Imagine a mechanical key that not only feels great but can also glow in any color of the rainbow! That's exactly what the Adafruit NeoKey Breakout offers. This compact 0.75' x 0.85' PCB is designed to fit one Cherry MX or compatible switch, making it super easy to use with a breadboard or perfboard. It features a Kailh socket, so you can simply plug in any MX-compatible switch instead of soldering. You might need a bit of glue, like hot glue or a dot of epoxy, to keep the switch in place. We've also added a 1N4148 signal diode in series with the switch, eliminating the worry of ghosted keys when creating key-grid matrices. Each breakout comes with a single reverse-mount NeoPixel that shines through the spot where many switches have an LED. The input and output of the pixel are accessible, allowing you to chain these boards together and control them as one NeoPixel strand. The board offers plenty of flexibility with its pinout. It has a power pin (VDD +) for the NeoPixel, providing 3 to 5VDC, a ground pin (GND -), input and output pins (In I and Out O) for chaining, and switch anode and cathode pins. There are two rows of 5-pin contacts on a 0.1' grid on both sides. Soldering both sides ensures mechanical stability. Each order includes one assembled PCB and a small stick of break-off header. Soldering is needed to attach the header for breadboard use. Note that a mechanical switch and key cap are not included, but any MX-compatible switch like Kailh or Gateron will work.
Using the Adafruit NeoKey Breakout is a breeze. First, choose an MX-compatible switch like Kailh or Gateron. Plug the switch into the Kailh socket on the board. You may use a little glue, such as hot glue or epoxy, to keep it firmly in place. For wiring, connect the power pin (VDD +) to a 3 - 5VDC power source and the ground pin (GND -) to the ground. Use the input (In I) and output (Out O) pins to chain multiple boards together. When it comes to the switch pins, if you're using a pull - up resistor, connect the switch anode (A) to your microcontroller and the switch cathode (C) to the ground. If you're using a pull - down resistor, do the opposite. Solder the two rows of 5 - pin contacts on both sides of the board for stability. Remember, soldering is required to attach the break - off header for breadboard use. Also, this product doesn't come with a mechanical switch or key cap, so you'll need to get those separately. To maintain your NeoKey Breakout, keep it away from excessive moisture and dust. If you need to clean it, use a soft, dry cloth. With proper use and care, your NeoKey Breakout will provide long - lasting, colorful performance.
