If you’re a serious gamer, then having the right equipment is essential. And that includes a mechanical keyboard with good quality switches. But over time, those switches can wear out and cause performance issues. That’s why it’s important to know how to remove and replace them when necessary. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to properly remove and replace your mechanical keyboard switches so that you maintain optimal gaming performance.
Remove the keycap
Removing a keycap from your mechanical keyboard can be easier than you might think. With the right tools, it only takes a few simple steps to do this. First, take an appropriate screwdriver that matches your keycap and unscrew the existing screws. Once those are out of the way, use the same screwdriver to gently pry off the keycap until it becomes loose enough for you to remove with your hands. Be sure to go slow and be careful not to break or damage any parts of your keyboard while doing so. After removal, clean both sides of each keycap and be sure they are free from dirt and dust before putting them back on!
Use a small flathead screwdriver to pry off the metal retention clip from the switch housing
If you own a mechanical keyboard, the need to remove and replace the switch housing may arise at some point. To do so quickly and safely, using a small flathead screwdriver is recommended. The screwdriver should be inserted gently but firmly into the retention clip of the switch housing, and then used to gently pry off said clip. Once removed, the switch housing can easily be replaced or swapped for another one. Taking care when removing the retention clip is necessary in order to make sure that no other components of the mechanical keyboard are damaged.
Twist off the spring and plunger
Spring and plunger removal is a popular part of customizing mechanical keyboards. By unscrewing the spring and plunger, users can make their keyboard feel less resistant and more comfortable to type on. Removing these components also reduces the noise produced by the keys, making them quieter and more suitable for office settings. It’s a simple process that makes your keyboard experience more enjoyable and allows for greater customization. A few minutes spent with the correct tools can transform your keyboard into a smoother, quieter typing instrument.
Gently pull out the switch housing and remove the spring
Removing the spring in a mechanical keyboard often requires delicate maneuvering, but it can be done. To reach the spring, you have to gently ease out the entire switch housing and lift it off from the bottom. You will then be able to access the spring, which usually fits into a groove built inside the switch housing. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re using a lot of force when pulling out the switch housing – doing so is necessary in order to ensure that all components come together correctly after it’s been removed. Removing this single spring can give your keyboard an entirely new life – it’s worth taking good care of your technology!
Insert the new switch and snap the housing back into place
Installing a new switch into your mechanical keyboard can seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and a little bit of patience, it can become an anxiety-relieving project! With a few careful steps and minimal effort, you’ll have your new switch securely snapped into place in no time. Start by unscrewing the housing screws holding the switch in place and gently pulling out the old switch. Then insert your new switch. Be sure to line up the stabilizing bar properly before pushing down on the central housing part of the keycap until it makes an audible click. Finally, secure everything in place by screwing down from the bottom of your keyboard, using all four of the housing screws to firmly snap everything back into place – and you’re done! Now you can start enjoying that clean and crisp feeling that comes with a brand-new mechanical keyboard switch.
Carefully remove the slider from the switch housing
Working on a mechanical keyboard can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s much simpler than one might think. To begin, be sure to remove the switch housing carefully. making sure to unplug the USB cable as well, just to be safe. If you do feel any resistance when removing the switch housing, there’s no need to worry; use a plastic opening tool or flathead screwdriver to help ease it off if needed. Once you have the switch housing off, carefully lift the slider out of its place and set aside until ready for reinstallation. With a bit of effort and patience, you’ll find it easy enough to accomplish this task!
Reverse these steps to reassemble your keyboard
Putting a mechanical keyboard back together is easier said than done, but it can be done if you follow the proper steps in reverse. Start by carefully placing each individual keycap into its corresponding switch and press firmly until they click into place. Next, make sure the stabilizers are also reattached to their corresponding slots. After that, pay attention to the plate that holds everything together – position it carefully and remember which screws go where. Securely fit the USB cable next, or you can send it through the case holes for added stability and neatness. Finally, inspect your work to make sure all pieces are accounted for, secured properly and nothing important was forgotten before you put the back cover on! With some patience and these reversal steps, you’ll have an assembled mechanical keyboard in no time!
Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove mechanical keyboard switches, experiment with different types of keys to see what feels best for you. If you want a more comprehensive guide that goes into even more detail about customizing your keyboard, check out our book, The Ultimate Guide to Mechanical Keyboards. It covers everything from soldering keyboards together to creating custom keycaps. Thanks for reading, and happy typing!
