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Hotswap.md

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Changing the switches

The keyboard has hotswap support via switch sockets allowing you to change out and replace the keyswitches with different ones as long as:

  1. The switches have the same pinspacing - for example Alps switches are not compatible
  2. The switches are plate mount. If you have PCB mount switches, you may, at your discretion, cut off the two small plastic pegs on the bottom of the switch to have them be the same as plate mount.
  3. The switches were not desoldered and/or were never soldered. This is due to desoldered pins having a coat of solder on them, which varies in thickness depending on desoldering quality. This additional thickness may damage the sockets or detach them from the circuit board due to the extra insertion force. If you are attempting to use desoldered switches, proceed at your own risk as this may void your warranty.

To replace the switches, use the following procedure:

  1. Remove the keycaps on the switches that you want to replace using the provided keycap puller.

  2. Using the provided switch removal tool, remove the switches from the switch plate by pushing the locking arms inward, then lifting the switch straight up. You can determine the sides with locking arms as the axis with the LED shine through hole. (Normally top and bottom of the switch relative to the board, unless they are mounted sideways).

    Be sure to press firmly into the switch from both sides to ensure the locking arms clear the plate. Otherwise, it will be difficult to remove the switch. Do not pull excessively hard or at an angle as it can damage the underlying socket or bend the pins. When in doubt, press those notches deeply into the switch and pull cleanly upwards. After a few removals, most hot-swap sockets (and switches) "break-in" and require less force.

switch-remover

  1. Ensure that the replacement switch has undamaged pins that are straight and not bent. Some switches have very soft pins that bend easily, so caution should be observed. If you insert the switch wrong, the pins can become bent. In this case simply rebend the pins as straight as possible using pliers or similar tool.
  2. Insert the new switch, positioning the switch pins to match the socket pins. Press straight down as to not bend the pins or damage the PCB on insertion. Ensure that all sides of the switch are firmly on the plate.
  3. Put the keycaps back on the replaced switches.

Note that the sockets are rated for 100 insertion cycles. While the sockets themselves may be replaced as well, the procedure requires good soldering skills and may void your warranty.