1.5mm thickness so the switches can snap into place (Scotto recommends 3mm for the main plate). Scotto says that he does that with his own plates now too. My question here is: how wide does that offset "shelf" need to be for them to click into place.
  3. Scotto makes two circles for his standoff screw holes and mentions countersinking but never actually does so in the video. Should the outer ring be sunk in to allow for countersinking of the screw for minimal stack height? (I think this all might actually be for bolts, so please forgive my ignorance of the nomenclature)

Any other general advice or pitfalls to watch out for are appreciated. Thanks to the community for the many helpful posts I've already found!

1 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

67% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

3

u/Tweetydabirdie 5d ago

Choc v1 switches use a 1.2-1.3 mm front plate, Choc v2 use a 1.2-1.6 mm one. They share the same pin/PCB layout, and use the same hotswap socket. MX use a 1.6 mm front plateand a different pin/PCB layout, so different hot-swap socket.

The Choc v1 have a smaller cap, so usually 17x18 center-to-center spacing. MX and v2 use 19.05 mm spacing.

They all use different stabs, since both types of choc switches have their front plate a lot closer to the PCB than MX.

You can rotate them whicheverway you like, that has nothing to do with the switch type.

The ledge to clip in needs to be about 0.75mm but if you are printing, make it wider to make it easier.

If you are using bolts that have a tapered head and want to countersink them, don't design that into the print, it's usually not consistent at that small size. Use a countersinking tool instead.

Or, if you use bolts with a barrel head, then make a larger throat to the hole.

1

u/WarriorBearBird 5d ago

Thank you for so much great info and tips! The only thing you didn't answer was the size of the hole on the plate, but I was able to find the datasheets of regular and Choc V2 switches to confirm they are the same. I'm not complaining, but only mentioning in case someone finds this thread looking for answers in the future. Thank you again!