Ever since I completed my Blade Runner Spinner prototype design, I have been using these KF141V (connect at the top) and KF141R (connect at the sides). To me, apart from their unique design, they do not require any tools during wire insertion. All you need to do is to push the orange plastic, insert the wire and you’re done. I really love this.
But one day, when I needed more of these but in a different pin configuration. The new ones from a different vendor have a slightly deeper orange plastic. Which to me was no big deal. Until I really started using it by inserting and removing wires. After a few attempts (say, 5), I started to notice the that the orange tabs became soft and stubbornly refused to move. When I continue pushing it, the soft plastic bends to the point I cannot effectively insert the wires properly. This got me worried because, if these connectors were to be used outside the country, where humidity and temperature are different, the chances of it failing after some time is quite high.
The only salvation is to look for another connector block which has the same 2.54mm pitch. And yes, the screw terminals are the next best and most reliable solution. Good thing is that it fits into the current board design. The only thing is that it will not use the second row. Yes, so you guys will have to screw around with the main control board.
IN SUMMARY
Perhaps the 2.54mm pitch was too compact and so, the soft thin orange plastic has little strength to separate the metal contacts. I do not mind it they replaced it with a metal piece but that would certainly drive up cost and also, it would then be limited to low voltage circuits.
