Kailh Choc Brown - Removing metal "clamps" to reduce rattle
Heya! I've recently thrown together my own corne with kailh choc fittings. When shaking one of my unlubed choc brown switches I noticed a distinct rattle coming from this little metal "clamp" (the thing that's protruding from the stem) wiggling around in the switch. I could probably just lube it for it to go away but what I'm wondering is what exactly that thing is for. From what I can see it doesn't really serve a purpose, does it? So can I just leave it out and be done with it..?
2 Replies
Short answer: don’t remove it.
On Kailh Choc Browns, the “little metal clamp” you’re seeing is the metal leaf assembly. It does two jobs:
- Provides the tactile bump interaction with the stem
- Acts as the electrical contact that completes the circuit
If you take it out (or bend it), the switch will either stop actuating or feel/sound wrong and become unreliable.
Ways to reduce the rattle without risking the leaf:
- Lube the spring: a light oil on the spring (or just the ends) helps ping/rattle a lot. Avoid getting lube on the metal leaf contact area.
- Very light lube on the stem rails only (sparingly). Again, keep lube off the leaf/contact surfaces to avoid chatter/misfires.
- Reseat: make sure the top housing is fully clipped and the switch is snug in the plate; a loose fit can sound rattly.
- Replace the one noisy switch if the leaf itself is loose. Bending the leaf for “preload” is risky and can ruin the feel or actuation.
If you can share a close-up photo of the part you’re pointing to, I can confirm you’re looking at the leaf and suggest the safest lube spots. Reply here or tag me and I’ll help.
It's definitely not the metal leaf assembly 🙏
The switch continues to work and feel fine after taking the thing out