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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: LollyWater on Sun, 06 January 2013, 05:17:47
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After trying to set up a case swap and having no luck I'm considering buying a cheap unbranded Quickfire Rapid MX Blue (preferably used) and swapping out for Reds. I've heard platemonted switches take a bit of effort to get out so I don't expect to keep the MX Blues in tact but do you guys think this could be a solid idea and are there any guides for switch mods that you'd recommend? If not for shipping to Australia it would almost work out cheaper with 90 Reds for about $15.
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To remove plate-mounted switches all you have to do is desolder them from the PCB. It only takes three or so hours, and it's not very difficult at all.
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Great. No problems then.
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I would recommend a desoldering iron or desoldering bulb, also something to help pry off the switch as you are desoldering.
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If you've ever tried to desolder before, then you'd know it's probably worth that extra $15 to just get a CM quickfire that already comes with red switches. And you'll have to buy a desoldering iron to do the work, so that will cancel out any savings. If you're going to spend time to desolder, then might as well go with a more exotic switch you can't buy, like ergo-clears or at least add some lube to the switches. Lastly, a CM quickfire is not as newb-friendly to desolder compared to a Filco. The solder pads are only on one side and very thin, so there is a good chance you could wreck the pad/traces. All it takes is one bad switch and your board is ruined. If you're still determined to do it, this might be usefull:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ_2GxeR4Es (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ_2GxeR4Es)
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Interestingly my opinion is the opposite of WFD's. I find the easiest to desolder is a single sided board since there's less solder and it's all where you can see it and know that you got it all up with your sucker. You are also able to use almost any desolder tool adequately on a single sided board because of this. On the other hand if you aren't careful enough you can pull a trace more easily on a single sided board.
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My friend and I desolderd the switches on his QFR just a few days ago. It was the first time either of us had tried any soldering and it went quite well. The whole board works perfectly fine, and now his switches are lubed and amazing.
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Oops maybe I should clarify. The act of desoldering a single sided PCB is easier, but what I meant by "not as newb-friendly to desolder compared to a Filco" was that single-sided solder pads are more fragile and prone to being ruined compared to pads that go through the hole to the other side.
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WFD I just wanted to point out that when my friend and I desoldered his QFR we actually used one of your videos as a guide. So thank you. :D
I guess to sum up the entire discussion that took place here: It would be easy to desolder your board, but there's the risk of damaging it if you don't know what you're doing. If you don't want to take this risk you're better off just paying for a board that already features the switch you want.