So, you’ve taken the plunge and entered the wonderful world of mechanical keyboards. Welcome! Whether you’re a gamer, writer, or just someone who loves clicky keys, customizing your keyboard can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of the hobby.
From unique keycaps to smoother or quieter switches, changing up your keyboard can make it look cooler, feel better, and sound just the way you like. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn how to remove keys from a mechanical keyboard, how to remove mechanical keyboard switches, and how to make your keyboard truly your own.
Let’s dive in!
Why Customize Your Mechanical Keyboard?
Before you start pulling keys or swapping switches, you might wonder: “Why even do this?”
Here’s why:
- 🎨 Personal Aesthetics: You can give your keyboard a completely new look with cool colors or custom designs.
- 🎧 Sound Profile: You can make it quieter or give it that satisfying “thock” sound.
- ⌨️ Typing Feel: Want softer keys or more feedback when you press? Different switches do that.
- 🔧 Repairability: If a switch stops working, you can fix it without buying a whole new keyboard.
Customizing helps you make the keyboard perfect for you—and that’s awesome.
Getting Started: Tools You’ll Need
First, let’s get your keyboard toolkit ready. Here are the main tools you’ll want:
- Keycap puller – small tool to take off the keycaps
- Switch puller – helps remove switches if your board supports it
- Small flathead screwdriver – for tough keys or opening the case
- Tweezers – helpful for fiddly parts
- Small brush or compressed air – to clean up crumbs and dust
- Soldering kit – only for boards that are not hot-swappable
Now that you’ve got your tools, let’s begin!
How to Remove Keys from a Mechanical Keyboard
Whether you’re changing your keycaps for a new style or need to clean underneath the keys, knowing how to safely remove them is important.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- 🧼 Turn Off and Unplug Your Keyboard
This keeps everything safe while you work. - 🗝️ Use a Keycap Puller
- Hook the wire or prongs under the keycap.
- Pull straight up. The keycap should pop off without much force.
- Don’t twist or yank—this can damage the switch.
- 🖱️ Be Careful with Bigger Keys
Keys like the spacebar have extra pieces called stabilizers.
- Gently lift one side of the spacebar.
- Wiggle it softly until it comes loose.
- Don’t pull too hard—it can break the stabilizers.
- 🧽 Clean the Keyboard
Once the caps are off, use a brush or air to clean out dust and crumbs underneath.
🔁 Want to replace all your keycaps? Go row by row so you don’t get lost. Taking a photo first also helps you remember where the keys go.
👍 Done! Now you’re ready to swap keycaps or move on to switch changes.
How to Remove Mechanical Keyboard Switches
Next up: the switches under your keycaps—the heart of how your keyboard feels and sounds.
But first, ask this important question:
Is Your Keyboard Hot-Swappable?
- ✅ Yes? Lucky you! Just pop switches in and out—no soldering needed.
- ❌ No? You’ll need to unscrew and solder, which takes more time and care.
Let’s look at the easy way first.
Hot-Swappable Keyboard: Easy Switch Removal
Here’s how to remove switches from a hot-swappable keyboard:
- 👁️ Take Off the Keycap
Use the keycap puller to remove the cap and expose the switch. - 🔧 Use a Switch Puller
- Place the metal prongs of the switch puller around the top and bottom of the switch.
- Squeeze gently and pull up. The switch should come out easily.
- Don’t force it—you could bend the pins underneath.
- 👃 Clean the Empty Slot
Use a brush or air to clear any dust or pet hair. - ⌨️ Insert the New Switch
- Line up the two metal pins.
- Push straight down until it clicks into place.
- 🔄 Test It Out
Plug in your board and open a key tester website. Make sure the new key works!
That’s it! You just changed a switch like a pro.
Non-Hot-Swappable Boards: The Soldering Way
If your keyboard isn’t hot-swappable, it’s trickier. You’ll have to use a soldering iron.
⛑️ Warning: Only do this if you’re comfortable with electronics or have help from someone experienced.
Steps:
- 🧼 Get a Safe Work Space
Choose a clean, well-lit table and good ventilation. - 🔩 Open the Keyboard Case
Use your screwdriver to unscrew and open the case. - 🔌 Desolder the Old Switch
- Heat up each solder point with your soldering iron.
- Use a pump to suck away the melted solder.
- 🔓 Remove the Switch
Now you can pull the old switch out gently with your switch puller. - 🎯 Add the New Switch
Place it in and solder the pins back in place. - 🔍 Test the Switch
Always test it before putting the case back together.
🌟 Tip: Try this on a cheap practice board first!
Pro Tips for Easier Customizing
Want to level up your custom keyboard journey? Here are some smart tips:
- 📸 Take a Picture First
It helps you remember where each key goes later. - 🧃 Lube Your Switches
Lubing can make typing feel smoother and sound more satisfying. - 🎨 Get Creative with Colors
Mix and match keycap sets for a unique look. - ⚙️ Upgrade the Stabilizers
Want quieter or less wobbly big keys? Add improved stabilizers. - 🧠 Take Your Time
Don’t rush; enjoy the process and double-check as you go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to watch out for:
- ❌ Forgetting to check if your keyboard is hot-swappable
- ❌ Yanking keycaps too hard and breaking the stem
- ❌ Swapping switches without testing them later
- ❌ Losing screws or keycaps (use a small tray or container!)
Take care and you’ll avoid these easy-to-make errors.
What Can You Customize After Keycaps and Switches?
You’re just getting started! Here are even more things you can upgrade:
- 🛠️ Build a keyboard from scratch
- 🧪 Add foam inside for softer, quieter typing
- 🔆 Install RGB lighting and underglow
- 💾 Use software like VIA or QMK to program your layout
The keyboard community is full of fun projects and amazing ideas. Whether you’re watching YouTube tutorials or asking questions on Reddit (like r/MechanicalKeyboards), there’s always something new to try.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Perfect Keyboard
Customizing your mechanical keyboard is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to make your setup totally fit you. You’ll improve the way you type or game, enjoy a better sound, and create something that’s 100% yours.
Learning how to remove keys from a mechanical keyboard (and how to remove the switches too) opens the door to tons of fun gear upgrades.
So grab your tools, find your favorite switches, and dive into the world of custom keyboards. 🎉
🎯 Ready to start?
🔗 Check out our DIY keyboard upgrade kits, switch samplers, and custom keycap sets today. Build the keyboard you’ve always wanted!