Compare Plate Mount Mechanical Switches (2025)
Plate mount switches, often called 3-pin switches, are a popular choice for hot-swappable keyboards and prebuilt boards. They feature two metal contact pins and a center plastic post for stability, relying on the keyboard’s plate for structural support. This page showcases all the plate mount mechanical switches we’ve reviewed—categorized by feel, force, and sound—so you can find the perfect fit for your next build.
Switch Types
Plate Mount Switch Comparison
Switch Name | Type | Operation | Sound | Pre-Travel | Total Travel | Mount | Lubrication | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 37g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 48g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 1.6mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 43g | Quiet | 1.0mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.6mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 40g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 40g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 43g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 40g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 43g | Quiet | 1.0mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.2mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.2mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 65g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 80g | Loud | 2.2mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 80g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 80g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 55g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.0mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 55g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.2mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.2mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 65g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 80g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.4mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.4mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 80g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Clicky | 60g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Unlubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 3.7mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.4mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 3.7mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.4mm | PCB/Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 48g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Linear | 40g | Quiet | 3.3mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 2.3mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 80g | Loud | 2.3mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 3.4mm | 1.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 2.3mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 80g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | PCB/Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 67g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 28g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 63.5g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 80g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 65g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.8mm | Plate | ||
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.8mm | Plate | ||
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.8mm | Plate | ||
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 95g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 65g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 62g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Tactile | 45g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 25g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.8mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 47g | Loud | 1.5mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 52g | Loud | 1.5mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 57g | Loud | 1.5mm | 3.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 60g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.7mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.7mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.7mm | 3.6mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.1mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.1mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.4mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.4mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 1.4mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 57g | Moderate | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 48g | Loud | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 57g | Moderate | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 67g | Moderate | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 30g | Quiet | 1.1mm | 2.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 40g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 43g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 62g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 44g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 54g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 3.9mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 54g | Moderate | 2.6mm | 3.9mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.4mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.4mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 70g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 80g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.4mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 40g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 58g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 70g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 55g | Loud | 1.8mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 2.2mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 60g | Loud | 2.2mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 1.6mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 35g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 70g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.5mm | 3.6mm | Plate | — | |
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Clicky | 50g | Loud | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 45g | Loud | 1.5mm | 3.5mm | Plate | ||
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Linear | 40g | 1.5mm | 3.5mm | Plate | |||
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 1.9mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 40g | Loud | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 50g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 35g | Moderate | 1.8mm | 3.3mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 40g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 35g | Quiet | 1.3mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 42g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 39g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 37g | Loud | 2.2mm | 3.5mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 45g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 37g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 37g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 50g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 42g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 3.8mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Clicky | 45g | Loud | 1.3mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.2mm | 3.2mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 52g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Tactile | 55g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Silent Linear | 45g | Quiet | 1.9mm | 3.7mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Tactile | 55g | Moderate | 2.0mm | 4.0mm | Plate | Buy | |
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Linear | 45g | Quiet | Adjustable | 4.0mm | Plate | Lubed | Buy |
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Linear | 60g | Quiet | Adjustable | 4.0mm | Plate | Lubed | Buy |
Plate Mount Mechanical Switch FAQ
What are plate mount switches?
Plate mount switches, also known as 3-pin switches, have two metal pins for electrical contact and one central plastic post. They’re designed to be mounted into a plate, which provides stability. These switches are commonly used in hot-swappable keyboards and many prebuilt boards.
How do plate mount switches differ from PCB mount switches?
PCB mount switches (5-pin) have two extra plastic legs that provide more stability when the switch is mounted directly to the PCB. Plate mount switches lack these legs and rely on the keyboard plate for support. PCB mount switches can be used in plate-mount builds (with clipped legs), but plate mount switches are generally not suited for PCBs without a plate.
Are plate mount switches good for hot-swap keyboards?
Yes! In fact, most hot-swap boards are designed specifically for 3-pin plate mount switches. They’re easier to install and remove, making them perfect for switch testing or builds that change often. Just make sure your board’s socket supports 3-pin designs.
Can you use plate mount switches in a 5-pin PCB?
You can, but only if the PCB supports 3-pin configurations. Some enthusiast PCBs require 5-pin switches for added stability, while others are universal and accept both. Always check the board specs before buying.