I'm doing some research into using spring-loaded pogo pin connectors with a mating target for a project I'm working on. During this research, I discovered that there is a concave mating target, yet, I have only seen flat ones on products. Why would I pick one over the other?
If it makes any difference, in my case the pins would slide into place from the side (lateral), rather than coming from the top (axial).
The concave ones will center the engaging pin and relieve it of lateral pressure. However, disengaging laterally is better done using a flat surface, or you'll actually be increasing the lateral pressure during engagement and disengagement. In your application I'd go for the flat ones.
Looks like the concave ones would provide better contact and align the slightly wobbly rounded-end spring-loaded pins better.
Not sure why you'd want the flat ones unless they're cheaper and/or more available eg. second-sourced. Maybe easier to wipe clean in some circumstances.
A regular pointed pin is nice for pads. You might be able to use a concave one on an already pointed object like a pointed 0.1" header.
