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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: n707jt on Thu, 21 May 2015, 09:59:51

Title: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: n707jt on Thu, 21 May 2015, 09:59:51
Hi guys!

I am really new to the mechanical keyboard scene so I was hoping someone can help me out here.

I was trying to remove my ESC keycap when it seems that the entire switch stem and spring popped out together. I can't seem to find a way to install it back. I was wondering if anyone is able to guide me in installing the stem and spring so that my new ESC keycap can take its rightful place. I am using a Rosewill RK9000 V2.


Thanks so much!

(http://i529.photobucket.com/albums/dd337/n707jt/IMG_5324_zps8ubieg7j.jpg)

Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:04:21
Unfortunately that is a soldering job.
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: azhdar on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:08:36
Like absyrd said you'll have to desolder the switch.

Reason: you can't pop the top part of the switch to access the inner parts in a stock keyboard and so put the switch back together.

ps: you're missing the white slider of your mx blue.
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: user 18 on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:15:33
The white slider is still inside the switch housing. Pretty sure this means you need a new switch. And yes, you'll need to desolder the old one to get it out, or even get it apart enough to attempt repair.
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: Data on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:17:20
You'll want to replace the switch top anyway.  That one is pretty damaged.

And since you need to desolder for that, might as well replace the whole switch.  I see the white slider/follower bit down inside the switch there.  Sucks.   :-[
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:22:45
Every time I see this happen I feel terrible for the person. If only these companies weren't *******s and did mod friendly plates instead of making you buy new ****.

OP... Are you in RMA window? If not, and you can luckily find someone to do 1 switch for free, are you gonna pay $35 shipping min to get it done??
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: n707jt on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:39:53
The keyboard is still under warranty so I guess I will do an RMA.

Just wondering if they would cover this though.
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:40:56
The keyboard is still under warranty so I guess I will do an RMA.

Just wondering if they would cover this though.

They should. Stock key caps?
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: n707jt on Thu, 21 May 2015, 10:55:42
The keyboard is still under warranty so I guess I will do an RMA.

Just wondering if they would cover this though.

They should. Stock key caps?

Yup stock keycaps! I would have thought they would not cover modifications (or attempts...) haha!
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: maddingo on Thu, 21 May 2015, 12:33:48
so ... what would have caused something like this to happen in the first place... ???

mostly because I want to avoid doing this if possible... (not at all saying the OP is doing something wrong ..honestly i have no idea) ... I have a wire keycap puller that came with my WASD V1 i have never really had any issues pulling keycaps (don't do it very often myself.) but is there stuff to do or to avoid to help reduce the chance of a failure like this?

or is it just a bad / defective switch that he was just unfortunate enough to end up with on his board?
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: chyros on Thu, 21 May 2015, 12:51:46
The switch tops on Cherry switches are very weak and easily deformed. It would appear that you pulled the slider hard enough to form an opening through which the retaining part of the slider could fit. Even if you could put it back together, the switch would be liable to falling apart. As such, like the others said, a replacement switch would be the best option.
Title: Re: How to reinstall switch stem and spring
Post by: absyrd on Thu, 21 May 2015, 13:22:47
The keyboard is still under warranty so I guess I will do an RMA.

Just wondering if they would cover this though.

They should. Stock key caps?

Yup stock keycaps! I would have thought they would not cover modifications (or attempts...) haha!

The keycaps are removable. It is a feature of the board. Did it come with a keycap puller? What did you use to pull it?

You can just say you were trying to clean the plate of a booger under the cap. Anything. It just shouldn't happen even with uneven force.

Again, if you can't RMA, you'll be lucky to get away with paying $35-40 shipping (with a nice gesture from someone on GH that solders) to have it fixed.