Are the switches on a mechanical keyboard replaceable?

There Are Two Types of Mechanical Keyboard Switch Mounting

A characteristic of mechanical keyboards is that each key has its own switch. You might think that if each key has its own switch, you could repair the keyboard by simply replacing the faulty switch. However, this is not always so easy.

Generally, the switches of mechanical keyboards are soldered onto the circuit board on the base plate. In other words, "replacing a switch = soldering repair is required."

On the other hand, with the "hot-swappable" type of mechanical keyboards that have become more common recently, the mechanical switches are simply embedded into the base plate with 3 pins or 5 pins, so replacing switches is easy.

What is a hot-swap keyboard? A thorough explanation of its features, advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose one.

Among mechanical keyboards, the "hot swap" feature has attracted a lot of attention in the past few years. This section provides a thorough explanation of what hot-swapping is, its features, advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose one.

How to Check If It’s Soldered or Hot-Swappable?

So, how can you check whether a mechanical keyboard with a faulty switch is soldered or hot-swappable?

Basically, the best way is to check the specifications on the manufacturer's website to see if it supports hot-swapping. If

there are no specs or you can't confirm, try removing the keycap and check if the switch can be removed. Gently push up the switch plate with a flathead screwdriver; if it comes out, it's hot-swappable.

Also, with hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, a tool for removing switches is often included along with the keycap puller when you purchase the keyboard, so be sure to check the accessories as well.

Qisan Keycap Puller

 Amazon

 eBay

How to Repair a Non-Hot-Swappable Mechanical Keyboard?

Basically, it is best to request repair from the manufacturer. However, for products from Chinese manufacturers purchased online, repairs are generally not accepted, so you will need to either replace the keyboard or repair it yourself.

If you are going to repair a soldered mechanical keyboard yourself, you will need:

1. Soldering iron
2. Solder
3. Solder sucker
4. The same key switch

The soldering tools can be obtained anywhere, but the surprisingly troublesome part is the switch. Especially in the case of Chinese mechanical keyboards, the switches may be from unknown manufacturers and not sold individually, so the cost may be higher than expected.

Also, if an amateur tinkers with the circuit board using solder, there is a possibility of failure and damaging other keys as well, so if you decide to repair it yourself, you should do so with the mindset of "it’s already unusable, so it’s okay if it gets further damaged."

We have looked at whether the switches of mechanical keyboards can be replaced.

In conclusion, replacement is possible, but for non-hot-swappable mechanical keyboards, replacement is not possible, and self-repair is at your own risk.

Considering the hassle of repair, this might be a good opportunity to switch to a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.