Getting Kailh Key Switch Sockets (Online Shopping Comparison)
The wonderful part that makes it possible to replace mechanical keyboard switches is the Kailh Key Switch Socket (hereinafter referred to as the key socket). It's an extremely valuable item for keyboard creation. This article is a memo on how to buy this socket at the best price.
Conditions
- Resident in Japan
- MX-compatible socket (not handling low-profile)
- Prices as of May 2024
- USDJPY=155
- Either gen1 or gen2
There are two types of MX-compatible key sockets, which we will refer to as gen1 and gen2, following the example of Yusha Kobo. According to the datasheet, both have the same shape (footprint), so we will treat them similarly.
Comparison
Here is a list of online shopping sites that handle key sockets and their unit prices. Prices are unified in JPY.
We will list the total prices for various quantities, such as 20, 60, 100, and 500, which are convenient for different needs. Please note that inventory availability should be confirmed.
| Site | Unit Price | Minimum Lot | Shipping Fee | 20 Units | 60 Units | 100 Units | 180 Units | 500 Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yusha Kobo (Local) | 18.7 | 10 | 0 | 374 | 1122 | 1870 | 3366 | 9350 |
| Yusha Kobo (Online) | 18.7 | 10 | 550 | 924 | 1672 | 2420 | 3916 | 9900 |
| TALP Keyboard shop | 18 | 10 | 300 (free for orders over 3000 yen) | 660 | 1380 | 2100 | 3240 | 9000 |
| LCSC | 10.571-20.708 | 5 | 872.65 | 1751.5 | 2335.85 | 3000.8 | 3554.15 | 7227.65 |
| DigiKey | 40.7 | 20 | 2000 (free for orders over 5000 yen) | 2814 | 4442 | 6070 | 7326 | 20350 |
| MOUSER | 38.3625 | 20 | 1238.45 | 2005.7 | 3540.2 | 5074.7 | 8143.7 | 20419.7 |
It seems that Yusha Kobo's local store is the cheapest for small lots, TALP is the best for medium lots due to its low unit price and shipping fee, and LCSC is the most cost-effective for large lots due to its significantly lower unit price.
Here are the prices with the lowest unit price:
- 20 units: 374 yen (18.7 yen/unit)
- 60 units: 1,122 yen (18.7 yen/unit)
- 100 units: 1,870 yen (18.7 yen/unit)
- 180 units: 3,240 yen (18 yen/unit)
- 500 units: 7,227.65 yen (14.46 yen/unit)
Supplement for LCSC
LCSC is relatively complex, and the price is determined by the following conditions:
- Orders under $15 incur a $3 handling fee
- → It's more cost-effective if you order other parts together
- The price changes in stages depending on the order quantity
- The shipping fee varies greatly depending on the shipping method
This time, we calculated the price using the Global Direct Standard Line ($5.63, 7-15 business days). Since it takes a long time to arrive, please adjust according to your needs.
Additionally, it is unclear whether customs duties will be imposed when ordering in large quantities. Please note that electronic components are subject to duties, and the total amount exceeds 10,000 yen.
Conclusion
The weak yen is painful
