Switch Spring Mods

[esko997]

Sorry if this is a stupid question,

I was thinking about maybe swapping springs on one of my boards, and originally thought I would have to desolder the switches from the board completely and then do modifications, but upon further inspection it looks like I might be able to do this without removing the switches.

Just wanted to ask if this was a bad idea and I should definitely just remove the switches, or is this fine to do.

Thanks for the help,

Esko997

[Sifo]

Depends on the plate your keyboard has... if it's a stock plate then 100% you have to desolder in order to open the switch tops without damaging it. Certain custom boards and custom plates have notches that allow for that, but unless you do have one take out the switches son.

[Defect]

Looking at your sig:

Keyboards:
CM Quickfire Stealth w. Cherry MX Greens | Noppoo Choc Mini w. Cherry MX Blacks | Poker II w. Cherry MX Blues | PLU-ML 87 w. Ergo Clears | Filco Majestouch Tenkey Pad w. Cherry MX Browns

I believe all of those would require full desoldering to modify switches.  Unless you have a custom plate installed on one of them.

[esko997]

Looking at your sig:

Keyboards:
CM Quickfire Stealth w. Cherry MX Greens | Noppoo Choc Mini w. Cherry MX Blacks | Poker II w. Cherry MX Blues | PLU-ML 87 w. Ergo Clears | Filco Majestouch Tenkey Pad w. Cherry MX Browns

I believe all of those would require full desoldering to modify switches.  Unless you have a custom plate installed on one of them.

Depends on the plate your keyboard has... if it's a stock plate then 100% you have to desolder in order to open the switch tops without damaging it. Certain custom boards and custom plates have notches that allow for that, but unless you do have one take out the switches son.

Thanks for the responses -- definitely stock plates, so looks like im going to have to learn to solder   

[Defect]

Looking at your sig:

Keyboards:
CM Quickfire Stealth w. Cherry MX Greens | Noppoo Choc Mini w. Cherry MX Blacks | Poker II w. Cherry MX Blues | PLU-ML 87 w. Ergo Clears | Filco Majestouch Tenkey Pad w. Cherry MX Browns

I believe all of those would require full desoldering to modify switches.  Unless you have a custom plate installed on one of them.

Depends on the plate your keyboard has... if it's a stock plate then 100% you have to desolder in order to open the switch tops without damaging it. Certain custom boards and custom plates have notches that allow for that, but unless you do have one take out the switches son.

Thanks for the responses -- definitely stock plates, so looks like im going to have to learn to solder   

Get a solder sucker, or if you go with a wick get a good one.  I had MUCH MUCH MUCH better luck with a $5 sucker.  Doin't go cheap on the iron though.  Cheap wicks don't do anything and you'll just end up frustrated and with a burnt pcb (pcb may have SOME stab wounds...*cough*)

[iLLucionist]

I read that it's important to have a solder iron with a thermostat or temperature regulator indeed as suggested to prevent burning the PCB. Out of curiosity I googled some pics.. Man, burned PCBs look terrible.