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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: sneakyfox on Thu, 08 April 2021, 09:53:43

Title: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: sneakyfox on Thu, 08 April 2021, 09:53:43

I've seen mentioned in a couple of place now that one has to be very careful when removing keycaps on Varmilo keyboards because the switches break easily.

Is this a general issue or have there just been a few unfortunate examples?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: HungerMechanic on Thu, 08 April 2021, 12:20:26

This might have been an issue with a bad run of Gaterons a few years back. They no longer use Gaterons.

I can't imagine Varmilo using sub-par genuine Cherry switches. Unless there's an issue with how tight those switches are in Varmilo's iron plates.

I haven't heard of recent issues of switches breaking in Varmilo keyboards.

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: Sup on Thu, 08 April 2021, 17:02:57

I got a Varmilo TKL. The stock key-caps are very thigh on the stem of the switches. You have to be careful and pull at the right angle then you will be fine.

I would watch out for Varmilo keyboards with MX Clears since those stems are even tighter, so you have to be even more careful. 

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 08 April 2021, 22:23:28

It's been hinted at even before Gateron was making switches.
If you use a proper keycap tool odds of breaking a stem are really slim, where people go wrong is prying them off sideways and working with old keyboards.

That said though, I've done it many times without issue but I've also seen posts where people have broken them, your results may vary. Some stems are tighter, some caps are tighter, the more straight up you pull the less chance of problems, but you can't account for manufacturing defects or damage to stems you're unaware of (shipping damage, prior owners, etc...).

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: HungerMechanic on Fri, 09 April 2021, 10:32:07

It's true about the MX Clears. They are tighter on keycap stems. I just pulled out a stabilizer insert when removing a thick PBT keycap from a stabilized MX Clear key.

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: sneakyfox on Mon, 12 April 2021, 02:59:56

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds like it's not particularly a Varmilo issue, even if they can be a bit tight, but more of a general thing with certain switches, which can be handled if one is careful when pulling off the keycaps.

That's very good to know, thank you!

Title: Re: Varmilo: are switches prone to break when removing keycaps?
Post by: DELLA KEY on Mon, 12 April 2021, 21:15:49

I broke the keycap more often than the usual switch. Especially with Artisan products, you need to be very careful.