How to replace and re-solder a mechanical keyboard switch

Customize your typing experience

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

• Tweet
• Share
• Email

In This Article

Jump to a Section

What to Know

• Remove the keycaps using a cap pulling tool, then remove the switches with a switch pulling tool.
• If the switches don’t come out easily, ensure your keyboard supports hot-swapping.
• If your keyboard doesn’t, you’ll need to desolder each switch and solder new switches to the circuit board.

This article explains how to replace switches on a mechanical keyboard.

How Do You Remove a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?

Unlike other keyboards, many mechanical keyboards use hot-swappable switches that are easy to pop out and replace. It does require a couple of special tools, but it’s designed to be easy and doesn’t require any special knowledge or experience. You can replace your switches with RGB switches if your keyboard supports it, swap out loud clicky switches for quiet linear switches, or replace a worn-out or broken switch.

Before you start replacing switches, try cleaning your keyboard or lubricating your switches to see if that helps.

Here’s how to remove a mechanical keyboard switch if your keyboard supports hot swapping:

Use a keycap puller to remove the caps from each key you want to replace.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

The switch may come out right along with the cap. If it does, just hold the switch in one hand and pull the cap off it with the other.

Position a switch pulling tool over the switch, and snap it into place.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Gently pull straight up.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

If the switch doesn’t come out, wiggle it gently.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

If the switch seems stuck, stop trying to remove it and verify that your keyboard is hot-swappable. The switches may be soldered in place.

Place the replacement switch over the replacement slot, being careful to align it correctly.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Push the switch into place.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

The switch should slide into place easily. If it doesn’t, compare the shape of the switch to the shape of the slot, and make sure you have the switch turned in the right direction.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Push the keycap back onto the switch stem.

How Do You Replace a Button on a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards have switches, not buttons. The part that may look like a button is called a keycap, and they’re easy to replace. If one of your keycaps has worn out and you can’t see the letter anymore, or you want to install a custom set of keycaps with different colors, it only takes a few minutes.

Here’s how to replace a keycap on a mechanical keyboard:

Position a keycap puller over the cap you want to replace.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Carefully slide the keycap puller over the cap.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

Metal pullers can scratch keycaps, so using a plastic puller is safer if you’ve never done this before.

When you hear the puller click over the edges of the keycap, pull up gently.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

If the cap doesn’t come off immediately, wiggle slightly from side to side, and gently pull up.

Jeremy Laukkonen / Lifewire

If the switch comes out along with the keycap, push it back into place. It’s normal, as hot-swappable switches are pulled the same way as keycaps.

Position the replacement keycap over the stem of the switch, and push it into place.

Are All Keyboard Switches Hot Swappable?

There are two kinds of mechanical keyboard switches: hot-swappable and soldered. Hot-swappable switches can be popped out and replaced with minimal effort, while soldered switches are physically soldered to the circuit board. To replace soldered switches, you need to disassemble the keyboard to gain access to the circuit board, and you then have to desolder each switch you want to replace. The switches can then be pulled, replaced, and soldered to the circuit board.

Don’t attempt to replace soldered switches if you aren’t familiar with soldering and desoldering. You may damage the switches or the circuit board.

Here’s how to replace a soldered mechanical keyboard switch:

Disassemble the keyboard until you gain access to the circuit board.

Heat up the solder joints with a soldering iron or desoldering iron.

Remove the solder with a solder sucker or desoldering iron.

Remove the switch.

Put the replacement switch in place.

Solder the new switch to the circuit board.

Maybe you are tired of the clickity-clack and ready for something a little quieter.

Mechanical keyboards are the perfect companion peripheral to your computer, whether you’re a coder, a gamer, or just like annoying the heck out of your office mates with your clackity-clack. They’re generally better built, more expensive, and come with a bewildering array of options to the uninitiated.

With that extra outlay of cash, you might be wondering what to do if something goes wrong. The switches used in mechanical keyboards can be finicky, failing earlier than their cheaper, membrane cousins. If a switch fails, or if you decide you don’t like the switch type you bought with your keyboard, can you change them out?

So, can you replace the switches on your mechanical keyboard?

The longer answer here depends on the type of mechanical keyboard you own. If you bought a keyboard marketed as “hotswap”, like the Planck EZ we reviewed, then it’s a simple matter of using the switch pulling tool that came with the keyboard to carefully pull out the faulty switch, and replace it with a new switch of the same type.

The same thing goes if you just want a change of switches for other reasons, and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts do this type of swap fairly often.

Image: Joe Rice-Jones / KnowTechie

If you’ve got a non-hotswap mechanical keyboard, and feel like you’re comfortable with both your soldering skills and breaking any warranty you might have left, then it’s slightly more long-winded. You’ll need some tools, mainly a soldering iron, some solder, a screwdriver kit, probably a spudger or expired credit card to pull the case apart, a desoldering pump, and some replacement switches.

You’ll take apart the keyboard carefully so you get to the circuit board, flip it over to see the soldered switch terminals, and remove the solder with applied heat from a soldering iron and then a desoldering pump. Then it’s just a case of replacing the switch with a new, working one, soldering it in, and reversing the process you did when you disassembled the keyboard. You did take pictures and notes to help you, right?

Image: Joe Rice-Jones / KnowTechie

Now you can rest easy knowing that if your expensive mechanical keyboard starts to have issues, you’ve got a fair chance of repairing it. Best brush up on your soldering skills…

What do you think? Plan on making upgrades to your mechanical keyboard anytime soon? Let us know down below in the comments or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

What to Know

• Remove the keycaps using a cap pulling tool, then remove the switches with a switch pulling tool.
• If the switches don’t come out easily, ensure your keyboard supports hot-swapping.
• If your keyboard doesn’t, you’ll need to desolder each switch and solder new switches to the circuit board.

This article explains how to replace switches on a mechanical keyboard.

How Do You Remove a Mechanical Keyboard Switch?

Unlike other keyboards, many mechanical keyboards use hot-swappable switches that are easy to pop out and replace. It does require a couple of special tools, but it’s designed to be easy and doesn’t require any special knowledge or experience. You can replace your switches with RGB switches if your keyboard supports it, swap out loud clicky switches for quiet linear switches, or replace a worn-out or broken switch.

Before you start replacing switches, try cleaning your keyboard or lubricating your switches to see if that helps.

Here’s how to remove a mechanical keyboard switch if your keyboard supports hot swapping:

Use a keycap puller to remove the caps from each key you want to replace.

The switch may come out right along with the cap. If it does, just hold the switch in one hand and pull the cap off it with the other.

Position a switch pulling tool over the switch, and snap it into place.

Gently pull straight up.

If the switch doesn’t come out, wiggle it gently.

If the switch seems stuck, stop trying to remove it and verify that your keyboard is hot-swappable. The switches may be soldered in place.

Place the replacement switch over the replacement slot, being careful to align it correctly.

Push the switch into place.

The switch should slide into place easily. If it doesn’t, compare the shape of the switch to the shape of the slot, and make sure you have the switch turned in the right direction.

Push the keycap back onto the switch stem.

How Do You Replace a Button on a Mechanical Keyboard?

Mechanical keyboards have switches, not buttons. The part that may look like a button is called a keycap, and they’re easy to replace. If one of your keycaps has worn out and you can’t see the letter anymore, or you want to install a custom set of keycaps with different colors, it only takes a few minutes.

Here’s how to replace a keycap on a mechanical keyboard:

Position a keycap puller over the cap you want to replace.

Carefully slide the keycap puller over the cap.

Metal pullers can scratch keycaps, so using a plastic puller is safer if you’ve never done this before.

When you hear the puller click over the edges of the keycap, pull up gently.

If the cap doesn’t come off immediately, wiggle slightly from side to side, and gently pull up.

If the switch comes out along with the keycap, push it back into place. It’s normal, as hot-swappable switches are pulled the same way as keycaps.

Position the replacement keycap over the stem of the switch, and push it into place.

Are All Keyboard Switches Hot Swappable?

There are two kinds of mechanical keyboard switches: hot-swappable and soldered. Hot-swappable switches can be popped out and replaced with minimal effort, while soldered switches are physically soldered to the circuit board. To replace soldered switches, you need to disassemble the keyboard to gain access to the circuit board, and you then have to desolder each switch you want to replace. The switches can then be pulled, replaced, and soldered to the circuit board.

Don’t attempt to replace soldered switches if you aren’t familiar with soldering and desoldering. You may damage the switches or the circuit board.

Here’s how to replace a soldered mechanical keyboard switch:

Disassemble the keyboard until you gain access to the circuit board.

Heat up the solder joints with a soldering iron or desoldering iron.

Remove the solder with a solder sucker or desoldering iron.

Remove the switch.

Put the replacement switch in place.

Solder the new switch to the circuit board.

How long do mechanical keyboard switches last?

Key switches for mechanical keyboards are built to last for 10-15 years of regular use. Some key switches have a rating to let you know how many keypresses (usually millions) they can withstand.

How do I make my mechanical keyboard quieter?

How do I fix my mechanical keyboard?

If your mechanical keyboard isn’t working, unplug it and plug it back in, try a different cable, or replace the batteries. For sticky keys, clean the keyboard with alcohol and compressed air. If you’re still having problems, you might need to replace the key switch.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for letting us know!

Other Not enough details Hard to understand

Account Information

Share with Your Friends

How to quickly swap out a key on a mechanical keyboard

How to quickly swap out a key on a mechanical keyboard

If you have a mechanical keyboard that allows for hot swappable key switches, Jack Wallen shows you how easy this is to take care of.

We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page.
Amazon

What’s hot at TechRepublic

• Why Microsoft Lists is the new Excel
• Best employee monitoring software 2022
• 2022 tech conferences and events to add to your calendar
• Google, Apple, Microsoft promise end to passwords, courtesy of your mobile phone

If you’ve purchased a keyboard that includes hot swappable mechanical keys, you’ve hit the proverbial jackpot of keyboards. Why? Because it means you can always switch out a broken switch, change your switch type (say, from a linear to a clicky switch), or even remap your keyboard.

Chances are pretty good that if you bought a mechanical keyboard with replaceable switches, you know how to do just that. However, on the off-chance the how-to of this task evades you, let me help you out with that.

Before you dive into swapping out a keyboard key, it is very important that you understand one thing: Not every mechanical keyboard has keys that can be easily swapped out. Most keyboards, even those of the mechanical nature, have keys that are soldered to the circuit board. What that means is that you must desolder the key before it can be removed, which is probably above your paygrade, so you should avoid diving down that rabbit hole.

However, if you purchased a keyboard that does offer hot swappable key switches, their removal is actually quite easy–so long as you have the right tools.

SEE: Hardware inventory policy (TechRepublic Premium)

What you’ll need

Outside of having a keyboard with hot swappable keys, you’ll need a keycap/key switch puller. You can purchase such a tool from Amazon for around $5.00.

If you don’t purchase a keycap puller that also includes a key remover, you’ll need to purchase the key puller separately. I do find the combo tools work great. If you’re of the DIY sort, you can always make your own keycap puller by bending the ends of paperclips into hooks and hooking the ends under the cap and pulling upward. As for the switch, you can use needle nose pliers, but you should be very careful to not crack the plastic. In my experience, the low cost of the key puller is definitely worth avoiding the frustration you’ll find with the DIY solution.

How to remove the keycap

In order to remove the keycap you insert the squared off end of the puller, such that the wires slip between the keys (Figure A).

Figure A

The keycap end of the puller.

Once the wires are securely under the keycap, pull upward to pop off the key.

How to remove the key switch

With the keycap removed, you can now remove the switch. To do this, use the switch end of the puller (Figure B).

Figure B

The switch end of the key puller.

Make sure to clip the bends of the puller under the switch and gently lift–the key should pop out. Once you have the key out, you can then replace it with a new key by lining up the pins and pressing down gently. With the switch in place, carefully pop the keycap back on and you’re good to go.

Best of the Week Newsletter

Our editors highlight the TechRepublic articles, downloads, and galleries that you cannot miss to stay current on the latest IT news, innovations, and tips.

Mechanical keyboards are a common choice among gamers for their longevity and reliability. However, sometimes they can be prone to problems like double clicking keys or chattering as you type.

Let’s take a look at how we might fix these issues!

What is double clicking and repeating keys?

A common mechanical keyboard problem is that it double clicks when you click once. Other mechanical keyboards have a problem where the key repeats if it’s held down.

A double clicking keyboard will often do this when you’re typing and release one of your fingers from pressure on that button while still pressing another, or in some cases they may just be doing so randomly without any cause at all! If there is an issue with repeated keystrokes, the keyboard may be letting you press a key down and then quickly bouncing back up (or not fully settling) before pressing it again.

If your mechanical keys are double clicking or repeating when pressed by themselves they can usually easily corrected with these solutions below!

How to fix repeating keys on a mechanical keyboard

This can be caused by many different things, but often times the fix is simply to clean out the inside of your keyboard with a q-tip and rubbing alcohol.

If there are no such problems with buttons then we should move forward assuming this is just an issue where the keys are getting stuck. This can be caused by a few things, but there is one thing that most people will know how to fix this issue on their own: they might just need more lubricant in the form of hair oil or some other kind like WD-40.

If you’re having an intermittent problem then it’s possible your keyboard is just dirty and needs to be cleaned.

1. Clean and check for dust or dirt under the keys

A lot can happen with these keys if something goes wrong like liquid spills or food gets stuck under the key.

To clean your mechanical keyboard you can use a damp cloth and wipe over all the buttons and then dry it off. One minor thing people do not know about is how they need hairspray in their cleaning process.

You can also use rubbing alcohol, or some type of cleaner if you need to go a little bit deeper with your keyboard cleaning and want something more potent than hairspray. It’s important not use too much water since liquid can get trapped in between layers.

You should also consider using an air compressor for more serious cases where dirt or dust might be sticking under them, but that’s only if you want to get really deep into your keyboard cleaning process!

Remove the keycap first and then apply compressed air to the key that is repeating. You can also use a straw to blow into the key that is repeating, removing any debris inside of it. Replace the keycap and see if the problem persists.

2. Check your keyboard cable

However if there is an issue that’s caused because of pressure on another button, you’ll want to check the cable on your keyboard. This can typically be done by removing a few screws and looking for any kinks or damage in cables that might cause it not take enough pressure of one button before moving onto another one.

If you do find a kink or damage in your keyboard cable, it might be time to invest into some new cables and there are tons of options out on the market for keyboards that have detachable cords so they’re easy enough just swap when one is broken!

3. Replace a broken keycap

If your keyboard is making a clicking sound and you’ve checked the cable to see if this was caused by it, then there may be something wrong with one of its keycaps.

Keycaps can normally be replaced fairly easily but you need to check that you get a replacement keycap that matches the switch stems you have.

4. Replace a broken switch (make sure to use the correct type)

The metal part that makes contact when pressed can come loose or break off entirely on some keyboards as they age; in these cases replacing will solve both problems! You can replace the switch using a solder or hot glue gun with care, using the instructions of your specific keyboard as reference.

If you have a hot swappable keyboard it much simpler and you can normally just buy another switch of the same type (linear, tactile or clicky) and then pull out the offending key switch and plug the new one in.

5. Re-solder connections on PCB board

The solder joints on the PCB board can break or come loose over time, causing errors in typing as well. If your keyboard is still under warranty and you are unable to fix it yourself then contact customer service who will give advice about sending back for repair/replacement without voiding any warranties! It could be a simple case of just re-soldering the connections on a PCB board.

Follow the guide in this youtube video below on how to resolder your keyboard pcb connections.

Keyboard Chattering

Another sometimes related issue that some people deal with is their keyboard causing a chattering sound when they type on it. This typically means there are particles caught under the keys or between them.

It might also be a good idea to use compressed air to blow out these areas first and this will alleviate most of the noise.

The last thing you want to do is take the keycaps off of your keyboard and shake it over a trash can or other open container. This should also be done with any loose screws that might have been left under there as well, which may not only produce noise but will make typing much more difficult for anyone who needs these keys later on.

Key chatter can sometimes also be solved by desoldering the specific switches and solder in new ones. This can normally be done by opening up the keyboard, removing the electrical solder and reseating it properly using a desoldering braid, which can be found through online retailers.

After this, you can reseat the switches and put it back together.

Conclusion

Usually you’ll be able to solve most double click repeating key problems with a good clean of the keycap and switch with compressed air and alcohol. And if really unlucky you might need to replace the offending switch itself. There’s also this Reddit thread that might be worth checking out for what other people tried when their keyboard was double typing.

If the keyboard double clicking problem persists then there might really only one thing left for us that we can do: replace your keyboard altogether!This will involve purchasing a new one. You may be able to find them secondhand, but if not you can always buy an inexpensive mechanical keyboard.

This is usually much easier than trying solve this type of problem with someone else’s expensive keyboard brand.

If you’ve wondered how to replace the key caps on your Das Keyboard, we created a video to answer all your questions. Using our WASD kit as an example, we show you how to remove the current key caps on your keyboard, how to recognize the different replacement keys if you bought the Ultimate key set with no key inscriptions, and how to pop the new keys into the keyboard. If you are ready to mod your keyboard with special key caps, this is the tutorial for you. Just remember, we highly discourage you from attempting to remove the larger keys on the keyboard, like the Enter key or the Spacebar. These keys have stabilizing bars underneath them and are incredibly tricky to replace.

Search

Best Sellers

Recent Articles

• How to Type Faster and Increase Your WPM
• All the Parts of a Mechanical Keyboard Explained
• Are Mechanical Keyboards Loud?

Topics

• Das Keyboard News
• Events
• Hacks
• Peripherals
• Product Tips & Updates
• Productivity
• Typing

Links

• Mechanical Keyboard Guide
• Metadot Corp: The mother ship
• RSS Blog Das Keyboard
• Typing Through Time: Keyboard History
• TyprX: Typing race game

What makes a mechanical keyboard awesome

A mechanical keyboard is a high-performance keyboard with tactile and audio feedback so accurate it allows you to execute every keystroke with lightning-fast precision. Because of the durability and construction of the switches, mechanical keyboards are built to last far longer than standard keyboards. Read our mechanical keyboard guide to learn more about what makes a mechanical keyboard awesome. Your fingers will be thanking you.

A pack of 92 replacement switches will set you back $49.99

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Share this story

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter

Share All sharing options for: Logitech’s new mechanical keyboard lets you swap its switches as easily as keycaps

Logitech’s latest keyboard, the Pro X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, uses key switches that can be swapped out without you needing to desolder them. Instead, as Tom’s Hardware reports, you can extract them using a simple plastic tool, which makes removing and replacing them almost as easy as swapping the keyboard’s keycaps.

Being able to change a keyboard’s switches this easily is great for anyone who wants to try out a different switch type without having to buy an entirely new keyboard; they can just buy a new pack of switches. Also, since you can replace the switches on an individual basis, you could theoretically customize a board that uses one switch for some keys, and an entirely different switch for others.

Keyboards with these so-called “hot-swappable” switches aren’t unheard of, but previously they’ve mainly been seen on keyboards produced by niche enthusiast manufacturers like Input Club or Massdrop. Logitech’s entry into the space has the potential to introduce the feature to a much larger audience.

Logitech plans to sell packs of 92 switches for $49.99, which should be enough to replace every switch on the Pro X. They’ll be available in GX Blue Clicky, GX Red Linear, and GX Brown Tactile variants. Tom’s Hardware reports that these GX-branded switches aren’t made by Cherry, but Logitech told the publication that Cherry’s MX switches should also be compatible with this keyboard in addition to its own switch kits.

Outside of its hot-swappable switches, this is a fairly typical tenkeyless mechanical keyboard (this form-factor means it omits the number pad to the right of the arrow keys). It connects to your computer using a detachable Micro USB cable, and it’s got RGB lighting that illuminates its switches. Logitech also says that the keyboard is compatible with standard Cherry MX keycaps, meaning most aftermarket keycaps should be compatible with the board.

Logitech is selling two main versions of this keyboard. The Pro X model is the one to go for if you want easily detachable switches, and costs $149.99 with either GX Clicky, Linear, or Tactile switches. If you’re not into the idea of replacing the keyboard’s switches, then Logitech is also selling a non-X Pro model of the keyboard for $129.99 where the switches are soldered to its circuit board — it’s only available with clicky switches. Both models will be available later on in October.

Switch Upgrades

Switches are one of the most important items and the bridge between you and the input on your computer.

Did your ideal keyboard come with clicky switches, and you just want to quiet it down?

Do those linear switches leave you wanting more tactile feedback from your current switch?

Upgrade Keyboards can tackle the task of changing all, part, or just a few of the switches you need.

We carry the top manufacturers of mechanical keyboard switches, and try to keep stock of as much as possible, even the hard to find switches!

Hot Swap Upgrades

Tired of having to desolder your PCB every time you want to change switches?

Want to mix and match switches to suit your needs?

A hot swap upgrade is the perfect solution!

We can add in hot swap sockets to all, some, or even just a few switches (dependent upon your PCB) to give you the ability to change switches on the fly, without even unplugging your keyboard.

Stabilizer Upgrades

Tired of the rattling enter key yet? The most common cause is cheap stabilizers.

The majority of manufacturers use a generic stabilizer that is loose, dry plastic and metal. It detracts from the keyboard in both sound, and feel.

Let Upgrade Keyboards replace those standard stabilizers with something that will leave your fingers and ears a lot happier.

Repairs

It happens. Whether it was a mistake when trying to upgrade your keyboard, or a spill while gaming, something might happen one day to ‘ruin’ your keyboard.

Don’t throw it away just yet!

Most times, the damage is something that can be reversed or permanently repaired. Let us take a look, and chances are, we can get your keyboard back to typing or gaming in no time for far less than the cost of replacing it.

Case Swaps, Color Changes

Sometimes, we all just get tired of looking at the same thing. It’s time for a change in your life. (psst – a new keyboard is cheaper than a new Corvette. We’re just sayin)

Have something in mind? Let us know what it is. We can do professional paint finishes on your existing case, or simply swap out the case, plate, and other elements to give you a new look, feel, and tone.

Custom Builds

If you have joined a group buy but don’t have the faintest idea where to start on putting things together – we can help.

Our build service can supply the parts you need like stabilizers, switches, and foam – with your kit of choice.

Sound Shaping

A lot of the typing experience revolves around the sound profile of your keyboard. A clunky and rattly keyboard is not going to bring pleasure to your fingers, much less your ears.

Upgrade Keyboards can tune your keyboard for the ultimate thock, clack, or click – whatever you prefer. Whether that is creating custom silicone molds of the interior of your case, or simply adding a bit of foam – there is no job too large or small.

Let Us Upgrade Your Current Keyboard

Not everyone has the budget for a brand new keyboard. Maybe you have a keyboard that you have strong feelings about and don’t want to replace it (weird, but. we get it)

That is why our BYOK service exists. We take your keyboard, and make it BETTER. (seriously – a LOT better) Nothing highlights our services better than showing our customer a keyboard that they are familiar with, and then showing them what it SHOULD be like after we upgrade it.

Let Upgrade Keyboards show you what your current mechanical keyboard can truly be. We have a wide range of options for every mechanical keyboard on the market.

Tell us a little about what you would like to do, and what type of board you have, and we can give you a quote on the work you would like done. Then, you simply ship us your keyboard, we upgrade it, and send it right back to you!

PLEASE NOTE: Excessively dirty keyboards will have to undergo cleaning before service work, which will incur additional fees. If you believe your keyboard is questionable – contact us with images before sending your keyboard to us.

With keyboards, especially mechanical ones, it’s all about touch.

Mechanical keyboards usually offer a premium typing experience that even the most expensive of membrane keyboards find hard to replicate.

They’re highly customizable too- you can easily use different kinds of switches on different keys.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

If you want your spacebar to have a more tactile feel to it but without the loud clicks, you can use Cherry MX Browns.

If you’re a gamer and want keys with a short activation point (i.e. the key doesn’t have to travel far before the press is “registered”), then use what is called “speed” switches like the Kailh Speed Silver or the Cherry MX Speed.

Another great thing about mechanical keyboards is that, unlike cheap membrane keyboards, you don’t know need to throw the whole thing away if a single key is malfunctioning.

For example, a key suddenly became stiff and hard to press. In a membrane keyboard, this kind of problem is solved by buying a new keyboard.

On a mechanical keyboard, you have a number of options you can try out to fix the problem.

Why do my keys feel hard to press?

Keys can get “sticky” sometimes (i.e. they suddenly become hard to press) especially if you type and game on your keyboard a lot.

The number one reason for this is that dust and detritus can often get under the keys, and once a whole lot of them accumulate under there, expect your keys to get stuck every now and then.

If you love to eat and drink at your computer table, the risk of you finding malfunctioning keys on your keyboard goes higher.

Dust, food crumbs, beverage spills- these are the major culprits why your keys suddenly feel hard to press.

How you fix a stiff key on a mechanical keyboard?

So, now you have a stiff key that needs fixing. What do you do? Here are some things you can try.

Shake it off

Sometimes, physically cleaning the keyboard and the problematic key itself might do the trick.

Unplug the keyboard from your computer, turn it upside down, and give it a light shake. If you have a small brush, you can use it to brush away any remaining dust or detritus that hasn’t fallen off.

Blow it out (using canned air)

Sometimes, the dust and debris might get stuck on the switch itself rendering its spring mechanism faulty. If shaking and brushing the visible dust away from the key doesn’t work (this means that the gunk is deeply entrenched under the key), then you can try using canned or compressed air to blow the stubborn particles away.

First, remove the key’s keycap (you can do this using a dedicated keycap puller tool or your own fingers), stand your keyboard vertically, place the can of compressed air a few inches away from the switch, and then blow away.

Replace the switch itself

If the key is still stuck and you have already thoroughly cleaned the area, the final solution might be is to replace the switch itself.

Determine what kind of switch your keyboard uses and buy a similar one on the net. You also need to determine if your keyboard has hot swappable keys (i.e. you can swap keys without soldering), or if you need to solder the switches on the board.

Posted on Published: August 27, 2021 – Last updated: May 16, 2022

Home » Mechanical Keyboard Key Hard To Press? Here’s What To Do

Keyboard switches give this microwave a more tactile feel.

Scharon Harding – Jan 13, 2022 8:42 pm UTC

reader comments

Share this story

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Reddit

Ever have a microwave with buttons that don’t work properly? If you hit the keys at the right angle, maybe the microwave will respond. Or perhaps, no matter how you push them, the microwave stays silent. What if you could fix the issue without calling a repair company—and simultaneously make pressing the microwave’s keypad more enjoyable?

Kailh, which makes mechanical keyboard switches, shared a tweet on Tuesday highlighting a use for its switches that the company had never seen before. A Reddit user employed some Kailh Box Blacks to make his microwave usable again.

The Reddit user, who goes by gregschlom, wrote that his 9-year-old microwave started malfunctioning, and instead of settling for cold leftovers and unpopped popcorn kernels until repairs could be done, he hardwired the device to Box Black switches. Based on the shared image, the new switches can be used to add 30 seconds, add a minute, cancel the operation, and access the settings menu.

Gregschlom wrote that the microwave is supposed to be repaired this month, but with the appliance now bestowed with that tactile mechanical feel, gregschlom isn’t sure if he wants to go back.

“[H]onestly, it feels so good pressing these switches I’m not sure I want to replace it anymore. Might just throw some keycaps and leave it like that ;D,” gregschlom commented on Reddit.

It’s hard to blame him. The keypads on modern microwaves are often remarkably flat. They’re mushy, they have little to no travel, and they rely on a special type of membrane switch to work. And like so many membrane keyboards, it’s hard to know if you’ve pressed a button unless you hear a reassuring beep.

But you’ll know you’re pressing a key with a Box Black switch, as the key requires about 60 g of force to actuate. Kailh designed the switches to be a sturdier (hence the square or “box” surrounding the stem) rival to the Cherry MX Black, one of Cherry’s heaviest switches. Further specs for Box Blacks include a total travel of 3.6 mm and 1.8 mm of pre-travel. Clearly, the experience is very different from your typical microwave keypad.

But despite that tactile sensation, gregschlom pointed out a key downside: “The thing to keep in mind, though, is that these switches will get absolutely nasty with grease after a couple of years of use, especially when it’s an over-the-range oven like this one.”

We’d love to see gregschlom figure out a way to securely attach some lightweight keycaps to the switches. Another Redditor, redcorerobot, suggested using a flexible cover to keep the switches clean.

redcorerobot also suggested building out the project even more by using a microcontroller to work with the microwave’s controller, then rip off the front panel to “have a good quality mechanical key pad on the front” or “give it smart functionality, like home assistant or even just a library of pre-set times and powers so you can have a dedicated [button] for common items.”

It’s unclear whether gregschlom will continue to hack the microwave, get it repaired, or buy a new one. But you can find a small pack of Box Black switches for under $4, so we’d say this user found a fiscally responsible, finger-friendly way to keep food warm in the interim.

In addition to typing accuracy and the more precise feel of a mechanical keyboard, one of its numerous advantages is the ease with which it can be cleaned. Using a common keycap puller (which resembles a small tong) you can remove the keys for a thorough cleaning. Here is the right way to keep your mechanical keyboard clean.

How to lightly clean a mechanical keyboard

You should regularly clean your keyboard to keep dirt, dust, pet hair, and food debris from building up on the deck of your keyboard between and under the keys, as well as on the palm rest and around the keys. It’s a good idea to do this weekly, or whenever you see dirt accumulating.

The easiest and fastest way to keep the keyboard reasonably clean is with a small handheld keyboard vacuum. Ideally, the vacuum should have anti-static attachments, such as the narrow nozzle, that help you get between the keys.

If you don’t have a vacuum, use a brush instead. You can find a wide variety of keyboard cleaning brushes on Amazon and elsewhere. The best options let you sweep between keys and have bristles long enough to reach all the way to the keyboard deck.

In addition to brushing or vacuuming, use a microfiber cloth to clean the entire keyboard, including the deck and wrist pad.

How to thoroughly clean a mechanical keyboard

You should perform a more thorough cleaning a few times a year to restore the keyboard to a like-new condition by cleaning under the keys and around the switches. To do this, you need a keycap puller to remove the keys from your keyboard. You should have received a puller tool with your mechanical keyboard, but if you’ve misplaced it, you can get a new one with many inexpensive computer tool kits or on its own for just a few dollars.

1. Take a photo of your keyboard before you begin so there’s no doubt about exactly where each key goes when it’s time to replace them.

2. Use the keycap puller to remove every key. Put them in a large bowl and fill it with warm, soapy water. Let them soak for several hours.

3. While the keys are soaking, use a vacuum and a dampened microfiber cloth to thoroughly remove all the debris from the keyboard deck. You can also use a cotton swab to remove dirt around the switches.

4. Dry the keyboard with a fresh, dry cloth.

5. After soaking for at least three to four hours, rinse and dry each key, then reattach it to the keyboard by pressing it onto the switch until it snaps into place.

Some types of keys tend to wear out — the keys take on a worn “shine” or the surface wipes away entirely. You can restore your keyboard by replacing the keys; check with your keyboard manufacturer for replacement keycaps.

How to clean a mechanical keyboard after a spill

If you accidentally spill a liquid on the keyboard, unplug it immediately from the computer’s USB port. This will prevent electrical damage to the keyboard and the PC.

• If the only thing you spilled was water, you can turn the keyboard over to let the water drain. Then use a keycap puller to remove keys around the spill and thoroughly dry the keyboard with a cloth.
• If you spilled soda or a sugary beverage that will leave a residue when it’s dry, completely remove all the keys and perform a thorough cleaning using the steps outlined above.

If you’re looking to change key functions on your computer’s keyboard in Windows, these three methods can help.

The standard Windows keyboard layout hasn’t changed much in the past few decades, but there’s a chance you don’t use every key on your keyboard. If you think the Caps Lock key would work better as something else, or wish you could open up Windows’ Task Manager with one keystroke, there are a few ways to remap those unused keys.

Remap Keys With SharpKeys

If you merely want to remap one key to another, SharpKeys (Opens in a new window) is a simple, open-source program that uses the Windows registry. As an example, I use SharpKeys to make my Alt key act as the Ctrl key, and my Caps Lock act as the Windows key.

Since SharpKeys writes this information directly to the Windows registry, it’s the best option for these kinds of one-to-one key remappings. You don’t have to rely on some other software as a middleman, and you’ll run into the fewest compatibility issues, since Windows itself is interpreting the keystrokes. Download the program (I recommend the portable zip version, which doesn’t require installation) and start it up.

To remap a key, click the Add button and choose your keys from the two columns. The left column denotes the key you’ll press (for example, the Caps Lock key) and the right column denotes the action that key will take (for example, acting as the Windows key). You can also press the Type Key button and press a key on your keyboard if you have trouble hunting it down in the list.

When you’re done, click OK. Repeat this process for any other remappings, then click the Write to Registry button. Close the program, restart your computer, and you should find your keys have taken on their new roles. You can even delete SharpKeys when you’re done; the program is merely a user-friendly interface for the Windows registry, so once the changes are made, you don’t need it anymore.

Customize Hotkeys With Your Keyboard’s Software

If your keyboard comes with advanced software, like Logitech’s Gaming Software (Opens in a new window) , Corsair’s iCUE (Opens in a new window) , or Razer’s Synapse (Opens in a new window) , you may have some key-remapping features already present on your system.

Not only can you remap keys, but many of these programs let you create multi-key shortcuts, insert blocks of text, or create different profiles for each of your games. Some will even let you “record” macros, allowing you to create complex shortcuts just by recording your actions and assigning them to a hotkey.

Each of these programs are a bit different, so we can’t go into all of them here, but the gist should be the same across manufacturers: download the software, select your keyboard, and look for the option to create new hotkeys, macros, or actions. When in doubt, check the support page for your specific keyboard, and you’ll find tutorials on how to get it done.

Your mileage may vary with these, as I’ve found certain programs to be jankier than others in the past. But if you already have it on your system, it may be able to do exactly what you want without installing any other software, so give it a shot.

Create Complex Scripts With AutoHotkey

If neither of the above options suit your needs, you can create powerful hotkeys with AutoHotkey (Opens in a new window) , a free program that comes with its own little scripting language for you to describe the actions you want your hotkeys to take. It’s a bit more difficult to use than the software you get with gaming keyboards, but if your keyboard doesn’t come with its own remapping program, it’s your next best bet.

After installing AutoHotkey, create your hotkeys by right-clicking anywhere in File Explorer and choosing New > AutoHotkey Script. Right-click on the resulting file and open it in Notepad.

Create basic hotkeys by adding a line like this:

This remaps Caps Lock to the right Windows key. You can add a comment above it using a semicolon (;) to remind you of what that hotkey does or why.

Again, SharpKeys is a better choice for a simple remapping like this, but let’s say you wanted to do something slightly more complicated, like remap Caps Lock to Ctrl + Shift + Esc, so you can see the Windows Task Manager with one keypress. You would create a line in your script like this:

Where ^ corresponds to Ctrl and + to Shift, as described here (Opens in a new window) .

This is where AutoHotkey becomes more powerful. You can create hotkeys to type certain lines of text (Opens in a new window) , run a program or batch file (Opens in a new window) , or create shortcuts for specific programs (Opens in a new window) . You can even have one hotkey perform multiple actions in a series, giving you robust control over your shortcuts.

Once you’ve finished adding your hotkeys to the script, save the file and double-click on it. This will launch AutoHotkey in the system tray, and it will run in the background interpreting your hotkeys for you. You can quit the program at any time to set your keys back to their default actions.

(I recommend adding your .ahk script to Windows’ startup folder, located at %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, so it will automatically run every time you turn on your computer.)

There’s more to AutoHotkey than we could ever fit into one small article, so check out the AutoHotkey documentation (Opens in a new window) and forums (Opens in a new window) for more advanced instructions and ideas. If you can imagine it, there’s almost certainly a way to make AutoHotkey do it.

Like What You’re Reading?

Sign up for Tips & Tricks newsletter for expert advice to get the most out of your technology.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

We couldn’t find a simple, clean,
beautiful mechanical keyboard that
we truly loved. So we created the CODE keyboard.
It’s the result of a collaboration between Weyman Kwong of WASD Keyboards, and Jeff “Coding Horror” Atwood. Two guys that love keyboards. Maybe a little too much.

We know you live and die by keyboard shortcuts. We do too. On the CODE keyboard, full N-Key Rollover via USB comes standard – sufficient for even the most arcane keyboard shortcuts.

The CODE keyboard is built to last through years of service.

All of the keyswitches are mounted to a steel backplate for a rock solid feel while typing. How do you know it’s solid? Because it weighs 2.42 pounds. However, please do not use the CODE keyboard as a weapon. Unless you have no other choice.

We didn’t skimp on what you can’t see, either. A dual layer PCB provides strong solder joints if you want to modify this keyboard yourself.

Clean, beautiful white LED backlighting means you can see your keyboard in even the lowest light conditions. We’ve also painted the steel backplate underneath the keys white to provide perfectly even light dispersion. Don’t care for backlighting? No problem. Enable or disable the backlight with a simple keypress, or select among seven brightness levels, anywhere from barely-there dim to daylight bright. Onboard memory saves your backlighting preferences, even if the keyboard is disconnected or the computer is turned off.

We chose a standard Helvetica font for the keys, because the classics never go out of style. We’ve carefully positioned the symbols on each individual key so they are evenly lit by the LED underneath.

The CODE keyboard is designed to be timeless – but modern and unobtrusive as well. We custom molded the case to be as minimalist as we could get away with. You won’t find any text or stickers on this keyboard, just small bezels and a classic angled design. This keyboard fits wherever you need it to go, and looks great doing it.

We paid just as much attention to the bottom of the keyboard as we did the top. Large rubber pads provide plenty of grip. We also added custom rubber coated flip out feet with matching angled rubber pads at the front. This is one keyboard that won’t slide around on you no matter how furiously you type.

Subtle 1mm programmable RGB LED indicator lights let you know when Caps, Num, or Scroll are locked without blinding you in the process, while keeping the case design clean and uncluttered. Now programmable so you can set your indicators to whatever color you want. A textured case surface resists fingerprints and hairline scratches, too.

The CODE keyboard is as flexible as you are:

• Programmable – Onboard macros and keymaps over four individual layers.
• Powerful Macros – Launch programs, automate tasks, increase your productivity all from programmable hotkeys. Program directly on the keyboard, no software needed.
• Useful remaps – Change that Caps Lock to something worthy of the real estate, like Ctrl or Esc.

All this can be configured on the keyboard itself, take your programmed board with you.

Lots of keyboards have multimedia keys, but almost none of them do it right. Either they require weird hand contortions to use, or they tack on a bunch of extra unnecessary buttons and knobs all over the keyboard in strange places.

Our solution is more elegant. On the CODE keyboard, the Fn key replaces the Menu key (provided you’ve enabled it via the switches on the back of the keyboard), and moves the media shortcuts to the navigation cluster. This configuration allows you to comfortably and logically access multimedia shortcuts with one hand – pressing Page Up to turn up the volume just makes sense. If you forget which keys do what, we’ve helpfully printed subtle glyphs on the front of each key, facing you, so you can see which keys have secondary functions.

All this and more can be configured via a row of DIP switches on the back of the keyboard.

Rather than a weird custom cable, or even worse, a permanently attached cable, the CODE keyboard uses a detachable standard Type-C USB cable that allows you to detach the keyboard without unplugging it from your computer. You can plug your keyboard in wherever a standard Type-C USB cable is available.

The 5-way cable routing channels under the keyboard let you decide where you want to route the cable for a seamless look. We’ve even rounded the corners to keep your cable kink-free – and a cable strap is included to tidy up any extra.

• Wire keycap puller to remove keycaps for cleaning or modding purposes.
• 70.8” Type-C to USB-A cable with cable strap.

We custom designed the CODE keyboard to be everything we’ve always wanted in a keyboard. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do.

CODE 104-Key MX Green $190.00
CODE 87-Key MX Green $185.00
CODE 104-Key MX Clear $180.00
CODE 87-Key MX Clear $175.00
CODE 104-Key MX Brown $175.00
CODE 87-Key MX Brown $170.00
CODE 104-Key MX Blue $170.00
CODE 87-Key MX Blue $165.00
CODE 104-Key MX Zealios $225.00
CODE 87-Key MX Zealios $215.00
BUY NOW

Code Keyboard Specifications

• Dimensions: 87 Key: 363x142x30mm (14.3×5.6×1.2in)
  104 Key: 445x142x30mm (17.5×5.6×1.2in)
• Weight: 87/88 Key: 907g (2.0 lbs)
  104/105 Key: 1098g (2.42 lbs)
• Interface: USB
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
• Case Material: ABS
• Keycap Material: ABS
• Made in Taiwan. Designed and customized in USA.

FAQ

Is the CODE keyboard available in ISO layouts? Yes, we currently offer clear switch CODE keyboards in UK, Swedish, and German layouts.

Do you have extra/replacement keys for the CODE? We do carry replacement/add-on keycap sets for the CODE. Please check out wasdkeyboards.com for replacements and mod packs.

Do you have any distributors outside of the US? Not at this time. We will work with distributors in the future to provide easier access to our keyboards for our international customers.

Pack 10 Original Cherry MX Brown Switches and Features

Totally 10 Pieces : Originally made by Cherry in Germany and Repacked by Granvela in China. For DIY Replacing Mechanical Keyboard Switches, or Trial Use.

Brown Switches Features: Light and Linear. Actuation force is 50g and bottom-out force is 62g. very smooth, quiet, vertical pressing sensation with no clicky feel. Good for quick and long-time typing in the office, and gaming if you like.

Specifications：Actuation 50g ;PCB Mount with 3 pins ;Milky top housing and black bottom housing ;Travel 4.0mm

Package Includes: 10 Switches, 1 Switch puller, 1 clear protective plastic case.

About Pack 10 Original Cherry MX Brown Switches And

Originally Made by Cherry in Germany. Distributed by Granvela. For DIY Replacing switches of your mechanical keyboard. Packages includes : 1 Puller tool,10Pcs Switches. How to replace switches on mechanical Keyboard? 1. Prepare tools: Soldering iron Solder pump ( optional) Electronics-grade solder Keycap puller tool Compatible replacement mechanical keyboard switch Small screwdriver and/or pry bar to open the keyboard case Small tweezers or pliers Compatible LED and wire cutters (if the keyboard is lit) 2. Selecting the Right Replacement Switch 3. Disassemble The Keyboard Case 4. Prepare To De-Solder 5. Remove The Switch 6.Install The New Switch 7.Test The Switch 8. Re-assemble Your Keyboard

Regular price $99.00

Unit price / per

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Email

• Everglide
• Layout: Fixed 87-key (TKL)
• Case material: ABS
• Plate-mount stabilizers
• Adjustable rubber feet
• 1500 mA lithium ion battery
• Tray-sandwhich mount
• Connectivity: Bluetooth or USB-C
• Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 5.0
• Detachable USB-C port
• Kailh Hot-swappable switch sockets (5-pin compatible)
• Full SMD RGB LEDs
• Full anti-ghosting
• Felt layer between PCB and plate to reduce noise
• Programmable with driver software
• Support for music rhythm mode

RETURNS POLICY

RETURNS POLICY

During COVID-19, If you do not receive the goods after 90 days, please contact us in time. We will contact the express company for you. If we confirm that the goods cannot arrive or are lost, we will refund to you.

If there is any defect or defect in the product you received, please contact us in time and attach video or picture description. After confirmation, we will send you a replacement product for free. Thank you for your understanding and support.

UPDATE – Since the COVID-19, the longest shipping time we encounter is over 140 days with free shipping. If you don’t receive the parcel after 140 days, please feel free to contact us for a solution (refund or reshipment). NOTE – the 140-day starter is from the day you have the tracking info, NOT from the day when you place the order.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

Steven Johns News Reporter Neowin @stevenjohns · Dec 25, 2014 08:00 EST · Hot! with 4 comments

Ripster is not your average keyboard enthusiast. Aside from being voted as the #1 keyboard expert on planet Earth on Geekhack and Overclock.net, he’s also quite possibly the cheesiest (and most successful) troll on reddit. After being banned from Geekhack and Deskthority, the two largest English-speaking keyboard forums (at the time), he went on to found the /r/mechanicalkeyboards subreddit which now has over 55,000 subscribers (he’s still not over being banned from Geekhack, though).

Part of his expertise comes from his ability (including free time and disposable income) to really go into the science behind keyboards, including everything from pressure testing to identification of plastics used in keyboards through the use of chemical solutions.

One of the latest pieces he’s put together is a breakdown of the exclusive Logitech Romer-G switch which goes into the Logitech G910 Orion Spark we recently reviewed. You can find the breakdown of the switches with additional commentary below!

The Romer-G Switch pictured above has two mounting pins and two contacts. The switch is also vertically symmetrical in its design.

Starting from left to right, we see the switch body on the left, then the spring, then the switch stem, and then the switch housing on the far right. The switch is very simple to disassemble, requiring someone to only pry apart the two blue tabs on the left. This is in comparison to the Cherry MX Black switch I disassembled in this article which requires prying apart four tiny little tabs– not exactly an easy task.

In the above image on the left we can see that the switch has two cross-point contacts, and the image on the right very clearly shows the LED light pipe that is affixed into the switch body.

The above image shows the switch stem in close-up, with the left leg providing the “tactile bump” that is felt when pressing the key and the right leg to soften “bottoming out” the key (pressing it all the way down).

You can check out my full review of the Logitech G910 Orion Spark mechanical gaming keyboard here!

Previous slide

Product Description

Bullet Points:

• GAMING KEYBOARD; 104 Key Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Custom Mechanical Switches(Cherry Blue equivalent) designed for longevity with greater durability and responsiveness. Fast mechanical keys with medium resistance, precise actuation, audible click sound, and tactile bump feedback.
• RGB MECHANICAL KEYBOARD; K551-RGB Redragon Keyboard, RGB LED backlit mechanical gaming keyboard, the RGB Led illuminated keyboard comes with Double-shot injection molded keycaps offering crystal clear uniform backlighting and lettering that doesn’t scratch off. Featuring rainbow, RGB colors, 5 different lighting modes, 5 backlight brightness levels, breathing speed, user programmable RGB backlighting.
• Metal / ABS CONSTRUCTION; The PC Gaming keyboard is constructed of metal alloy and ABS with plate-mounted mechanical keys and switchesthat stand up to tough gaming conditions.
• BACKLIT ANTI GHOSTING KEYBOARD; ALL 104 mechanical gaming keyboards keys are conflict free (n-Key Rollover) for ultimate Gaming performance.Featuring 12 Multimedia keys, Non-Slip Ergonomic, splash-proof Design. Comes with Full numeric keypad and a gold-plated corrosion free USB connector for a reliable connection.
• PC GAMING KEYBOARD COMPATIBILTY: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, Limited Mac OS keyboard support

Features:

The Redragon K551 isn’t your average mechanical gaming keyboard. Not only is it a great choice for entering the World of Mechanical Keyboards , it’s also over-engineered and built to take a beating, it is loaded with features aircraft grade aluminium and ABS construction, plate mounted keys, double-shot injection moulded keycaps, high-end switches with mechanical ultra-last springs, crisp and bright adjustable RGB LED backlighting, a gold-plated USB connector for a reliable connection, and a splash-resistant design.

The Industrial Design of the Redragon K551 Mechanical Keyboard is not just nice to look at, it also has great ergonomics and a space saving design. No matter how long you type or how intense your gaming marathons are, you are always comfortable.

Furthermore, the keyboard features:

• Full Size keyboard with 104 standard keys, full numeric keypad
• All 104 keys are 100% conflict free, anti-ghosting
• Windows key lockout option.
• 12 Dual action Multimedia and “F” keys
• WIN key can be disabled for gaming
• Ultra-durable keys tested to 50 million keystrokes
• Actuation Force: 60g +/- 15g
• Keystroke Travel: 4.0mm +/- 0.2mm
• Keycap Puller Tool is included in case you need to clean the keyboard after long term use or simply want to switch out the caps to add a personal touch

While there are plenty of amazing pre-built mechanical keyboards on the market these days, it can be tough to find one with the perfect combination of switches, keycaps, case and electronics. The solution? Build your own. It’s much easier than it sounds. It just takes the right parts, a couple of tools and a relatively modest investment.

There’s nothing wrong with buying a fully-assembled keyboard from a brand-name manufacturer. There’s a chance that the perfect keyboard for you just happens to be made by Ducky or Filco, Coolermaster or Razer. I own keyboards from each of these companies, and I enjoy typing on each. But there’s something special about putting together a keyboard from parts, taking a pile of switches, a case, a printed circuit board and keycaps and creating a thing you can use every day.

The board I assembled for this project is exactly how I wanted it to be. Here’s how it all came together.

Parts

The PCB And Case

The PCB (printed circuit board) serves as the base for almost all keyboard builds (save the brave hand-wiring crowd). It’s what allows the signals from the switches soldered onto it to communicate with the computer. It really ties the whole thing together.

Some PCBs require a lot of extra toil to get into working condition. My first build, an ortholinear (keys are in line instead of staggered) split board called the “Let’s Split,” had me soldering on two controller chips, a pair of ports to connect the two halves, a whole bunch of resistors and then the key switches. From my second build, I went with something a little simpler.

Clueboard is a company that makes a damn fine keyboard kit. The fully-programmable PCB comes pre-soldered with resistors and controller, so all you have to add is the switches of your choice. It’s a 66 percent board, so it doesn’t take up a lot of room, while still featuring the all-important arrow keys.

The other cool thing about the Clueboard is the CNC aluminium case. If the PCB is the heart of the keyboard, the case is the foundation. A sturdy board is a steady board. Beyond weight, the materials of the case affect how your switches and caps feel and sound.

There are less expensive kits to start with, but this was my second build, so I thought what the hell? Though Clueboards are generally sold through group buy sites like Massdrop, the folks at the company were nice enough to let me buy one of the units they had made for demo purposes at full cost, tossing in the lighted accent kit for free.

Cost: $230

Switches

Which keyboard switches are right for you? The ones that feel the best. I’ve been in plenty of heated discussions about the merits of one color Cherry MX switch or the other, tactile versus linear, genuine versus clone. None of it matters. What does matter is how the switches you pick feel to you. To me, Zealios switches are damn near perfect.

Made by Gateron for ZealPC, Zealios switches, to me at least, are much smoother counterparts to Cherry’s tactile switches. Since I like a heavier switch, I ordered a bag of 70 78g Zealios directly from ZealPC .

Cost: $60

Keycaps

Keycaps are almost as important as switches when it comes to overall keyboard feel. Cheap, thin ABS plastic keycaps don’t sound the same as thick PBT plastic keycaps. Really tall, really thick PBT keycaps are just the best.

Seeing as I was already nearly $300 into the project, I decided to go big on the caps. As I was assembling my parts, Signature Plastics, one of the biggest names in the business, released a set of SA profile caps called “Grade.” SA are high-profile caps made of thick PBT, and I am really, really into them right now. Where many keysets stick to a basic color balance where the alphanumerics are one color and the function keys are another, Grade has a rather pleasing row-by-row gradient effect.

To cover the board I bought the tenkeyless set ($115), with an alternate set ($54) to help fill-in a couple of the board’s non-standard layout keys. Then I bought the rest, just in case.

Cost: We’ll call it $175

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are what keeps the longer keys on a keyboard from being all wobbly. They’re cheap little pieces of plastic that support the sides of those keys.

They are very important cheap little pieces of plastic. They’ll need a couple of tiny drops of silicon oil for lubrication purposes. In this case of the Cherry stabs I use here, many people recommend clipping them in order to make them feel less mushy.

Cost: $5 or so

Tools

Soldering Kit

Soldering is a lot easier than it looks. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. I only started earlier this year, and this board is only my third project. That’s counting the five dollar blinky-light learn-to-solder kit I purchased from Amazon.

The key to creating a solid solder joint is heating the wire and metal pad you want to join, and then melting the solder onto them. I learned that and more by watching a YouTube video.

There are better, more expensive kits than the one I used to build the Clueboard. There are also cheaper kits that don’t come with much more than a soldering iron and prayers. As long as you use them correctly, any of them work.

Magnifying Tool

If you are getting old and your vision is failing, get one of these. Maybe you can paint some miniatures while you are at it. Get back into Warhammer.

Snippers

Everybody needs a nice pair of sharp snippers. They’re great for clipping wires. They’re essentially for turning the PCB-mount switches I purchased into the plate-mount switches I needed, by simply snipping off the two additional feet. They are also great for opening packages and keeping your toenails trimmed.

Assembly

Before you begin, lay out all of the parts you’ll need to put together your keyboard. This helps you take a picture of all of the parts. If you play some hard-driving rock here it feels sort of like the weapons-gathering scene from an ‘80s action movie.

If you’ve got a PCB with pre-soldered components like the Clueboard’s, now is a good time to plug it in and make sure it works. If it’s got LEDs, they should light up. You can also use a piece of wire to jump the switch connections. I generally use a site called Keyboard Tester for these purposes.

The next step is mounting and lubing the stabilizers. Once assembled, the Cherry stabilizers for the Clueboard simply pop into place. If you’re going to apply lube, this would be the time to do it.

Some keyboards have switches that mount on the PCB directly, with a top plate that fits over them. In the case of the Clueboard, the top section of the case features spots for the switches to be snapped in.

The best way to proceed here is to place switches in the four corners of the top plate, then turn it over and place the PCB, aligning the switch pins with the corresponding holes on the board.

Regular price $69.90

Unit price / per

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Email

• Transparent Design\Fantasy Lighting Effect
• 4 Layers PMMA Organic Glass Material
• RGB Light Palette Setting\16M RGB Color LED
• CNC Cutting Technology
• 32K ROM Increase Storage Space\Saving Setting Function
• Anti Ghosting\NKRO
• Hot-Swappable Sockets(Gateron Switch)
• Fn Combination Keys
• USB 3.1\Type-C\Plug and Play

RETURNS POLICY

RETURNS POLICY

During COVID-19, If you do not receive the goods after 90 days, please contact us in time. We will contact the express company for you. If we confirm that the goods cannot arrive or are lost, we will refund to you.

If there is any defect or defect in the product you received, please contact us in time and attach video or picture description. After confirmation, we will send you a replacement product for free. Thank you for your understanding and support.

UPDATE – Since the COVID-19, the longest shipping time we encounter is over 140 days with free shipping. If you don’t receive the parcel after 140 days, please feel free to contact us for a solution (refund or reshipment). NOTE – the 140-day starter is from the day you have the tracking info, NOT from the day when you place the order.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

The specific characteristics of these switches can be found via internet search. Below is a generalization of the differences:

Red: Linear, no click, light force (Lightest switch, smooth key travel, no change as you press key)
Black: Linear, no click, medium force (Slightly stiffer than Red, also smooth key travel)
Brown: Tactile, no click, light force (Light switch, feel a bump as you press down, NO click sound)
Blue: Tactile, audible click, medium force (Similar to brown switch, adds audible click with bump)

Red and Black are linear switches. Keys simply move down when pressed, no bump, no extra sound made.The Black is heavier, and resists your fingers a little more than the Red. Actuation is the point when the key press is registered and transmitted to the computer. On a linear switch there is no feedback from the switch when this happens.

Linear switches like the Red and the Blacks are often marketed as “silent” switches. But still make a good amount of sound when you bottom out at the end of your keypress. Overall, the Blue switches make the most noise when in use – probably not the best for roommates who prefer quiet. You could look for the Redragon K596 keyboard, SURARA K582, SURARA K582 RED with red switches and SHRAPNEL K589, PARVATI K591 with low profile red switches.

The Blue switch sits at the other end of the spectrum. There is a light tactile snap, and an audible high pitched click when the key is pressed and actuation occurs. So you get both a feel and hear a click that reaffirms the keypress. To generate the bump and click, slightly more force is required to press this switch. For many people, the dual feedback is the main draw of the mechanical key switch.

The Brown switch is a middle ground switch. It has the tactile feedback that the actuation has occured via a bump like the Blue switch, but does not generate an audible click at the same time. It is also slightly lighter than the Blue switch. For many touch typists, this is the happy medium, it provides a nice light tactile feedback for the actuation that you can feel, but does not generate additional noise.You could look for Redragon DEVARAJAS K556, DEVARAJAS K556-RK and DITI K585 with Brown Switches.

Choosing the switch style is an entirely personal preference. For me, I wanted the tactile bump, as my first computer keyboard was an IBM Model M with buckling spring switches. I also don’t want a loud typing experience. So the Brown switches seem to offer the best compromise of the 4 styles. You can purchase a key switch sampler to try the different styles,

Regular price $61.90

Unit price / per

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Email

YC66 Kit(Not a programmable PCB)

• YC66=YC66 PCB+Acrylic Case (plate & case 2 in 1) + Plate Mounted Stabilizer+Type C Cable
• YC66 Kit1 = YC66 + Gateron Switch x70 (pls mark type for us: black / red / brown / clear / yellow /green / blue)

• 32 bit MCU
• Built-in 8M Flash
• 3 256*256*256LED driver chip supports 16.8Million colours LED(switch and side LEDs)
• Type-C USB cable
• Hot-pluggable connector
• ​Not a programmable PCB edition.
• PCB support plate mount stabilizer only.

RETURNS POLICY

RETURNS POLICY

During COVID-19, If you do not receive the goods after 90 days, please contact us in time. We will contact the express company for you. If we confirm that the goods cannot arrive or are lost, we will refund to you.

If there is any defect or defect in the product you received, please contact us in time and attach video or picture description. After confirmation, we will send you a replacement product for free. Thank you for your understanding and support.

UPDATE – Since the COVID-19, the longest shipping time we encounter is over 140 days with free shipping. If you don’t receive the parcel after 140 days, please feel free to contact us for a solution (refund or reshipment). NOTE – the 140-day starter is from the day you have the tracking info, NOT from the day when you place the order.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

Don’t panic! Mitigate the damage with these 8 do’s and don’ts.

Accidents happen. Whatever you were drinking, some of it ended up on your mechanical or membrane keyboard. Here’s what you need to do to prevent dead keys or an entirely dead keyboard.

DON’T: Put it in rice

A common belief has been to put wet technology into rice to get rid of the moisture – but you actually should not do that, as it just introduces moist starch particles to the mess.

DO: Unplug it ASAP

Unplug the USB it to cut the power (or remove the batteries if it’s a wireless keyboard).

DO: Flip it over

Prevent additional liquid from seeping down into the keyboard by flipping it over until the liquid stops dripping from it. Ideally, leave it flipped over for 24 hours to dry.

DON’T: Use a paper towel

Just like avoiding rice, avoid using paper towels, tissues, or anything that will introduce further dust and debris to your wet keyboard.

DO: Use a lint-free cloth

This will help avoid adding unneccesary dust and debris to the keyboard.

DO: Carefully disassemble the keys

If your keys are sticky or sticking after they’re dry, carefully remove the membrane or mechanical keycaps in and around the affected area. Use a keycap puller if you have one. Rinse any sticky keycaps with warm water or an alcohol swab. Be sure to take a picture or keep the keycaps in order, so you can easily reassemble them.

DO: Disassemble further if keys are still not working

If keys are acting up, you might need to unscrew your keyboard and try to dry out any moisture that seeped further in. If this still doesn’t work, you might be running out of options aside from taking it into a shop or replacing it entirely.

DO: Consider a water-resistant keyboard

If all else fails and your keyboard gets fried, all you can do now is ensure that you don’t make the same mistake twice.

An IP32 water-resistent keyboard like the Apex 3 or Apex 3 TKL has enclosed circuits and built-in drainage channels, so you can rest assured that a spill won’t end your keyboard ever again.

Read More

• The World’s Fastest Mechanical Switch
• What Are Adjustable Mechanical Switches?
• This New TKL Keyboard is Water-Resistant and Affordable

About Megan Thaler

When she’s not wreaking havoc as Techies in Dota 2, Megan dabbles in almost any PC game, most recently Overwatch, Hades, and Warzone.

Products In This Article

Apex 3 TKL – US

From the makers of the world’s best keyboard comes a full-fledged water-resistant TKL gaming keyboard with SteelSeries’ cutting-edge technology in a streamlined form factor.

Apex 3 US

The Apex 3 is a full-fledged water resistant gaming keyboard created by combining SteelSeries’ cutting-edge technology with a collection of gaming-focused features.

When we were invited to meet Cherry at CES 2020, we expected more news on the >100 million actuation rating for their popular MX switches. CORSAIR had broken the news, in a manner of speaking, when they used the new MX Brown and MX Speed (Silver) switches in their new K95 RGB Platinum XT keyboard, and Cherry confirmed to us that all currently produced MX Red, Brown, Black, and Speed (Silver) switches are now rated to this higher count (from 50 million before) with no loss in quality. This improvement comes in the form of an increased gliding surface area on the front side of the switch stem, in addition to having eight guide rails inside for added stability, which Cherry calls “Hyperglide”. The company claims to also have optimized the contact force for the gold cross-point contacts, which has now resulted in a reduced debounce rate of under 1 ms. They are working on having similar improvements done to their remaining MX switches, including the MX Blue.

What was unexpected, however, was them announcing a whole new mechanical switch series under the VIOLA name. Cherry is targeting the value-oriented keyboard market here (think well under $100) which tend to use adapted membrane switches to provide a tactile and clicky feedback under various names including mem-chanical, mechanical-like, and so on. The new VIOLA switch, which currently has a single linear switch member, is fully mechanical and uses a novel contact method that allows Cherry to get away with a lower price point. Read past the break for more on this.

Unless you own a high-end keyboard or a custom mechanical keyboard, chances are you might not be able to configure your current keyboard’s layout to your liking. Of course, for the most part, we imagine that many people are already satisfied with the way their keyboard has been laid out.

However, if you think that certain keys would be better placed elsewhere, or if you want to disable certain keys, you can actually do that. Unfortunately, there is no native way to remap or reassign keys in Windows, but our guide below will show you several different apps that might be worth checking out if you want to remap your keyboard or reassign several keys.

SharpKeys (Download)

One of the popular options when it comes to remapping your keyboard or reassigning keys is SharpKeys. The application itself is pretty simple and straightforward to use, where you can select keys and functions from a list that you want to remap. For example, if you want to launch an application like the calculator using a key, you select it from the list, assign the key, and you’re good to go.

Also, another thing to take note is that it will write to your computer’s registry, so if you’re not familiar or comfortable with that, you might want to seek out an alternative.

Keytweak (Download)

While SharpKeys is already pretty easy to use, Keytweak makes it even simpler by providing users with a virtual keyboard in which they can click on the key and then choose what they want to assign it to. There are several modes that users can choose from, such as a Full Teach Mode where you click the button and press the key and it will reassign it for you.

For example, some users might not have a need for a Caps Lock key, so they might want to reassign it to something else, such as Ctrl or Alt.

MapKeyboard (Download)

Similar to Keytweak, MapKeyboard is also another key remapper/key reassigner that comes with a very clean and simple interface to work with. It shows you a virtual keyboard on your screen, and all you need to do is click on the virtual keys, assign them to whatever else you want, and you’re good to go.

The UI will also highlight keys in green to indicate that they have been edited, and once you’re done editing, you’ll need to logoff your computer and relogin and you will be all set and the changes will take effect.

AutoHotKey (Download)

The software we listed above does a very good job of remapping or reassigning keys. However, if you need something a bit more complex and powerful, that’s where AutoHotKeys comes in handy. This is because with AutoHotKeys, with a little bit of time and learning, you can create scripts to run more complex actions.

For example, you can create macros with AutoHotKeys where with by pressing certain keys or shortcuts, you can type certain lines of text, run programs, batch files, and so on. You can even make shortcuts even shorter, where instead of pressing three keys, you can reduce it to two, and so on.

However, like we said, AutoHotKeys is a bit more complex and you will need to learn how to script it, but it can be a very powerful tool once you get the basics down.

Whether you’ve lost, broken or worn out a key or keycap on a keyboard you have a few options. The solutions range in price and difficulty, so we recommend checking out each section. However, if you already know which solution you’d like to go with, select it from the list below and follow the instructions.

• Online retailer
• Contacting the manufacturer
• Swap keyboard keys
• Contact local repair shop
• Replace worn key stickers

Online retailer

For the most part, the fastest and most efficient way to remedy the problem is to visit an online retailer. If you have a desktop, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to locate single keys and will probably need to replace it with a purchase from Amazon. For laptop computers, places like Laptop-keys.com have a very wide selection.

Contacting the manufacturer

In some instances, you can contact the keyboard manufacturer or, if it’s a laptop the laptop manufacturer for a replacement. Unfortunately, in almost all situations it’s necessary to replace the keyboard since most manufacturers do not have single keys available for purchase. However, many laptop companies offer keyboard key kits, which contain many of the parts necessary to fix their keyboards.

Swap keyboard keys

If the manufacturer does not have replacement keys or kits available, and there is a keyboard key that you don’t frequently use, consider swapping them it. You can exchange any two keys that are the same size. For example, if your “H” key were sticking or lost, you could replace it the Windows menu key.

Contact local repair shop

Local computer repair shops often replace and fix keyboards on laptops. They may have spare broken keyboards that they’d be willing to let you have or use for spare keys. Additionally, many keyboards and other spare parts are sold on eBay and other auction sites, check these pages for replacements.

If this is a laptop key, keycap, or key component, make sure you’re getting a key or keyboard that is compatible with your model of laptop. There are many different laptop keyboards and they are not all compatible.

Replace worn key stickers

If you need to replace a key because it’s worn out, consider purchasing a keyboard sticker set instead of replacing the key entirely.

Laptop keys are easy to replace

Did you know that single keys can be replaced? Just because your keyboard has a broken or missing key does not mean that you have to replace the entire keyboard. In fact, it is cheaper and faster to replace just the keys that are damaged. Many laptop repair professionals charge over $100 just because you have a damaged key. We provide a solution for under $5. Laptop-keys.com is a laptop keys replacement company. Our main offerings include: Apple replacement keys, Compaq laptop keys, Dell keys, Gateway keyboard keys, Toshiba keys replacements and many more!

We supply replacement laptop keys and laptop buttons. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and most the same day. Full laptop key replacement kit will include the following items: the key cap (button), rubber spring cup, plastic retainer clip, and a free video installation guide.

We offer free video illustrated guides to show you step by step how to replace your damaged or missing laptop keyboard key button. Simply click on the “Installation Guides” link at the bottom of the page and select your make, series and model to see the installation video that is right for you.

Laptop-keys.com is simply the best solution for your laptop replacement keyboard keys. We have the best prices, fastest shipping and top quality customer service. We offer replacement laptop keys for the following brands: Acer, Alienware, Apple, Asus, Compaq, Dell, eMachines, Fujitsu, Gateway, HP, IBM, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba. We are proud to offer First Class shipping all the way to Next Day Express if you need your keys fast. We also offer worldwide delivery to any country. We currently offer replacement keys for over 35,000 different laptop models and are expanding daily.

1) We offer a great selection of laptop replacement keys at a very reasonable price. In fact, our prices are lower than any of our competitors’ replacement laptop keys.

2) Our products are always top notch and original replacement laptop keys from the manufacturer, not cheap imitations or blank key caps.

3) We offer genuine, OEM laptop keyboard replacement keys for all major brands.

4) Our customer service is unrivalled and we have years of knowledge in the laptop key replacement industry.

5) We send out orders every day to make sure your order gets to your door as soon as possible. All key repair kits sent out same day if ordered before 2pm PST.

6) Fully narrated video installation instructions makes repairing your laptop keys so easy anyone can do it.

7) We offer THE MOST secure environment for online transactions. We are fully PCI certified/compliant, every page is secured with 2048 signature/256 bit SSL encryption and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Apple is finally taking some responsibility for the troubles assailing some MacBook and MacBook Pro owners with broken keyboards.

The company’s new “keyboard service program” pledges to replace individual keys and — whenever it’s necessary — entire keyboards on certain, more recent MacBook models. Although it’s not outright stated, the move almost certainly stems from troubles Apple has faced over a new keyboard design that was first introduced in 2015.

In its never-ending quest to deliver the thinnest possible laptop, Apple completely redesigned the MacBook keyboard in a 12-inch model that launched in 2015. The larger keys had less travel, and responded to light taps thanks to each key’s fragile “butterfly switches.”

While some embraced the alteration, which did indeed lead to a thinner laptop, there are those PC users that prefer the satisfying click of a mechanical keyboard. But the real trouble began when post-2015 MacBook users started running into technical issues.

Sometimes, keys would stop working completely; other times, too many characters would appear with each key press. An AppleInsider investigation published in April 2018 noted that MacBook Pro keyboard failures were happening roughly twice as often as they were in older models. (The investigation also noted that the 2017 model “is better, but not by much.”)

Just a couple weeks later, unhappy customers banded together to hit Apple with a class-action lawsuit over what the filing described as “defective” keyboards. It’s not clear how much of an impact all of this had on Apple’s decision to launch a repair program. Probably at least a little.

MacBook and MacBook Pro owners dealing with issues — which include, per Apple, “letters or characters repeat unexpectedly,” “letters or characters do not appear,” and “key(s) feel ‘sticky’ or do not respond in a consistent manner” — should reach out to Apple or an authorized service provider to make an appointment.

“The type of service will be determined after the keyboard is examined and may involve the replacement of one or more keys or the whole keyboard,” Apple notes. If any keyboard repairs are necessary, they’ll be provided at no cost. Though you might face some charges if your laptop is damaged in some other way to the point that it interferes with keyboard repairs.

Here’s a list of Apple-approved MacBook/MacBook Pro models covered under the service program:

MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)

MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)

MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)

MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)

MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)

MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)

Apple says it right there, at the end of this list: “No other Mac notebook models are part of this program.” Anyone who might have already paid for a repair that would now be covered for free can contact Apple about getting a refund.

Related Video: Huawei’s MateBook X Pro is a MacBook Pro killer

Many people need to remove a key to clean either the key itself or underneath the key. Cleaning under a key is often necessary when a drink spilled onto the keyboard, food crumbs are lodged under a key, or when it hasn’t been cleaned.

If you’re trying to remove a key from a laptop keyboard, see: How do I remove and replace a laptop key or keycap?

How to remove a key

Before removing any of the keyboard keys, unplug the keyboard from the computer or turn off the computer.

To remove a standard keyboard key, start by pressing down on the key in front of the key you want to remove. Insert a flat object below the key, such as a small flathead screwdriver or a car key, as shown in the picture. Once placed below the key, twist the flat object or push down until the key pops off. If you want to remove more than one key, repeat this process until all keys are removed.

We also suggest not removing the spacebar key unless absolutely necessary, because many keyboards use a retention spring that can be very difficult or impossible to put back into place.

Once the key is removed, you’ll notice the hair, dust, dirt, or food particles under the key if present, as shown in the picture. This substance can be removed with compressed air, a damp cloth, or cotton swabs.

If you’re removing the key because of a substance spill, clean and dry the bottom of the key, the keyboard, and the key shaft.

Once everything is clean, position the key back into the normal position by pressing down on the key until it snaps back into place.

Since 2012, Apple has developed two kinds of keyboards for its MacBook Pro and MacBook Air machines – one that uses butterfly switches and one that uses scissor switches.

Many people are aware of the problems with the butterfly keyboards that resulted in a huge recall program and many frustrated customers, but may still be confused by what exactly a butterfly keyboard is, how it’s different from a scissor switch keyboard, and why Apple elected to ditch the butterfly key mechanism to return to the tried and true scissor switch mechanism. This guide explains the differences between the two keyboard types.

How a Scissor Switch Keyboard Works

With a scissor switch keyboard, the keys are attached to the keyboard using two plastic pieces that interlock together in an X shape like a pair of scissors, hence the name.

The two pieces snap to the keyboard and the key, and when you press down, the two pieces close together like scissors. Scissor switch keys don’t have quite as much travel as some other key types, but there’s more travel than a butterfly keyboard because there’s more space when the scissor mechanism compresses.

How a Butterfly Switch Keyboard Works

The scissor switch keyboards have a scissor-like operating mechanism, while the butterfly keyboards use a mechanism that features components that work together like the wings on a butterfly rather than overlap.

The two halves of the butterfly switch attach to a hinge in the middle and when pressed, the two sides compress down in more of a V or U shape.

Apple swapped to a butterfly design for a thinner keyboard that allowed for thinner devices, but also advertised the butterfly keys as being more stable because of the way that a butterfly mechanism more evenly distributes applied pressure from a finger press.

Butterfly keys generally have less travel than scissor switch keys and there’s less squish and less movement, plus there’s a more space for debris to accumulate, which is what led to Apple’s issues.

Butterfly Keyboard Problems

The butterfly keyboard design, where the two halves of each keyboard switch attach to a middle hinge, allow a lot of space where dust, debris, and other particulates can accumulate, gunking up the mechanism and preventing it from working properly.

Apple attempted to improve the butterfly keyboard over the course of several years through various improvements such as the addition of membranes to block particulates, but no improvement method was successful.

So many people ended up running into problems with the butterfly keyboard that Apple implemented a recall program.

Mac Notebooks That Had Butterfly Keyboards

The first Mac with a butterfly keyboard was released in 2015, and the last Mac with a butterfly keyboard was released in 2019. A full list of of Mac models with butterfly keyboards is below, and all of these Macs are eligible for Apple’s butterfly keyboard repair program.

• MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)
• MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)
• MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)
• ‌MacBook Air‌ (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
• ‌MacBook Air‌ (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
• MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
• MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2018)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
• MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2019)

The repair program covers Macs for four years after the first retail sale of the machine.

Why Apple Ditched Butterfly Keyboards

There was a huge amount of criticism levied at Apple for its decision to continue using the butterfly keyboard for four years after people first started experiencing issues with the design, and dissatisfaction had ramped up to such a degree that there was no other choice for Apple but to adopt a new design.

Apple also had to implement a repair program for the butterfly keyboard that was undoubtedly expensive, another factor necessitating a switch to the more reliable scissor switch mechanism.

The New Scissor Switch Keyboards

Apple in the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the 2020 13-inch ‌MacBook Air‌ introduced a redesigned “Magic Keyboard” that uses a scissor switch mechanism instead of a butterfly mechanism.

Guide Feedback

Have a question about Apple’s butterfly or scissor switch keyboards, know of something we left out, or want to offer feedback? Send us an email here.

Mechanical keyboards are great, but once you’re hooked, there’s the issue of trying as many switches as possible in order to find your favorite. That could grow into an expensive hobby, but here’s where hot-swappable keyboards come to the rescue. Instead of shelling out cash for a new keyboard, just get switches you want to try out and plug them into your current slate. Hot-swappable keyboards are also great for experienced mechanical keyboard addicts who like to switch between different, well, switches but don’t want to swap the whole keyboard in the process. You can even use different switches for different keys, which can be helpful for users who spend most of their work writing.

Luckily, hot-swappable keyboards are available in most form factors, so you should be able to find a nice modular keyboard no matter which size you prefer. Also, since most modular keyboards use switches based on the Cherry MX design, they are compatible not only with a large number of different switches but also with most custom keycaps since those mostly use Cherry MX switch stems. The modularity, combined with compatibility with a wide range of switches and most aftermarket keycaps, make hot-swappable keyboards perfect for users who want a fully customizable mechanical keyboard. Today, we’re showing you the best hot-swappable keyboards you can buy right now.

The list doesn’t include keyboards that are a pain to find and buy, just models that can be easily found online. We have premium and budget models, wireless keyboards, as well as a couple of unique and quite interesting picks. If you’re just looking for a quality gaming keyboard, check our list of the best white gaming keyboards. If you’re interested in slim mechanical keyboards, we have a guide for the best low-profile mechanical keyboards. Finally, if you want to try a mechanical keyboard with a highly original design, read our Shurikey Gear Hanzo EC V2 review.

Cory Gunther has been writing about phones, Android, cars, and technology in general for over a decade. He’s a staff writer for Review Geek covering roundups, EVs, and news. He’s previously written for GottaBeMobile, SlashGear, AndroidCentral, and InputMag, and he’s written over 9,000 articles. Read more.

@xguntherc
Mar 29, 2022, 10:50 am EDT | 1 min read

T-Mobile is going for a home run again this year by offering its customers access to MLB.TV completely free. This way, fans can stream the entire 2022 MLB season and catch all the action. However, you only have one week to get it, so don’t delay.

Ahead of opening day on April 7th, the carrier allows customers on T-Mobile, Sprint, or Metro access to the MLB.TV streaming service (a $139 value) for free for the entire season. To get your streaming subscription pass, you need to download the T-Mobile Tuesdays app (iOS/Android) and redeem your one-year membership before April 12th.

To enjoy MLB.TV completely free, you’ll need to redeem the membership between Tuesday, April 5th at 5 AM ET through Tuesday, April 12th at 4:59 AM ET. During that week, open the app, log in, tap the MLB.TV offer and hit redeem. Then, make sure you click on “save” to get it. But, again, you only have one week to get this freebie, so do not wait.

Once you do that, create an MLB.com account if you don’t have one already with the link inside the T-Mobile free MLB.TV offer. Then, come April 7th, enjoy all the baseball you can handle on a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, game consoles, and more with the MLB.TV app.

The subscription gives you access to stream all out-of-market games and non-nationally televised regular-season games for any MLB team throughout the Major League Baseball season. This includes home and away broadcast feeds, pause or rewind, and even DVR recording, so you never miss a triple-play or no-hitter.

Additionally, fans can see live scores and stats, baseball docu-series, and replay select old games with their one-year subscription. Basically, this is an excellent deal that you’ll want to take advantage of. It’s regularly $139 per year, and thanks to T-Mobile, this is the seventh year we’re getting the freebie.

Again, you must redeem the offer between April 5th and April 12th at 4:59 AM ET. Get the T-Mobile app from our links below to get started.