In this post, I will provide a complete guide on How to Open Mechanical Keyboard Switch. There are several methods you can do to open a mechanical switch such as using a switch opener or using a screwdriver.
Also pay attention to the type of switch whether it is Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, or Outemu. Because in some cases, different brands of switches have different mechanisms to open them. For more details, we will explain in detail below.
Let’s get started!
Determine Switch Type: Cherry MX Style or Kailh Style
Important Notes!
- To open Cherry MX, Outemu, and Gateron Switch can use the same Switch opener
- The Kailh switch has a different hook design so it uses a different opener switch with Cherry MX, Outemu, and also Gateron.
You should identify the sort of switch you have before disassembling yours. Four clips will hold a Cherry MX style switch together, however only two clips will hold a Kailh style switch together. This distinction is crucial since the Kailh style switch requires a different switch opener tool and is significantly more challenging to open.
The switch will often be in the Cherry style if it is not from Kailh. The best approach to determine the sort of switch you have is to personally inspect it. Both switch types can be disassembled with a screwdriver, however the Kailh switch will take significantly more time and effort.
If you use a switch opener, make sure it is compatible with that particular type of switch (shown below).
How to Open Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard Switch (This can also be done on Gateron and Outemu Switch)
1. How to Open Cherry MX Switch Using Switch Metal Extractor Opener
Step 1: Insert the metal extractor switch into the two hook holes in the upper housing.
Step 2: Gently press the two metal extractor switch levers while gently pulling the lower housing switch. Until you hear a “thick” sound indicating that the cherry mx switch is open.
You successfully opened the cherry mx switch, congrats!
2. How to Open Cherry MX Switch Using a Plier or a Screwdriver
Currently, I am using a ruler to open the Cherry MX Switch. Whatever tool can be used to pry and fit into the hook between the lower housing and upper housing can be used to open the Cherry MX Switch.
Step 1: On the Cherry MX Switch, there are 4 hooks between the upper housing and lower housing. Pry each hook until it detaches from the hook on the lower housing as shown below:
Step 2: After you make sure all 4 latches are released, pull the lower housing of the Cherry MX switch and the switch will open.
You successfully opened the cherry mx switch, congrats!
3. How to Open Cherry MX Switch Using Switch Opener
Step 1: Place the cherry switch on the switch opener with the stem side facing up in step one. The switch opener’s pegs and the switch’s clips should line up.
Step 2: The cherry mx switch must now be pressed down while it is sitting on the opener. Simple as pie, the switch will pop open and be ready to use. Make sure the switch is properly aligned on the opener if the switch won’t open.
You successfully opened the cherry mx switch, congrats!
How to Open Kailh Mechanical Keyboard Switch
Note: The Kailh has a different latch design than the Cherry MX, so the way it opens is a bit different too.
1. How to Open Kailh Mechanical Keyboard Switch Using Kailh Switch Opener
Step 1: Place the kailh switch on the switch opener. Make sure the upper housing hook is aligned with the kailh switch opener as shown below:
Step 2: Press the Kailh Switch a little bit hard until you hear a “thick” sound. and the upper housing will be separated from the lower housing switch which indicates that you have successfully opened the kailh switch.
Congrats! you have successfully opened the kailh switch using the switch opener.
2. How to Open Kailh Mechanical Keyboard Switch Using a Plier or a Screwdriver
Step 1: Insert the scribe into the hook between the upper housing and lower housing of the kailh switch as shown below:
Step 2: Push while prying the kalih switch latch until it separates from the lower housing. It requires a bit of a bit of a push when prying the hook.
Congrats! you have successfully opened the kailh switch.
Why Open/Disassemble The Mechanical Switch?
- To Lubricate the switches.
- To Install The switch film
- Fix a faulty switch
- Spring replacement
- Get your Curiosity Sated
You might want to disassemble your keyboard switch for a variety of reasons. You must disassemble your keyboard in order to install some of the best keyboard mods. Learning how to disassemble a switch can be really helpful, whether you want to install switch film or lubricate your switches.
Not to mention that a switch can be repaired by disassembling it, looking into the potential problem, and then rapidly rectifying it. If you’re really crazy, you could create your own frankenswitch by stealing components from other switches to create a really one-of-a-kind switch.
Or perhaps you’re just curious about how switches function and want to disassemble them to see how everything operates. Whatever the case, we’ll show you step-by-step how to completely disassemble a switch.
How to Remove the Switch from Your Keyboard
You’ll need to take the switches out of your keyboard in order to disassemble them unless you got them in a separate bag. You must first remove your keycaps, remove all of the screws holding your keyboard together, and then de-solder the switches from the PCB in order to remove them from the keyboard. Because doing this can be fairly challenging, we’ve included a guide below.
A switch puller makes it simple to remove the switches from a hot-swappable keyboard. Simply remove the keycaps and use the switch puller to remove the switches. Switch removal can be a simple and time-saving with a keyboard that can be hot-swapped.
So, How to Open Mechanical Keyboard Switch?
There are several approaches you can take to taking a switch, but they all depend on the kind of switch you have and the equipment you have at hand. Since it won’t be worthwhile to order a specialist tool for a few switches, we advise using a screwdriver if you only intend to disassemble a few switches. It can be wise to acquire a switch opener online if you intend to disassemble all of your switches in order to avoid the time and aggravation of prying them apart with a screwdriver.
