Clarifying Plate and PCB Compatibility for Mechanical and Magnetic Switches (Cherry MX vs. Gateron LP Series)
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When considering the compatibility of mechanical keyboard switches, the question “Is this switch compatible?” needs to be broken down into smaller parts.
In recent years, we’ve seen more than just standard profile MX-compatible switches; low-profile switches, magnetic switches, and even low-profile switches with pin layouts similar to MX-style hot-swap sockets have emerged.
As a result, terms like “MX-compatible,” “low-profile compatible,” or “magnetic-ready” alone make it difficult to accurately judge design compatibility.
In this article, we will organize switch compatibility into the following two categories.
Switch Plate Compatibility
PCB Compatibility
Plate compatibility refers to whether a switch can be physically secured to the switch plate.
On the other hand, PCB compatibility refers to whether the switch terminals, pins, magnetic sensor position, hot-swap sockets, and footprint are supported.
These two might seem similar, but they are entirely different matters.
Here, we will only cover MX-compatible switches and Gateron LP 2.0 series switches.
Please note that Kailh Choc v2 switches are not discussed in this article.
To start with the conclusion, plate compatibility is easier to understand when divided into two main groups.
Plate System
Target Switches
MX Plate
MX-compatible switches, MX-compatible magnetic switches
Gateron LP Plate
Gateron LP 2.0, Gateron LP 3.0, Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE
In contrast, PCB compatibility is divided more finely.
PCB System
Compatible Switches
MX Contact PCB
MX-compatible Switch
MX Magnetic PCB
MX-compatible Magnetic Switch
Gateron LP 2.0 PCB
Gateron LP 2.0
Gateron LP 3.0 PCB
Gateron LP 3.0
Gateron LP Magnetic HE PCB
Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE
In short, the key point is that even if the plate is the same, it doesn’t mean the PCB is the same.
Target Switches
This article covers the following five types:
Classification
Example
MX-compatible Switch
Standard profile switches based on the original Cherry MX
MX-compatible Magnetic Switch
Hall effect switches with an outer shape close to MX plates, such as Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro HE
Gateron LP 2.0
KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Banana, etc.
Gateron LP 3.0
KS-33 Low Profile 3.0 Grey Heron, etc.
Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE
Gateron low-profile magnetic switches
Note that “MX-compatible magnetic switches” here refers to magnetic switches with an outer shape that can be secured to MX-style switch plates.
However, since magnetic switches use a different detection method than contact-based mechanical switches, they cannot be used as-is on PCBs designed for MX-compatible switches.
Plate Compatibility
Plate compatibility refers to the compatibility of outer dimensions and mounting clips for securing the switch to the plate.
For now, we will ignore PCB pin layouts and detection methods.
Plate Compatibility Group Table
Switch Type
Plate Compatibility Group
Can they use the same plate?
MX-compatible Switch
MX Series
Generally the same as MX-compatible magnetic switches
MX-compatible Magnetic Switch
MX Series
Generally the same as MX-compatible mechanical switches
Gateron LP 2.0
Gateron LP Series
Same as Gateron LP 3.0 / LP Magnetic Jade HE
Gateron LP 3.0
Gateron LP Series
Same as Gateron LP 2.0 / LP Magnetic Jade HE
Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE
Gateron LP Series
Same as Gateron LP 2.0 / LP 3.0
According to published Product Specifications, Gateron LP 2.0, Gateron LP 3.0, and Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE all list a recommended plate opening of 14.00 mm and a plate thickness of around 1.20 mm.
Therefore, in terms of the switch plate alone, these three series can be grouped together as Gateron LP-style plates.
Plate Compatibility Matrix
MX-compatible Switch
MX-compatible Magnetic
Gateron LP 2.0
Gateron LP 3.0
LP Magnetic Jade HE
MX-compatible Switch
◎
◎
×
×
×
MX-compatible Magnetic
◎
◎
×
×
×
Gateron LP 2.0
×
×
◎
◎
◎
Gateron LP 3.0
×
×
◎
◎
◎
LP Magnetic Jade HE
×
×
◎
◎
◎
◎: Same plate system ×: Different plate system
The important thing here is to treat MX plates and Gateron LP plates as separate groups.
While MX-compatible switches and MX-compatible magnetic switches are easy to treat as the same MX system on the plate side, Gateron LP 2.0 / LP 3.0 / Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE belong to a different group as Gateron LP-style plates.
PCB Compatibility
Next is PCB compatibility.
For PCB compatibility, you need to consider switch terminal positions, pin count, hot-swap sockets, center posts, mounting pins, and the presence of magnetic sensors.
This is looked at more strictly than plate compatibility.
PCB Compatibility Group Table
Switch Type
PCB Compatibility Group
remarks
MX-compatible Switch
MX Contact PCB
For general contact-based mechanical switches
MX-compatible Magnetic Switch
MX Magnetic PCB
Requires magnetic detection like Hall effect / TMR
Gateron LP 2.0
LP 2.0 Dedicated PCB
Contact-based, but different footprint from MX series
Gateron LP 3.0
LP 3.0 Dedicated PCB
Partial compatibility with MX-style hot-swap socket terminal positions
Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE
LP Magnetic HE Dedicated PCB
Dedicated design for Hall effect
One thing to note here is that Gateron LP 3.0 occupies a somewhat unique position.
On the official page, Gateron LP 3.0 is described as having a pin structure that directly supports hot-swap sockets intended for standard profile switches.
Therefore, it can be considered to have partial compatibility with the terminal positions of MX-style hot-swap sockets.
However, this only refers to terminal positions and does not mean it will fit unconditionally on existing MX PCBs.
What is the “Partial Compatibility” of Gateron LP 3.0?
Gateron LP 3.0 is the switch most likely to be misunderstood in this classification.
The official page for the Gateron LP 3.0 Grey Heron explains that the 5-pin layout is compatible with sockets for standard profile switches.
Thus, Gateron LP 3.0 is considered to have partial compatibility with the terminal positions of MX-style hot-swap sockets.
However, the following points must be noted in the design:
It is not fully PCB-compatible with MX-compatible switches.
The clearance hole dimensions for the center post must be verified.
Switch body height, plate position, and keycap height must also be considered.
Clearance for stabilizers and the case side also needs separate verification.
Based on my experience, when making an existing MX-style PCB compatible with Gateron LP 3.0, the center post clearance hole should be at least φ5.0 mm.
However, this is based on my own experience and is not something Gateron guarantees as part of their compatibility.
Ultimately, you must check the actual dimensional drawings, recommended footprints, PCB thickness, plate thickness, and stack-up of the switches you intend to use.
Magnetic Switches Use Different Detection Methods on the PCB
For magnetic switches, it is especially important to think of plate compatibility and PCB compatibility separately.
For example, MX-compatible magnetic switches may look similar to MX-compatible switches in terms of appearance and plate mounting.
However, magnetic switches do not detect input by closing a contact; they read changes in magnet position using Hall effect or TMR sensors.
Therefore, even if you plug a magnetic switch into a PCB for contact-based mechanical switches, it will not function as an input.
Similarly, while the Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE has a plate opening close to the Gateron LP 2.0 or LP 3.0, the PCB side requires a dedicated design for Hall effect detection.
Plate and PCB Compatibility by Implementation Pattern
So far, we have organized switch compatibility into “plate compatibility” and “PCB compatibility.”
In actual keyboard design, in what situations is this organization necessary?
Let’s look at three expected implementation patterns.
When you want MX and low-profile to coexist
When you want MX and MX-compatible magnetic switches to coexist
When you want low-profile and low-profile magnetic switches to coexist
We will clarify whether these are easy to achieve on the plate side and what is required on the PCB side for each.
When you want MX and low-profile to coexist
The first scenario is wanting to handle standard profile MX-compatible switches and low-profile switches within the same product design.
For example, this applies when you want to offer the same keyboard in both standard and low-profile versions, or when you want to create variations with different switch heights or typing feels based on a single PCB design.
In this case, the switch plate will basically require a separate design.
MX-compatible switches must be treated as MX plates, and Gateron LP 2.0 / LP 3.0 / Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE must be treated as Gateron LP plates.
Therefore, it is not realistic to mix MX switches and low-profile switches on the same plate.
On the other hand, the situation is a bit different for the PCB.
Usually, MX-compatible switches and low-profile switches have different PCB footprints.
However, Gateron LP 3.0 is an exception, described as having partial compatibility with MX hot-swap socket terminal positions. The official page states that the Gateron LP 3.0 Grey Heron has a pin structure compatible with hot-swap sockets for standard profile switches.
Therefore, if you use Gateron LP 3.0 for the low-profile side, it may be possible to share the PCB between MX-compatible switches and Gateron LP 3.0 by optimizing the PCB design.
The NuPhy Kick75 is a product that achieves this.
Specifically, while basing the design on the MX hot-swap socket terminal positions, you need to ensure a large enough center hole on the PCB so that the Gateron LP 3.0 center post does not interfere.
In my estimation, the center post clearance hole should be at least φ5.0 mm.
However, this “PCB sharing” only means making the switch terminals and center post clearance work.
MX-compatible switches and Gateron LP 3.0 differ in switch body height, plate position, keycap height, and internal case clearance.
So, even if the PCB can be shared, it doesn’t mean the entire stack-up—including the plate, case, and keycaps—can be completely identical.
Perspective
Summary
switch plate
MX plates and Gateron LP plates are different. Sharing them is difficult.
PCB
When using Gateron LP 3.0, a common PCB design based on MX hot-swap socket terminal positions may be possible.
Conditions
Consider a center post clearance hole of φ5.0 mm or more, ideally in the φ5.2 mm range.
important point
Even if the PCB is shared, separate designs are needed for plate height, keycap height, and case clearance.
Design Implications
It may be possible to develop MX and low-profile versions based on the same PCB.
In short, the realistic breakdown for coexisting MX and low-profile is as follows:
Plates are separate. However, using Gateron LP 3.0 might allow for a shared PCB. In that case, you need to base it on MX hot-swap socket terminal positions while ensuring a center post clearance hole of φ5.0 mm or more.
In this context, the Nova Socket mentioned by Keychron for the Orca echo is noteworthy.
Nova Socket is described in the context of giving low-profile keyboards the potential for expansion to standard profile MX-compatible switches.
In other words, rather than treating MX-compatible and low-profile switches as exactly the same, it can be understood as a direction where PCB and socket designs are shared while the difference in switch height is absorbed by the plate and stack-up.
When you want MX and MX-compatible magnetic switches to coexist
Next is the case of wanting to coexist standard MX-compatible mechanical switches and MX-compatible shaped magnetic switches.
This is relevant when you want to handle mechanical switches and Hall effect switches within the same housing and plate system for a standard profile keyboard.
In this case, the switch plate side is relatively easy to organize.
Many MX-compatible magnetic switches have plate mounting dimensions close to MX-compatible switches, making it possible to treat them as MX-style on the plate side.
On the other hand, the PCB side is completely different.
Perspective
Summary
switch plate
High probability of sharing as an MX-style plate
PCB
MX contact PCBs and MX magnetic PCBs are separate.
Difficulties in Coexistence
Magnetic sensors, magnet positions, calibration, and firmware support.
Design Essentials
Even if the plate can be shared, the PCB must be magnetic-ready.
Standard MX-compatible mechanical switches detect input via the opening and closing of metal contacts.
In contrast, magnetic switches read the change in position of a magnet inside the switch using Hall effect or TMR sensors.
Therefore, even if they can be secured to the same MX-style plate, contact-based and magnetic-based PCBs cannot be shared.
What is needed in this pattern is to separate the plate design that can physically hold MX-style switches from the dedicated PCB design that can read magnetic switches.
In short, the coexistence of MX and MX-compatible magnetic switches means:
They are very similar on the plate side, so sharing may be possible. However, they are different on the PCB side, so supporting both requires clever PCB design.
That is the summary.
For products like the Keychron V6 Ultra HE that promote the coexistence of mechanical and magnetic switches, how to balance this “sharing of plates and sockets” with “magnetic detection support on the PCB” becomes crucial.
Existing keyboards that use an MX-style hybrid approach include the Lofree Hyzen and Logicool G512X.
When you want low-profile and low-profile magnetic switches to coexist
Finally, the case of wanting to coexist low-profile mechanical switches like Gateron LP 2.0 / LP 3.0 and low-profile magnetic switches like Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE.
In this case, there is a high possibility of mutual compatibility on the plate side.
Based on published dimensional drawings, Gateron LP 2.0, Gateron LP 3.0, and Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE can all be classified as 14 mm square Gateron LP-style plates.
Therefore, looking at the switch plate alone, there is a high probability they can be handled with the same Gateron LP-style plate.
However, the PCB side is again separate.
Perspective
Summary
switch plate
Gateron LP 2.0 / LP 3.0 / LP Magnetic Jade HE can likely be treated as a common system.
PCB
LP 2.0, LP 3.0, and LP Magnetic HE are each separate.
Difficulties in Coexistence
Differences in detection methods (contact vs. magnetic), sensor positions, and pin layouts.
Design Essentials
Plate sharing is expected, but PCB sharing requires separate consideration.
In particular, the Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE is a switch designed for magnetic input despite being low-profile.
While it can likely be secured with dimensions close to Gateron LP-style plates, Hall effect sensors must be placed on the PCB side.
Therefore, you cannot simply plug a Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE into a contact-based PCB intended for Gateron LP 2.0 or LP 3.0.
This pattern breaks down as follows:
High probability that the plate side can be shared. The PCB side must be separated into contact-based and magnetic-based.
That is the summary.
If you want to develop mechanical and magnetic versions while keeping the low-profile housing, a realistic approach is to share the plate and case design assets while using different PCB designs.
Summary of the 3 Patterns
Summarizing the three patterns above results in the following:
Combination to Coexist
Plate Compatibility
PCB Compatibility
Design Perspective
MX × Low-Profile
MX plates and Gateron LP plates are separate
When using Gateron LP 3.0, a common PCB design based on MX hot-swap socket terminal positions may be possible
Ensure a center post clearance hole of φ5.0 mm or more. Easy to connect with a common design philosophy like Nova Socket
MX × MX-compatible Magnetic
High probability of sharing as an MX-style plate
Contact PCBs and magnetic PCBs are separate
Plates are similar, but the PCB requires magnetic detection support
Low-Profile × Low-Profile Magnetic
High probability of sharing as a Gateron LP-style plate
Contact PCBs and magnetic PCBs are separate
Realistic to share plate and housing assets while separating the PCB design
Organizing it this way shows that switch compatibility isn’t a simple “works / doesn’t work” but a judgment that changes depending on which layer you want to share.
Do you want to share the plate?
Do you want to share the PCB?
Do you want to share the entire stack-up, including the case and keycap height?
Do you want to develop contact-based and magnetic versions on the same product foundation?
Separating these makes it easier to make design decisions across low-profile, standard profile, and magnetic switches.
Keychron’s Nova Socket is a particularly interesting example when considering this organization of compatibility.
Nova Socket is easier to understand when viewed not just as a thin socket, but in the context of how Keychron aims to bring different switch systems—MX-compatible, low-profile, and magnetic—closer together in their product design.
Summary
Switch compatibility cannot be judged simply by whether it is “MX-compatible.”
At the very least, you need to consider the following two separately:
Switch Plate Compatibility
PCB Compatibility
In terms of plate compatibility, MX-compatible switches and MX-compatible magnetic switches can be grouped as MX-style plates.
Meanwhile, Gateron LP 2.0, Gateron LP 3.0, and Gateron Low Profile Magnetic Jade HE have a high probability of being shared as Gateron LP-style plates based on published dimensions.
However, PCB compatibility is different.
MX contact PCBs, MX magnetic PCBs, Gateron LP 2.0 PCBs, Gateron LP 3.0 PCBs, and Gateron LP Magnetic HE PCBs must basically be treated as separate entities.
As an exception, Gateron LP 3.0 has partial compatibility with MX-style hot-swap socket terminal positions, but even this is not full MX PCB compatibility.
During the design stage, it is important to check not just the switch’s outer shape, but also the plate opening, PCB footprint, center post, mounting pins, sensor position, plate thickness, PCB thickness, and even keycap height.
First published: June 21, 2026
Last updated: June 21, 2026
Method of coverage: Manufacturer’s official website
References/Citations: See below
Conflicts of Interest: Product Offering: None Monetization Link in this paper: None
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