How to remove mechanical keyboard switches? If you don’t know, you are come into the right place! Instead of the rubber membrane used in conventional keyboards, mechanical keyboards contain switches under each key instead. Every keystroke is clearly audible on mechanical keyboards, making them ideal for precise and efficient typing. To help you type lengthier or more complex messages, mechanical keyboards reduce your tiredness because you’re always hitting the keys. In this blog, we also have an article about, best low cost chinese mechanical keyboard that you might want to see.
“Mechanical keyboard switches are the mechanisms under the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard that enable you to type faster and more precisely.”
Different of mechanical keyboard
The main difference between mechanical and membrane keyboards is: mechanical keyboards use physical buttons while membrane keyboards use rubber dome switches .
Types of mechanical keyboard
There are different kinds of mechanical keyboards:
Split-keyboard
A split-keyboard has two rows of keys, one on top of the other. The upper row usually contains function keys, while the lower row usually contains letters. This layout allows the user to easily switch back and forth from typing numbers to typing text with just a few moves of their hands.
This style is often seen in many laptops, where space constraints limit the available real estate for full sized keyboards. Laptop and netbook keyboards typically use this style.
Full size
With full-size keyboards, all the keys are arranged in three columns and three rows. This makes typing much faster and requires fewer movements to type words.
This arrangement forces users to move their hand away from home row and requires some memorization to get accustomed to. Users may need to practice using non-home row keys before they become comfortable with the full-sized keyboard.
TKL Mechanical Keyboard
The TKL keyboard is a variant of the full-size keyboard. It offers similar advantages but lacks the number pad found on most full size keyboards. A typical TKL keyboard will have ten keys instead of the usual twelve. Some manufacturers offer models with different layouts such as an ergonomic version offering a split QWERTY layout. Other manufacturers offer multiple layouts such as double or triple staggered layers. The manufacturer’s choice of placement of the modifier keys varies widely between keyboard types.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic keyboards were pioneered by IBM around the late 1980s, when the company observed that employees who had been assigned to work in front of typewriters suffered repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomic keyboards were designed to reduce these injuries and improve the health of those working at computers.
How to Remove Mechanical Keyboard Switches
How to change a keyboard’s hot-swappable mechanical switches is described in full further below.
Get your Switches Ready
Changing a keyboard’s switches means you probably already have a preference for the switch type you want to use. Don’t be afraid to do some research.
“Mechanical Keyboard Switches, known as Keyboard Switches, are the mechanisms under the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard.”
Purchase a Keyboard That Can Be Replaced in Seconds / How-Swappable Keyboard
Purchasing a keyboard with hot-swappable switches is the most convenient method of installing new switches in an existing keyboard. The switches on other mechanical keyboards may be swapped out, but this requires soldering, which raises the bar even further. Even if you don’t have any prior knowledge of changing keyboard switches, a hot swappable keyboard makes it possible. Changing the switches on a full-sized, hot-swappable keyboard only took me 90 minutes.
A “hot swappable,” “hot swap,” or “modular” keyboard switch is essential if you want a full-sized keyboard, or if you’re seeking for something smaller. Make sure the board has any features you consider required, like as macro keys, media keys, RGB lighting or n-key rollover, given that you’ll be putting in more work than you would with your normal keyboard. In addition to keycaps, you may also want to consider installing custom keycaps if you’re willing to alter your switches.
Removing The Keycaps
Your hot-swappable keyboard includes a keycap remover. Keycaps may be removed off the keyboard with with one hand using the puller, which has a spot for your pointer finger to rest or insert (although you may want to hold the keyboard in place with your other hand).
Use caution when using the tool to avoid damaging your keycaps. Plastic keycaps can be damaged even if the puller you’re using is made of plastic. To remove a keycap, place the two pullers’ arms underneath the keycap on the left and right (or top and bottom) sides. As each arm goes beneath the keycap, you’ll hear a click to confirm the puller is correctly fixed with the plastic keycap puller provided with the Glorious keyboard.
Organize Your Caps
You’ll have to replace the keycaps soon, unless you’re also adding new ones. If you remove them in a logical order and then store them in a keyboard layout, you’ll save a lot of time. I removed my keyboards one by one, working from the left to the right, bottom to top, and placing them on a table. As a precaution, I used the keyboard’s plastic cover to keep keycaps from becoming misplaced or rearranged while I was working. For those who don’t have much desk space and/or have already thrown away the plastic cover, investing in a sandwich bag or other kind of storage will save you from being stuck with a keyboard that is missing the J key.
Take The Switches Out
Once you’ve removed all of the keycaps, you can use the switch puller that came with your hot-swappable keyboard, or you can purchase one separately. Each switch has a small tab at the top and bottom. Before you squeeze those two tabs, hook your tool under them. When you do this, the tabs will be forced into place, allowing you to pull the switch straight up.
Swab With The New Switches
While you’re replacing the switches, you can keep your keyboard connected to a PC if you like. Before moving on to the next switch, you’ll be able to simply verify that each one is correctly placed and functional. Check to see that the copper pins of a switch are inserted straight down into their corresponding holes when putting one in. Just press firmly and you’ll hear a loud clicking noise (the switch’s two tabs clicking in) as soon as you’ve done so. Because the switch can be partially put in the keyboard before the click occurs, it is the only way to verify if it is fully inserted.
Return the Keycaps to their Original Position
This should be a breeze if you followed my advice above and organized your keycaps. It’s critical that you press each keycap down hard and straight to ensure that they’re secure and as far down the switch’s cross-section as you can.
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I’m Roselyn T., a self-proclaimed tech geek on a mission to unravel the wonders of the digital realm. As a dedicated reviewer of computers and laptops, I share my insights and expertise on the latest tech trends and innovations on my blog, workrift.com. With a passion for demystifying the tech landscape, I not only offer in-depth reviews but also provide practical tips to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. I’m also an author of the book “AP Computer Science A Premium, 2024: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice (Barron’s AP)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me as we explore the exciting intersection of form and function in the realm of gadgets and gear.