Changing Cherry MX Switch type on Filco Majestouch 2

[demsix]

Hi,

Is it possible to change the switch types on a Filco Majestouch Ninja 2? I've searched around on Google and the forums but haven't found any luck. Currently using browns but just want my escape key as a blue switch.

What are the dangers? Is it easy or do I risk wrecking my keyboard?

[Autolyze]

It's very possible! Easy is kind of a relative term though. You have to desolder the switch from the PCB and then solder on the new switch, since you can't just pop the top of the switch housing off when dealing with plate-mounted switches. You're unlikely to kill your keyboard, but it is technically a possibility if you're really careless.

[demsix]

I found this

It looks like you can do it without soldering

[tp4tissue]

Hi,

Is it possible to change the switch types on a Filco Majestouch Ninja 2? I've searched around on Google and the forums but haven't found any luck. Currently using browns but just want my escape key as a blue switch.

What are the dangers? Is it easy or do I risk wrecking my keyboard?

It's gonna take a while, really really tedious work,, that's why they can only make these things in China.  I wouldn't bother, just sell your old board here, and buy a new board...

[Saviant]

Sure it can be done. The problem is the double sided board does make it harder. I just tried on mine and the first switch was a pain to desolder but the next few were easy and then a few more were a pain again. A couple weeks ago I desoldered the switch of a Cm Storm and they were extremely easy took about 2 - 3 hours to completely replace.

[TheProfosist]

I comes down to what u want to do and wether you can or want to do it. If you dont. Get a hold of me

[limmy]

Also, if the solder used is not lead, e.g. ROHS compliance, it is going to require soldering iron with more power.

I am using 40W iron from Weller, and it works fine. But with more power, it is easier to ruin your PCB by overheating the joint.

For desoldering, I am using Radioshack 45W desoldering iron. It is a soldering iron with attached bulb for suction. I prefer this tool over solder wick, because the solder wick never worked for me. I tried the wick with and without liquid flux, it didn't really work for me. Maybe I should have used flux paste, but since I have a working tool I like, so I didn't investigate it further.

I think it would be wise to get a proper tool, because I have failed trying to fix things cheap. I tried cheap ebay soldering iron which died on me after couple of minutes. I tried other cheap iron and the tip oxidized and didn't hold any solder.

So, if you are not going to spend significant amount of money on tools, I think it would be wise not to start. Because if you start with cheap tools, it is likely that you would end up spending more money to correct what you have started.