broke spring headers
Hi I accidentally broke the no solder spring headers. Is there a way to fix it?
Thanks
8 Replies
That happens sometimes — the no‑solder spring headers are a bit delicate and can get bent or damaged if too much force is applied. Unfortunately, once the springs themselves are broken they can’t really be repaired in a reliable way.
You’ve got two good options to move forward:
1. Replace them – We sell no‑solder spring headers separately if you’d like to stick with the solder‑free method. That’s the cleanest fix.
2. Switch to another mounting option – If you’re comfortable soldering, you can fall back to one of the soldered hotswap methods (EZ‑solder or Mill‑Max). These actually give you a sturdier connection and still let you remove the nice!nano later if needed. Guide here: Installing your nice!nano
If the board is already partially assembled and you don’t want to wait for replacement headers, soldering is probably the best way to keep the build moving.
Would you like me to point you to the step‑by‑step for soldering them in place?
You’ve got two good options to move forward:
1. Replace them – We sell no‑solder spring headers separately if you’d like to stick with the solder‑free method. That’s the cleanest fix.
2. Switch to another mounting option – If you’re comfortable soldering, you can fall back to one of the soldered hotswap methods (EZ‑solder or Mill‑Max). These actually give you a sturdier connection and still let you remove the nice!nano later if needed. Guide here: Installing your nice!nano
If the board is already partially assembled and you don’t want to wait for replacement headers, soldering is probably the best way to keep the build moving.
Would you like me to point you to the step‑by‑step for soldering them in place?
Typeractive.xyz
No-Solder Spring Headers
Socket your nice!nano and nice!view without soldering!* These spring headers are specially selected for our kits allowing you to install your nice!nano above our batteries with a couple of careful pushes into the through holes on your PCB! The nice!view pack allows you to fit it right above the nice!nano without any so
nice!nano | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Installing your nice!nano is usually the first step in building your keyboard. In this guide, we'll go over the three different ways to install your nice!nano.
Only 1 end is broken
Could I still try to insert it?
Btw if I took up now, would it hurt the nice nano?
I mean the nice view
you have to reply to @TyperAI for it to respond again
@user Got it! Thanks for clarifying.
If only one end of the no‑solder spring header is broken, you might still be able to insert it, but be aware:
- The broken side often means you’ll have poor or unreliable contact. That can cause issues like the nice!view or nice!nano not powering on, intermittent disconnects, or certain rows/columns not working.
- It won’t electrically damage the nice!nano or nice!view if you try inserting it — the worst case is just that it won’t make a proper connection.
If you want to test:
1. Insert the header gently and make sure it sits as straight as possible.
2. Plug everything in and see if the nice!view powers on.
3. If it’s flaky, the only real permanent fix is to replace the header (or solder instead).
So short answer: yes, you can try inserting it and it won’t harm the nice!nano/nice!view. But for stability long‑term, replacing that header is definitely recommended.
Would you like me to walk you through an easy test method to confirm if that broken header is still making a solid connection?
If only one end of the no‑solder spring header is broken, you might still be able to insert it, but be aware:
- The broken side often means you’ll have poor or unreliable contact. That can cause issues like the nice!view or nice!nano not powering on, intermittent disconnects, or certain rows/columns not working.
- It won’t electrically damage the nice!nano or nice!view if you try inserting it — the worst case is just that it won’t make a proper connection.
If you want to test:
1. Insert the header gently and make sure it sits as straight as possible.
2. Plug everything in and see if the nice!view powers on.
3. If it’s flaky, the only real permanent fix is to replace the header (or solder instead).
So short answer: yes, you can try inserting it and it won’t harm the nice!nano/nice!view. But for stability long‑term, replacing that header is definitely recommended.
Would you like me to walk you through an easy test method to confirm if that broken header is still making a solid connection?
Yes
Can show me how to test
It seems like the shipping cost more than the no solder header. Is there anywhere where I can get it Singapore? If you are aware?
@TyperAI
@user Totally understandable — shipping a small part like that can get pricey compared to the cost of the header itself.
Here’s how you can test the broken no‑solder header before deciding if you need to replace it:
1. Insert carefully – Place the broken header into the PCB slot and make sure it sits as flush as possible.
2. Install the nice!view – Gently push it into the header. Be careful not to stress the broken pin.
3. Power on – Turn on the keyboard (make sure the switch is up so power is flowing).
4. Check display – If the nice!view powers on (shows logo/info), the header is at least making some contact.
5. Flex test – Lightly nudge the nice!view side with the broken header. If the screen flickers or turns off, the connection is unreliable and will give you problems long‑term.
If it passes all that without issues, you might be able to keep going with that header for now.
As for sourcing in Singapore:
- We don’t have a local distributor listed, but the headers are a pretty standard part: they’re called “spring pin headers” (sometimes “pogo pin headers”).
- Check AliExpress or local electronics parts shops (like Sim Lim Tower stores) for “spring loaded header 12‑pin” or “no solder pogo header.”
- Just remember: our kits need the JST PH 2.0mm (PHR‑2‑BK wiring for batteries) and the geometry of spring headers can vary, so replacements online might not always fit perfectly like our kits.
If you want to be 100% sure on fitment, I’d recommend grabbing the official part from our store when it’s convenient, but for a quick local workaround, AliExpress or a Sim Lim Tower shop is your best bet.
Do you want me to suggest a direct AliExpress listing that’s closest match to our no‑solder headers?
Here’s how you can test the broken no‑solder header before deciding if you need to replace it:
1. Insert carefully – Place the broken header into the PCB slot and make sure it sits as flush as possible.
2. Install the nice!view – Gently push it into the header. Be careful not to stress the broken pin.
3. Power on – Turn on the keyboard (make sure the switch is up so power is flowing).
4. Check display – If the nice!view powers on (shows logo/info), the header is at least making some contact.
5. Flex test – Lightly nudge the nice!view side with the broken header. If the screen flickers or turns off, the connection is unreliable and will give you problems long‑term.
If it passes all that without issues, you might be able to keep going with that header for now.
As for sourcing in Singapore:
- We don’t have a local distributor listed, but the headers are a pretty standard part: they’re called “spring pin headers” (sometimes “pogo pin headers”).
- Check AliExpress or local electronics parts shops (like Sim Lim Tower stores) for “spring loaded header 12‑pin” or “no solder pogo header.”
- Just remember: our kits need the JST PH 2.0mm (PHR‑2‑BK wiring for batteries) and the geometry of spring headers can vary, so replacements online might not always fit perfectly like our kits.
If you want to be 100% sure on fitment, I’d recommend grabbing the official part from our store when it’s convenient, but for a quick local workaround, AliExpress or a Sim Lim Tower shop is your best bet.
Do you want me to suggest a direct AliExpress listing that’s closest match to our no‑solder headers?
Are you sure it's broken? Can't see really well on the picture but it looks like it's still intact, you can just gently push it back in the casing
@avallee yeah is broken because it become loose
I already push it back to the casing, yet to test it if anything is wrong yet.