If you want the look and feel of aeronautical style quick-release connectors, this YC-8 5-pin Connector Matching Pair is an elegant and inexpensive alternative. Sure, they’re not mil-spec but they do work and look great for DIY projects, keyboard builds, robotics, wearables and more. The connector snaps together smoothly, and can disconnect only when the sleeve is pulled, which can be done one-handed with a little practice.

These connectors are most famous for use by keebfans who make their own bespoke mechanical keyboard USB cables. Why? Why not!

Please note: Using these connectors is not easy, you really need to have the exact right diameter (4.5 ~ 5mm) cable for the internal metal-toothed strain-relief grips to fit right, and there’s some delicate soldering to do as well. It’s definitely a level up in required skill from customizing keycaps or doing a PCB group buy.

Once you have your cable assembly prepared, you’ll then add the housings, strip the cable, tin the connectors and wires, solder the wires to the connector, heat-shrink the solder points, and reassemble the connector.

Resources

• Plug Diagram
• Overall Length Diagram
• Socket Diagram