Mechanical keyboards are known for their satisfying feel, cool sounds, and long-lasting performance. Whether you’re a gamer, writer, or just someone who enjoys typing, you might eventually want to change your keyboard switches. Maybe one key has stopped working—or maybe you just want to try something new.
Good news! You don’t need to be an expert to remove and replace mechanical switches. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, anyone can do it—even if you’re just starting out.
In this simple, beginner-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to remove mechanical keyboard switches and install new ones, step by step.
Let’s get started!
Why Replace Mechanical Switches?
Wondering why you’d want to change your keyboard switches in the first place? There are plenty of good reasons!
- 💥 A switch is broken or acting weird (like double-typing or not responding)
- ✋ You don’t like how the keys feel or sound
- 🎨 You want to customize your keyboard to match your preferences
- 💼 You’re upgrading to better or quieter switches
- 🧼 You’re deep cleaning your keyboard (goodbye, crumbs!)
Even if just one switch is acting up, you don’t have to buy a new keyboard—just replace the bad switch!
What You’ll Need (Tools & Preparation)
Before you start, make sure your keyboard is unplugged and you have the right tools. There are two types of keyboards: hot-swappable and soldered.
🛠️ Read below to find out which type you have and what tools you’ll need.
For Hot-Swappable Keyboards
Hot-swappable boards are the easiest to work with. You don’t need to solder anything!
You’ll need:
- Keycap puller (usually shaped like a small wire loop)
- Switch puller (metal clip or tweezers)
- New switches
- Optional: compressed air or soft brush to clean dust
🛑 Safety Note: Always unplug your keyboard before working on it!
For Soldered Keyboards
These take a little more work and require some tools and careful handling.
You’ll need:
- Keycap puller
- Soldering iron
- Solder sucker (to remove old solder)
- Desoldering wick (optional but helpful)
- Switch puller
- Safety glasses (yes, seriously!)
- Clean workspace
⚠️ Be patient if you’re new to soldering. Take your time and protect your eyes and hands. Better safe than sorry!
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Mechanical Keyboard Switches
🔧 The first steps are the same for both kinds of keyboards.
Step 1: Remove the Keycaps
- Use your keycap puller to gently grab the sides of each keycap.
- Pull up slowly. Don’t twist or yank hard.
- Place the removed keycaps in a bowl or tray so you don’t lose them.
Now you can see the mechanical switches underneath.
Step 2: Decide Which Switches to Replace
Take a close look at the switches. Are some not working? Do you want to replace them all for a new feel or sound?
Check each one—and plan ahead!
Step 3: Remove the Switches
🖐️ Here’s the most important part: how to remove mechanical keyboard switches.
For Hot-Swappable Keyboards
- Grab the switch firmly with your switch puller.
- Gently wiggle and pull straight up.
- The switch should come out clean.
🎯 Tip: Pull straight. Don’t twist or you might bend or damage the socket.
For Soldered Keyboards
This takes more steps:
- Turn your keyboard over and find the switch pins on the bottom of the circuit board (called the PCB).
- Heat each pin for a few seconds with your soldering iron.
- Use your solder sucker or wick to remove the melted solder from each pin.
- Once the solder is gone, flip the keyboard right-side-up.
- Use your switch puller to carefully lift the switch from the top.
🔌 Make sure both pins are free before trying to remove the switch, or you could damage your board.
Step-by-Step: How to Replace Keyboard Switches
Replacing the mechanical switches is a breeze after you remove the old ones.
Step 1: Push in the New Switch
- Make sure your new switch is facing the right direction (check the pins).
- Line up the pins with the holes in the plate and PCB.
- Press the switch straight down until it clicks into place.
⛔ If it doesn’t go in easily, stop and double-check the alignment. Never force it!
Step 2 (Only for Soldered Boards): Solder the Pins
- Turn your board over again
- Heat up each switch pin and add a drop of fresh solder
- Make sure the solder joint is shiny and firm
💡 Pro Tip: You only need a tiny amount of solder—don’t glob it on!
Step 3: Reattach Keycaps
- Press each keycap back onto the switches
- Double-check that each cap is on straight and the right way around
🎉 You made it! Now let’s test your new switches.
Test Your Keyboard
Plug your keyboard back in and test it out! Try:
- Online keyboard testers (just Google “keyboard tester”)
- Typing in a document
- Playing your favorite game
Check that:
- Every key works
- No keys feel weird or stuck
- The sound is normal (no rattle or popping)
✅ If everything is working well—great job!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with simple steps, a few things can go wrong. Here’s what NOT to do:
- Rushing the switch removal—you might break something
- Not unplugging the keyboard—could cause a short or zap
- Forcing a switch into the socket
- Bending the switch pins
- Forgetting to test before putting all the caps back on
Be careful and take your time!
Hot-Swappable vs. Soldered Keyboards
Which type is better? Here’s a quick look:
| Feature | Hot-Swappable | Soldered |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to Replace | ✅ Yes – swap switches in seconds | ❌ No – requires desoldering and tools |
| Beginner-Friendly | ✅ Absolutely – no technical skills needed | ❌ Not really – advanced repair/modding only |
| Switch Variety | ⚠️ Limited to compatible switch types | ✅ Can use any switch (once soldered) |
| Great for… | Beginners, daily users, light tinkerers | Custom builds, enthusiasts, pros |
✅ Summary:
- Hot-Swappable Keyboards:
- 🔧 Perfect for trying different switches without commitment.
- 🛠️ No soldering required — ideal for beginners or those who want easy maintenance.
- Soldered Keyboards:
- 💪 More durable long-term if built well.
- 🎯 Full freedom in switch choice during build — preferred by custom keyboard builders.
📌 Recommendation:
- 👉 New to mechanical keyboards? → Go hot-swappable.
- 🛠️ Building a custom board or know your switches? → Soldered offers flexibility and cleaner production.
If you’re new to customizing keyboards, a hot-swappable keyboard is the best choice. Easy in, easy out!
Choosing New Mechanical Switches
There are tons of switches out there—here’s a quick review:
- 🔵 Tactile switches (like MX Brown): gentle bump, quiet, great for typing
- 🔴 Linear switches (like Gateron Red): smooth, great for gaming
- ⚪ Clicky switches (like Box White): loud + clicky, fun to type
Try a few kinds before picking a favorite. Most switches are made in standard sizes, so you can mix and match if you like.
Popular switch brands include:
- Cherry MX
- Gateron
- Kailh
- Akko
- Outemu
Remember: It’s all about what feels and sounds right to YOU.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Keyboard Truly Yours
Now you know how to remove mechanical keyboard switches and replace keyboard switches like a pro—even if you’re just getting started. Whether you want to fix a problem, explore new switch types, or just make your keyboard more fun, you’ve got the tools and knowledge to do it.
So go ahead—take control of your keyboard experience and make it totally your own. 🎮⌨️🎉
Happy typing!