Dygma keyboards are hot-swappable, meaning you can replace them at any time. This can be done to repair or to experience a new feeling when using the keyboard.
Replacing them is easy with some practice and advice. Let’s start!
- Locate the keycap and switch puller and set up a bowl or a container for the switches.
- Important: Disconnect the keyboard and the halves.
- Remove the keycaps using the keycap/switch puller, and leave them in order on the desk to facilitate the reassembly.
- Use the switch puller to clamp and remove the switches. Ensure that the edges of the puller are in contact with the plastic insertion that allows the switch to be removed.
- For adequate removal, regular switches must be clamped in the North-South direction, whereas low-profile switches must be clamped in the east-west direction.
A pro tip for low-profile switches is not to clamp them right in the middle. The switch's flanges are not in the middle, so clamping the switch in that position makes removal easier. - Exert constant force and avoid violent pulls or sideways extractions, which will help to prevent any damage to the electronics.
- In Raise ISO models, you cannot adequately clamp the switch to remove it. We have considered this: to remove it, press the key down and extract it. The switch will come out alongside the keycap. This is due to a micrometric adjustment to the frame of that specific keycap.
- If used carefully, the puller should not scratch the metal plate. To ensure this, use a single layer of scotch tape on the edges of the puller.
With that, you have more than half of the job done; the reinstall takes less time than the extraction. The process is simple; however, since there’s a slight chance of damaging a switch or the PCB if the insertion is inadequate, here are some tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Check that the legs of the switch are straight before the insertion.
- Do not insert the switch entirely if you feel any resistance. Just take another one and insert it into the keyboard.
- Use the “two-step” insertion technique. Start by inserting the legs, and once they are correctly aimed, press the switch into the frame.
Once the switches are correctly inserted, reinstall the keycaps, connect the keyboard, and enjoy 😊
You can also check these videos for more visual information:
As usual, please don't hesitate to ask any more questions. We can give you additional videos or any other information you think is missing in the article 🫶