What is a MOSFET Airsoft and How Does It Work?

When you’ve done some online research on airsoft and encountered the term Mosfet rifle, it naturally leads to an obvious question: What is a mosfet airsoft rifle, and what makes it different?

That question isn’t as simple as it seems, and it can’t be answered in 5 words or less.

The good news is that it’s not overly complicated either, though the answer does involve a bit of explaining.

Meaning of the Term “MOSFET”

MOSFET is actually an acronym, which is why some people insist on using all-caps.

It stands for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor.

Of course, for most of us that definition isn’t exactly illuminating.

What it really means is that a mosfet is a type of transistor that switches the electronic signals and power to a device.

How does a MOSFET work?

Here’s a simplified version of the answer.

Let’s say you apply voltage at 1 point in a device. However, you don’t have current flowing through that particular point where you applied the voltage.

Instead, the current flows through 2 other different points.

What does MOSFET got to do with an airsoft rifle?

Mosfets weren’t all that common when just about every airsoft rifle used your everyday NiMH battery.

That changed when more people began using more powerful batteries such as Lithium-Polymer batteries. After all, that’s a very easy and simple way to upgrade any airsoft weapon.

However, using a more powerful battery comes with a new set of problems, and these are the problems that a mosfet transistor solves.

What kind of problems come with more powerful airsoft batteries?

Basically, the trigger design for most airsoft rifles isn’t really suited for more powerful batteries.

Here’s what happens:

• Pulling the trigger on your AEG moves the trigger contacts closer to one another.
• The trigger contacts touch, thereby letting the current from the battery run through to power the airsoft rifle’s motor.
• But just before the trigger contacts touch when you use a more powerful battery, you get electrical arcing.
• That’s because the LiPo battery discharges much faster than the weaker batteries. The airsoft rifle motor draws more power than what the trigger contacts can handle.
• Electric arcing in an airsoft rifle is when the electrical current jumps the gap between the trigger contacts.

Why is electrical arcing a bad thing in an AEG?

One problem here is that the electrical current that jumps the gap ionizes the air between the trigger contact. That leads to a very high temperature that may very well melt and destroy parts of your AEG.

It also creates carbon buildup on your trigger contacts. That carbon buildup can lead to 3 potentially distressing situations:

• The trigger contacts can stick periodically. That means when you’re going on full-auto mode, even when you release the trigger the AEG keeps on firing.
• In semi-automatic mode, when the trigger contacts stick then you won’t be able to repeat a shot until the trigger contacts finally separate from one another.
• The carbon buildup can also weaken the trigger contacts’ ability to make proper contact. That means you’re not able to fire reliably whenever you press the trigger.

So why is MOSFET important?

Mosfet solves the problem that comes with using more powerful batteries for your AEG.

That’s because the mosfet redirects the electrical current from the battery straight to the AEG motor. The electrical current doesn’t go through the trigger contacts at all, which minimizes the carbon buildup.

Mosfet Pros & Cons

Types of Mosfets

Technically, the mosfet is just a single part of a circuit board. However, lots of people in the airsoft community regard any circuit board with mosfet functions as a “mosfet”.

There are several types you may encounter:

Regular Mosfets

This type only has a single task, and that’s to protect your trigger contacts. These regular mosfets are so basic that some airsoft vets just build their own mosfets for a lark.

But they’re affordable enough at $30 (at the most). They’re small, and they work reliably.

Plug-and-Play Mosfets

This type can be a bit misleading. Supposedly, you can just plug in this mosfet between the battery and the existing AEG wiring and you’re done. You don’t have to do any rewiring.

But most of the time, this just offers special features such as burst fire. Without any rewiring, the electrical current from the battery still goes through the trigger contacts.

However, some of these “plug and play” mosfets do offer an option for rewiring.

Programmable Mosfets

These let you add customizable functions for your airsoft rifle. You’re able to control how the electrical current goes to your gearbox. This is great for premium builds, but you’re able to set up your AEG the way you want it.

It will cost you anywhere from $35 to $80.

Drop-In Trigger Boards

With these mosfets, you replace the moving trigger contacts with optical sensors or microswitches. This causes the trigger feel to be shorter and lighter. You may even be able to use Bluetooth to change the settings.

All these make it very popular, though it’s expensive with a price range of $100 to $150.

When is a mosfet not for you?

Here are some things that may indicate that you don’t really want a mosfet:

• You’re okay with an AEG battery that gives 9.6V at the most.
• You don’t want to mess with your AEG wiring, or you’re not willing to pay a technician to do it for you.
• You still want to use a battery with a higher voltage, but you don’t really care about the eventual electrical system damage.

When is a mosfet needed?

You should install a mosfet in your AEG if:

• You want to use a more powerful battery without damaging your AEG.
• You want to enjoy the other cool features, such as customizable options and improved trigger response.
• You (or a paid tech) can do the necessary rewiring.

Basically, if you’re a newbie with an entry-level AEG, then you don’t really need a mosfet for that airsoft gun. You’re going to eventually replace it anyway.

But if you want to upgrade an AEG you want to keep, then mosfets are definitely a good idea!