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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: poonsmjj on Tue, 16 September 2008, 18:27:31

Title: removing key caps
Post by: poonsmjj on Tue, 16 September 2008, 18:27:31

Hi everyone,

what do you guys use for removing keys from your keyboard? It's such a PITA to remove my keys from this alps keyboard... I saw some of the members in the forum having a keycap puller thing - anywhere you can buy them (and have them shipped to Canada)?? Thank you!

Title: removing key caps
Post by: iMav on Tue, 16 September 2008, 19:00:16

To safely pull a keycap, use xsphat's two-paperclip method. Unbend two paperclips and make "hooks" out of them. Hook two opposite corners and pull straight up.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: bigpook on Tue, 16 September 2008, 19:06:29

Or you could be reckless like me, and use a small flat blade screw driver to pry them off.
It has worked well for me so far. However, YMMV. You may be better off follwing iMavs advice.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: poonsmjj on Tue, 16 September 2008, 19:07:33

darn so that's what i wasn't doing right... i only used one bent paper clip and my fingers... that eventually resorted to using a pair of scissors with tape wrapped around so i don't scratch the keys. thanks iMav

Quote from: iMav;8810

To safely pull a keycap, use xsphat's two-paperclip method. Unbend two paperclips and make "hooks" out of them. Hook two opposite corners and pull straight up.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: iMav on Tue, 16 September 2008, 19:12:41

Quote from: bigpook;8811

Or you could be reckless like me, and use a small flat blade screw driver to pry them off.

Ask ashort how well that method works.

;)

Title: removing key caps
Post by: bigpook on Tue, 16 September 2008, 19:25:08

I suppose it depends on the keys, the flat blade works well on the BS keyboards(those keyboards are tanks). I don't think I would try it on my HHKB though.....

well, then again, I am reckless, I was able to pry the right Fn key off. But the flat blade is less than optimal for that purpose. The paper clip method sounds like it would be safer.

Though on the BS keyboard the flat blade works fine for me....

Title: removing key caps
Post by: xsphat on Tue, 16 September 2008, 21:38:42

http://hooleon.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=KT-P

The one on the far right is the best option. I have the one in the middle, but it isn't so good for Topre switches and it sucks for Alps.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: lowpoly on Wed, 17 September 2008, 02:22:20

Alps keycaps usually have a tight fit. Wouldn't try a full keyboard without a decent keycap puller.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: poonsmjj on Wed, 17 September 2008, 21:08:32

thanks for the link xsphat. shiping isn't too bad if you're in the US but it's such a killer for Canada.... $20 for a little plastic thing with wires sticking out the end?!?!!?

Quote from: xsphat;8816

http://hooleon.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=KT-P

The one on the far right is the best option. I have the one in the middle, but it isn't so good for Topre switches and it sucks for Alps.

Title: removing key caps
Post by: xsphat on Wed, 17 September 2008, 23:56:53

Try ErgoCanada. They may be able to source you one.