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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Dr.Chipotle on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:39:30

Title: Changing switches?
Post by: Dr.Chipotle on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:39:30
Hello my geek hack friends, i was wondering if it would be possible to change my 2014 razer blackwidow switches and put in browns?
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: HPE1000 on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:40:07
Yes, you would need a soldering iron and everything but you could so it.
Title: .
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:44:04
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Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: epzy on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:45:22
You can do that, no problem, but if you decide to do that, please make sure to lube the switches properly with some chipotle sauce.
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: tjcaustin on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:45:52
You also made this same thread twice.
Title: .
Post by: esoomenona on Tue, 23 September 2014, 18:47:40
.
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: dorkvader on Tue, 23 September 2014, 23:56:56
you will need to desolder the old switches and then solder in replacement ones.

If you want help soldering, sourcing switches, desoldering, removing switches from the plate, etc. Please ask.
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: phoenix1234 on Wed, 24 September 2014, 00:18:06
Welcome to GH, the answer is Yes for your question.
They are interchangeable between Cherry MX and Razer switch (Kailth family).

Apart from what GHers already answered, I would like to add something.

To do that, you have 2 options.

If you want to do it on your own, you should have a basic soldering kit at least with :
+ soldering pump (to suck the old solder out)
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/edsyn-gh-ds017gh
+ a good soldering iron from Edsyn, Hakko, Goot ...
+ a soldering tip cleaner to clean the soldering iron
+ a small roll of good solder like Kester 44 63/37 Sn/Pb
+ a good electronics side-cutter pliers like this
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/larson-flush-cutter-small
+ a good electronics  long nose pliers
+ protection glass to protect the eyes while you are soldering or cutting the electronics legs

The 2nd option, the easier one is to ask for help here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=160.0

Good luck.
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: frosty on Wed, 24 September 2014, 02:37:28
As far as I know, the kailh switches on your BW2014 is a clone of cherry switches. So, it means that the pins of genuine cherry browns (or any other cherry switch) can fit the holes on the pcb.

So, to do this, get a soldering iron, a soldapullt, some wick or even better, a desoldering station, some solder and some time.

Open up the Blackwidow. There are screws hidden under the feet at the bottom of the case. Use something to pop the small tabs that hold the top case and bottom case open.

Next, unscrew the pcb+plate thing from the bottom case. Detach wire. Desolder switches and solder in new ones. Put case together. You're done :D
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: Dr.Chipotle on Thu, 25 September 2014, 18:30:52
I don't mean to be rude, but what is your question? Are you asking if it's possible? How to do it?

Im asking about both, and if there is a video on how to, could it possilby be shown?
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: Dr.Chipotle on Thu, 25 September 2014, 18:31:35
Welcome to GH, the answer is Yes for your question.
They are interchangeable between Cherry MX and Razer switch (Kailth family).

Apart from what GHers already answered, I would like to add something.

To do that, you have 2 options.

If you want to do it on your own, you should have a basic soldering kit at least with :
+ soldering pump (to suck the old solder out)
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/edsyn-gh-ds017gh
+ a good soldering iron from Edsyn, Hakko, Goot ...
+ a soldering tip cleaner to clean the soldering iron
+ a small roll of good solder like Kester 44 63/37 Sn/Pb
+ a good electronics side-cutter pliers like this
http://www.geekhackers.org/collections/soldering-tools-and-supplies/products/larson-flush-cutter-small
+ a good electronics  long nose pliers
+ protection glass to protect the eyes while you are soldering or cutting the electronics legs

The 2nd option, the easier one is to ask for help here:
http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=160.0

Good luck.

Thank you, also where could i get switches in a bundle?
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: phoenix1234 on Thu, 25 September 2014, 21:41:38
There are several places that you can acquire Cherry MX switches in bulk :

MK :
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=10
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=597

Lepold Korea:
http://leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1285820179

Indeed, the costs for doing this is not cheaper than buying a new Cherry MX keyboard one.
However, if you prefer doing it for fun, go for it and good luck with keyboard hacking  :thumb:.
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: Dr.Chipotle on Sat, 27 September 2014, 18:57:00
There are several places that you can acquire Cherry MX switches in bulk :

MK :
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=10
http://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=597

Lepold Korea:
http://leopold.co.kr/?doc=cart/item.php&it_id=1285820179

Indeed, the costs for doing this is not cheaper than buying a new Cherry MX keyboard one.
However, if you prefer doing it for fun, go for it and good luck with keyboard hacking  :thumb:.
well when i went to mk i just saw keybarods, not the actual switches, and the leopold in korea one and when i translate i saw 42,000 so i dont really know what to do
Title: Re: Changing switches?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 27 September 2014, 19:24:44
At mechanicalkeyboards.com look under accessories and then MX switches