The CORRECT way to replace the AEKII spacebar?

[linuxleah]

Been having the devil's own time re-seating the space bar on my Apple Extended Keyboard II (AEKII). I managed to get it done, but I'm pretty sure I'm not doing it the optimal way.

I've read https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/2mniaf/apple_extended_ii_space_bar_fail/ and the linked page at https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/key_removal_guides, but nobody seems to have posted a definitive start to finish guide (or, what would be even more handy, a video tutorial).

The problem I ran into is that it's exceptionally difficult (if not impossible) to re-seat both the metal support clip -and- the large plastic support pillar on the left in one go.

In the end, I ended up (after inserting the small black support clips at bottom left and bottom right) doing the large plastic support pillar first, then using the butt end of a tweezers, wedged under the spacebar, to shove the metal bar into the small support clips. But I don't think that's optimal... is it?

Can anyone here give an answer of the "best" way to seat these spacebars?

[fohat.digs]

For Alps space bars, I usually set the space bar in place, then use a small flat head screwdriver (flat side of the blade) to seat the wire down into the clips. it seems to be easy and straightforward enough. It is easier when the internal assembly is not in the case, but not usually worth taking out just to re-seat stabilizer wires.

[linuxleah]

Yeah, I also hit upon how much easier it is to do this when you remove the top case. Thank you!

[Sup]

I used to first clip in the stabs to the inserts on the plate and then with a screw driver pushed the Alps stem into the switch so i could slip the spacebar over the switch and bam lock it in. Always worked for me.

[fohat.digs]

I used to first clip in the stabs to the inserts on the plate and then with a screw driver pushed the Alps stem into the switch so i could slip the spacebar over the switch and bam lock it in. Always worked for me.

Whatever works. However, I always think of the switches and caps as the delicate and vulnerable parts, and stabilizer wires and clips as secondary.

[linuxleah]

Re: "I always think of the switches and caps as the delicate and vulnerable parts, and stabilizer wires and clips as secondary":

This makes intuitive sense, but one can readily obtain replacement Alps keyswitches and AEKII caps off eBay.

The wires and clips... not so much.

But I can be wrong!

[fohat.digs]

off eBay

not so much

Very specific minor parts have proven hard to procure in my experience.

That said, after a decade in the hobby, I have scavenged enough keyboards to have a box of spare parts.