You ordered switches, went to install them, and they physically won't fit into the PCB. With no explanation in the box, this situation is frustrating.
There are two switch pin configurations: 5-pin (PCB-mount), and 3-pin (plate-mount). The one your switch uses determines whether it fits into your keyboard.
5-pin vs 3-pin switches isn't complicated. One short read and you'll know what the pins do, which switches support your keyboard, and what to do if they don't match.
Table of Contents
- What Are the Pins Actually For?
- What's the Difference in Feel and Sound?
- Keyboard and Switch Pin Compatibility
- Clipping: How to Convert a 5-Pin Switch to 3-Pin
- Which Should You Buy?
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What Are the Pins Actually For?
All mechanical switches have 2 metal pins at the bottom and a larger center plastic pin.
The 2 metal pins are the electrical contacts that register your keypress, and the center pin simply keeps the switch upright in its housing.
5-pin switches come with an extra 2 pins. These pins are plastic, meaning they carry zero electrical signal. Their job is to add two more alignment/stability points to the switch.
A 3-pin switch is like a 3-legged stool, while a 5-pin is like a 4-legged chair. Both work, but one has more contact points and less wobble.
The extra pins on a 5-pin switch are purely for stability, not performance.
What's the Difference in Feel and Sound?
Most people assume 5-pin has a directly better feel. However, it's more nuanced than that. It depends entirely on your build.
Feel
- 5-Pin Switches: Stiff, more solid feel (more contact points, less wobble)
- 3-Pin Switches: Softer, more flexible feel
Sound
- 5-Pin Switches: Deeper, "thocky" sound profile
- 3-Pin Switches: Louder, "clackier" sound profile (especially on aluminum plates)
That said, the sound and feel of your switches depend on the plate more than the amount of pins they have.
5-pin's real advantage comes from supporting plateless keyboards, and the stability the extra pins give.
The question isn't which sounds or feels better, it's whether your keyboard even supports the switch you want.
Keyboard and Switch Pin Compatibility
PCB-mount keyboards (5-pin sockets) accept both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Plate-mount keyboards (3-pin sockets) accept only 3-pin switches.
If your keyboard is hot-swappable, you can check what your keyboard supports directly.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Remove a keycap and switch using a puller. Not sure how? Read our guide on how to hot-swap keyboard switches.
- Count the holes: If there's five, it's PCB-mount. If there's three, it's plate-mount.
If your keyboard isn't hot-swappable, you'll need to check the manufacturer's spec page.
Most budget and gaming keyboards are plate-mount. PCB-mount is more common on enthusiast, barebones, or mid-to-high-end boards.
If your switches don't match your keyboard, you're not out of options. Clipping is a quick and easy fix.
Clipping: How to Convert a 5-Pin Switch to 3-Pin
By clipping the two extra plastic pins on 5-pin switches, you can essentially convert a 5-pin into a 3-pin switch.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clip:
- Hold the switch upside down so the pins face up
- Identify the two outer plastic pins (not the center or metal pins)
- Use flush cutters to clip them as close to the base as possible
Never clip the center plastic pin or either of the two metal pins. Those pins are necessary for the switch to function, while the outer plastic pins are not.
If you already own 5-pin switches and have a plate-mount board, clipping is worth it. If you're still shopping, buy 3-pin from the start.
If you're looking for 3-pin switches to match your board, check out our collection of hot-swap keyboard switches. We have both 3-pin and 5-pin switches available.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy 3-pin if you have a budget or gaming keyboard, or if you're not sure what your PCB supports.
Buy 5-pin if you have a PCB-mount or enthusiast board and want more stabilized switches.
Not sure which your keyboard supports? Count the holes in your hot-swap sockets: 3 holes means 3-pin only, 5 holes means both.
If you're still not sure what your board supports, 3-pin is the safe default recommendation. It's compatible with all boards.
Browse our collection of hot-swap keyboard switches here to find the right switch for your keyboard.
Once you know your pin type, the next step is choosing your switch feel: linear, tactile or clicky.
Conclusion
5-pin sockets accept both switches. 3-pin sockets accept only 3-pin switches.
If your switch doesn't match your keyboard, it's not a dead end. Clipping the two outer plastic pins on a 5-pin switch is safe, easy, and has no impact on electrical function.
Pin count is a compatibility check, not the most important part of your build.
Switch feel, switch sound, and lubing will have far more impact on your keyboard than whether you have 3 or 5 pins.
Browse our collection of keyboard switches here with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches available.
Related Articles
- Mechanical Keyboard Switch Types Explained: Linear, Tactile and Clicky
- How to Hot-Swap Keyboard Switches
- Best Silent Keyboard Switches
FAQ
What is the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin switches?
3-pin switches have two metal electrical contacts and one center plastic stabilizer pin.
5-pin switches have the same three pins plus two additional outer plastic alignment pins. The extra pins on 5-pin switches add stability but carry no electrical signal.
Are 5-pin switches better than 3-pin switches?
Not necessarily. 5-pin switches offer slightly tighter seating on PCB-mount keyboards, but 3-pin switches work just as well on plate-mount boards.
The difference in feel and sound is minimal. Plate material and lubing have a much bigger impact on your build than pin count.
Can I use 5-pin switches in a 3-pin keyboard?
Yes, but you'll need to clip the two outer plastic pins first. This is called clipping and it's a standard, safe practice.
Use flush cutters to remove the two outer plastic pins flush with the switch base. Never clip the center pin or the metal pins.
Can I use 3-pin switches in a 5-pin keyboard?
Yes. PCB-mount keyboards with 5-pin sockets accept both 3-pin and 5-pin switches without any modification needed.
How do I know if my keyboard is 3-pin or 5-pin?
If your keyboard is hot-swappable, remove a switch and count the holes in the socket. Three holes means plate-mount (3-pin only).
Five holes means PCB-mount (accepts both). If your keyboard isn't hot-swappable, check the manufacturer's spec page.
Does clipping 5-pin switches affect performance?
No. The two outer pins being clipped are plastic alignment pins, meaning they carry no electrical signal. Clipping them has no impact on actuation, feel, or switch longevity.