geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:01:52

Title: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:01:52

If I had a Poker with switches I didn't like, how would I get different switches and swap them?

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:03:45

Quote from: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:01:52

If I had a Poker with switches I didn't like, how would I get different switches and swap them?

The first generation poker that's PCB mounted you just remove the switch tops and you can put in different stems and springs.

I'm on my phone but you can see some switch replacement action in Mooses mod thread, also in captains spring swap thread.

There is also a video out there.

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:07:40

Look in the thread I told you of, and you can see exactly how. XD

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:08:13

How do I remove the switch tops?  I don't have any special tools for that, just a ton of pliers and screwdrivers.  Where is a good place to buy switch parts from?

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:11:40

You could do it with some smaller screwdrivers. Buying switch parts? The best place is right here, of course. Start a WTB thread. You should find Black stems easily enough.

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:13:46

I have vintage blacks, but they're plate mount and I think I'd have to desolder those, right?

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:15:33

If they're attached to a plate mount board, then yes.

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:18:45

Quote from: esoomenona on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:15:33

If they're attached to a plate mount board, then yes.

Time to buy that desoldering equipment I wanted  ^-^

Though it would be a shame to ruin a $30 board.  :-[

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:54:56

You can get some black switches for cheap from whiskytango.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45679.0

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: PointyFox on Thu, 18 July 2013, 21:12:30

Quote from: SpAmRaY on Thu, 18 July 2013, 20:54:56

You can get some black switches for cheap from whiskytango.

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=45679.0

Looks like he has only plate mount?

Title: Re: How to swap PCB mount switches
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 18 July 2013, 21:14:37

Plate mount is fine. All you need are the springs and stems. You open all the switches on the board, and all the switches you buy, replace the springs and stems, and close them back up.