geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dbme on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:25:53

Title: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: dbme on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:25:53

Hello,

One of my keys on a custom Max Nighthawk X9 keyboard has stopped working correctly and I am looking to replace the switch myself, this specific type of keyboard is one where the keys are individually lighted with LEDs. Unfortunately I have not been able to find information relating to the removal of individually lighted switches.  Does the LED itself have to be un-soldered first, then removed, followed by the switch itself, or is it possible to remove the switch without having to remove the LED first?

Thank you for your time.

Title: Re: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:29:23

You need to desolder the LED and switch, typically you then remove them together.  This is in case there's any slag on the LED leads that could get caught in the switch housing and cause difficulties.

Title: Re: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: dbme on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:31:59

Thank you for the timely reply :)

I can assume once both switch and LED are unsoldered and removed the LED is easily removable from the old switch and placed in the new one?

Title: Re: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: alaricljs on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:33:36

Yeah, you'll be able to check the bare leads for slag and remove it or straighten any bends.

Title: Re: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: dbme on Fri, 08 March 2013, 20:36:53

Awesome!

Thank you again for the information.

Party On

Title: Re: LED Cherry switch removal
Post by: kaiserreich on Sat, 09 March 2013, 09:40:37

I found LEDs removal to be harder due to the small through hole and residual solder in the holes.
Be very careful and use lots of flux. Otherwise, there is a risk that you may lift the pad.