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3-Pin Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Find the perfect 3-pin switches for your mechanical keyboard. 3-pin, or plate-mount switches, are the most common switch type, offering a secure fit in keyboards with a switch plate. They provide excellent stability for a consistent typing experience, making them ideal for both custom and pre-built keyboards. Whether you are a gamer looking for speed or a professional seeking comfort, our collection features a wide variety of linear, tactile, and clicky 3-pin switches from top brands. Use KeebFinder's advanced filters to compare options and find the switches that meet your exact specifications for feel, sound, and performance.


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Found 156 products

$0.90
Kailh KT Grey Silent  Linear
Kailh KT Grey Silent Linear
Linear,
Silent,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.50
Kailh BOX Silent Brown  Tactile
Kailh BOX Silent Brown Tactile
Tactile,
Silent,
Dust proof,
Water resistant,
3-Pin,
PC bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.35
Kailh BOX White  Clicky
Kailh BOX White Clicky
Clicky,
Dust proof,
Water resistant,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.16
LEOBOG Graywood V3  Set
Leobog Graywood V3
Linear,
Silent,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on Epomaker
$0.12
Keychron K Pro Red | Linear
Keychron K Pro Red Linear
Linear,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.33
Kailh Speed Pink  Clicky
Kailh Speed Pink Clicky
Clicky,
3-Pin,
PC bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.65
TTC Brother  Clicky
Ttc Brother Clicky
Clicky,
Silent,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.35
Cherry MX RGB Speed Silver | Linear
Cherry MX Speed Silver Linear
Linear,
Long pole,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
Nylon top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.85
Gateron Green  Clicky
Gateron Green Clicky
Clicky,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.40
Cherry MX RGB Brown | Tactile
Cherry MX Brown Tactile
Tactile,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
Nylon top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.40
Cherry MX RGB Blue | Clicky
Cherry MX Blue Clicky
Clicky,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
Nylon top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.40
Kailh Polia  Tactile
Kailh Polia Tactile
Tactile,
Long pole,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$1.00
Kailh Hako Clear  Tactile
Kailh Hako Clear Tactile
Tactile,
Long pole,
3-Pin

View on MK
$0.48
Kailh Box White Owl | Clicky
Kailh Box White Owl
Clicky,
3-Pin,
POM bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.49
KTT Lightning  Linear
Ktt Lightning Linear
Linear,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.30
KTT Ash Grey  Tactile
Ktt Ash Grey Tactile
Tactile,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.60
TTC Golden Brown V3  Tactile
Ttc Golden Brown V3 Tactile
Tactile,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.42
Tecsee Purple Panda | Tactile
Tecsee Purple Panda Tactile
Tactile,
3-Pin,
PME bottom,
PME top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.85
Gateron Clear  Linear
Gateron Clear Linear
Linear,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.30
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red | Linear
Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red Linear
Linear,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on Hikari
$0.38
NuPhy Aloe Low-profile
Nuphy Aloe Low Profile
Linear,
Low profile,
Double stage,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on Nuphy
$0.45
Kailh Box Red Pro  Linear
Kailh Box Red Pro Linear
Linear,
Magnetic,
Long pole,
Dust proof,
Water resistant,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK
$0.30
CHERRY MX2A BLACK LINEAR
Cherry MX2A BLACK LINEAR
Linear,
3-Pin,
Nylon top,
POM stem

View on UniKeys
$0.60
TTC Quick Silver  Linear
Ttc Quick Silver Linear
Linear,
Long pole,
Factory lubed,
3-Pin,
Nylon bottom,
PC top,
POM stem

View on MK

Your Guide to 3-Pin Mechanical Switches

Choosing the right switch is critical for your keyboard's performance and feel. This guide answers common questions about 3-pin switches to help you understand their design, compatibility, and best use cases, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next keyboard build or upgrade.

What Are 3-Pin Mechanical Switches?

3-pin switches, also known as plate-mount switches, feature three main components that connect to the PCB: two metal pins for the electrical connection and a large central plastic post for stability. Unlike 5-pin switches, they lack the two extra plastic guide pins. Their stability comes from being mounted onto a metal or plastic plate within the keyboard assembly.

When Should I Use 3-Pin Switches?

Use 3-pin switches in any keyboard that has a switch mounting plate. The plate provides the necessary alignment and structural support that is provided by the extra pins on a 5-pin switch. Since most commercially available and custom keyboards use a plate, 3-pin switches are a versatile and widely compatible option for many builds.

Are 3-Pin Switches Compatible with a 5-Pin PCB?

Yes, 3-pin switches are fully compatible with 5-pin (PCB-mount) hot-swap or solderable PCBs. The PCB will have holes for all 5 pins, and the 3-pin switch will fit perfectly. However, if you are building without a plate (a 'plateless' build), 5-pin switches are recommended for better alignment and stability, as they mount directly and more securely to the PCB.

Can I Convert a 5-Pin Switch to a 3-Pin Switch?

Absolutely. A 5-pin switch can be easily converted to a 3-pin switch by simply clipping off the two smaller plastic guide pins with a pair of flush cutters or nail clippers. This modification makes the switch compatible with any 3-pin keyboard PCB or plate that doesn't have the extra guide holes. This makes 5-pin switches a more 'universal' option if you're unsure about future compatibility needs.

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