How to Get Kailh Key Sockets (Online Shopping Comparison)
Table of Contents
The Kailh KeySwitch Socket (hereafter referred to as key socket) is a wonderful part that allows for replaceable switches in mechanical keyboards. It's also very useful in keyboard creation. This article is a memo on how to buy these sockets at the best price.
Conditions
- Living in Japan
- MX-compatible sockets (low-profile not covered)
- Prices as of May 2024
- USDJPY=155
- Either gen1 or gen2
There are two types of MX-compatible key sockets, which we'll call gen1 and gen2, following Yushakobo's naming convention. According to the datasheets, both seem to have the same shape (footprint), so we'll treat them similarly.
Comparison
Here's a list of online shops that carry the sockets and their unit prices. Prices have been standardized to JPY.
We've listed total prices for several variations: 20 pieces for when you're slightly short, 60 pieces for smaller keyboards, 100 pieces as a round number, and 500 pieces for business use? Please check stock availability.
| Place | Unit Price | Minimum Lot | Shipping | 20 pcs | 60 pcs | 100 pcs | 180 pcs | 500 pcs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yushakobo (In-store) | 18.7 | 10 | 0 | 374 | 1122 | 1870 | 3366 | 9350 |
| Yushakobo (Online) | 18.7 | 10 | 550 | 924 | 1672 | 2420 | 3916 | 9900 |
| TALP Keyboard shop | 18 | 10 | 300 (Free 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 over 5000 yen) | 2814 | 4442 | 6070 | 7326 | 20350 |
| MOUSER | 38.3625 | 20 | 1238.45 | 2005.7 | 3540.2 | 5074.7 | 8143.7 | 20419.7 |
For small lots, Yushakobo's in-store option is cheapest; for medium lots, TALP offers the best unit price and shipping; for large lots, LCSC becomes optimal due to significantly reduced unit prices.
Here are the lowest prices listed:
- 20 pcs: 374 yen (18.7 yen/pc)
- 60 pcs: 1,122 yen (18.7 yen/pc)
- 100 pcs: 1,870 yen (18.7 yen/pc)
- 180 pcs: 3,240 yen (18 yen/pc)
- 500 pcs: 7,227.65 yen (14.46 yen/pc)
LCSC Notes
LCSC's pricing is relatively complex, determined by the following conditions:
- Orders under $15 incur a $3 Handling Fee
- More cost-effective if ordering other parts
- Price changes incrementally based on order quantity
- Shipping costs vary greatly depending on the shipping method
For this comparison, we calculated using the cheapest Global Direct Standard Line ($5.63, 7-15 business days). Adjust according to your needs, as delivery times can be quite long.
It's unclear whether customs duties apply for large orders. Electronic components are likely duty-free, but be cautious about exceeding certain amounts.
Conclusion
The weak yen is tough
