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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: MrFex on Tue, 26 April 2016, 13:48:50

Title: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: MrFex on Tue, 26 April 2016, 13:48:50
Hi -

I wanted to see if I can replace the switches on a Cherry MX Red. It is supposed to be easy on this particular board because it was designed by community members for this exact purpose. For some reason though I cannot remove the switch. I've used some thin pliers to nudge the small tabs but the top of the switch seems stuck on the top part. I wonder if the LED is the culprit. Do you have any tips?

I really LOVE my Cherry MX Blacks and I wish I could replace these reds with blacks. The board is a KBT Vortex RACE. See picture
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: joey on Tue, 26 April 2016, 13:54:11
The LEDs stop the switch top being removed. You'd have to desolder and remove them.
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 26 April 2016, 13:55:33
Yes you definitely have to de-solder the LED light off.  However after that you should be able to pop the top casing off without de-soldering the switch.

:)


EDIT:  Other guy beat me to it.
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: merlin64 on Tue, 26 April 2016, 14:25:13
You can putting in sip sockets while you're at it. That way you can swap out the LEDs whenever you want. Just make sure the resistor values still work.
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 26 April 2016, 14:30:09
You can also clip the top of the switch housing where the LED is to allow the top to come off without desoldering next time.
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: MrFex on Tue, 26 April 2016, 16:54:01
Thanks for the replies. I was hoping I didn't have to solder, I'm afraid to damage it because I have very limited soldering skills. Ah well, maybe I'll change my mind. I know I will probably never find another Race, man I wish for more 75% next christmas  ^-^
Title: Re: Trouble changing Cherry MX switches on PCB mounted board
Post by: Anole on Tue, 26 April 2016, 19:37:16
Yup, those LEDs need to be desoldered  :(