There are situations in which you need to disassemble the keyboard, be it to clean it, adjust the tenting kit or perform a repair.
Dygma keyboards are designed to be easy to open and repair. You only need a screwdriver, a keycap and switch puller and our step-by-step guides.
How to open the Dygma Defy
How to Open the Dygma Raise 2
How to open the Dygma Raise
Step-by-step guide
- Prepare for the operation. You'll need the following tools: a keycap/switch puller and an M2 Phillips screwdriver. We also recommend clearing some space and having an ample work surface.
- Take out the palm pads. It will make it easier to handle the keyboard.
- Remove the keycaps and switches. We strongly suggest leaving the keycaps in the same arrangement after pulling them out. It will save a lot of time when you have to mount them again.
Regarding the switches, remember that regular switches have to be clamped in the North-South direction, whereas the low-profile switches have to be clamped in the East-West direction. Ensure you have the switch under a firm grip before pulling, and store it in a container to keep things tidy. - Turn the keyboard upside down and unscrew the base. All the screws are visible; none is hidden under the rubber feet. To perform this step, make sure you rest the metal plate on a cloth or a mouse pad to prevent scratches.
- Separate the top from the bottom panel with care. For wireless keyboards, a cable connects the RF PCB and the key scanner. Disconnect the cable from either end, but we recommend doing it from the key scanner's end. Pull the black plastic piece at the holder, and the cable will come off.
- Let's start with the bottom half; you can find the hinges that hold the tenting legs, the underglow, the RF PCB, and the battery in wireless keyboards. You can disconnect the battery by gently pulling the cable upwards.
You can remove and replace the RF PCB or the underglow by unscrewing them.
Keep the screws separate because they do not have the same size as others. - The main key scanner is attached to the top panel. To remove it, unscrew it and watch for the USB-C connector. It's fitted into the metal frame, which may bend if pulled out incorrectly. You will also be able to access the dampening foam and the stabilizers that hold the larger keys.
- To rebuild the keyboard, make sure the electronics are correctly attached to their respective half, connect the PCBs if needed, and close and screw the case.
What to do if you strip a screw head
First thing, I would recommend finding another screwdriver with an M3 screw tip. With a regular screwdriver, or if you don't apply enough pressure, you can strip the heads of the screws. All screwdriver sets for electronic devices on Amazon include that tip.
You can also try adding a bit of painter's tape to the head of the screw. That will help with traction. Vertical pressure is also essential.
We try to help with the instructions as much as possible, but performing this operation for the first time might be challenging. Don't hesitate to email us at support@dygma.com if you are unsure about any step. We've broken enough keyboards, so you don't have to.