The kinematic mount includes first and second plates and three connectors. The first plate has three grooves therein. The grooves are spaced 120 degrees apart from one another. The second plate has three indentations therein. Each of the indentations is located at a respective apex of an equilateral triangle. Each of the three connectors include first and second surfaces. The first surface is configured to contact a respective groove along two substantially parallel contact lines each having opposing ends. The first surface is formed such that each of the two contact lines is curved near its opposing ends. The second surface is coupled to the first surface. The second surface is configured to contact a respective indentation along an annular contact line. The curved ends of the contact lines prevent the connector from binding to the first plate when the kinematic mount is highly loaded.