Cherry MX Switch Breakout Hookup Guide

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Contributors: jimblom
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Resources and Going Further

The Cherry MX Switch Breakout Board is open-source! If you want to check out the schematic or PCB design files, feel free to peruse our GitHub repository.


Keycaps and Alternative Sized Key

Once you've completed your keypad, consider topping off your keys with a keycap. There is a ridiculous variety to Cherry MX keycaps -- they vary by color, translucence, height, labels, and size. Below are a few options available in the catalog to top of your Cherry MX Switch.

Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Opaque Black)

Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Opaque Black)

PRT-15305
$1.05
Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Translucent)

Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Translucent)

PRT-15306
$1.05
Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Translucent Black)

Cherry MX Keycap - R2 (Translucent Black)

PRT-15307
$1.05

If you are looking for more options, there are plenty of keycap sources out there, including WASD Keyboards and MechanicalKeyboards.com. Once you have chosen your keycap and placed it on the key, it should look similar to the image below.

Switch with keycap

Or consider adding a key that is four times its normal size to your project!

NovelKeys Big Switch - Tactile

COM-14583
Retired

If you'd like to keep exploring SparkFun tutorials for project ideas, here are some guide's we'd recommend:

Reaction Timer

Demonstrate mental chronometry with this simple reaction timer!

WAV Trigger Hookup Guide V11

An introduction to being able to trigger music and sound effects based on buttons, sensors, or switches using the WAV Trigger board.

SX1509 I/O Expander Breakout Hookup Guide

Learn how you can use the SX1509 to control 16 LEDs or up to 64 buttons with just two pins.

Button Pad Hookup Guide

An introduction to matrix scanning, using the SparkFun 4x4 Button Pad.

Or check out this blog post for inspiration and 3D print your own keycap.