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How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches

Introduction

If you're experiencing issues with inconsistent keypresses or unresponsiveness in your hot swappable mechanical keyboard, this guide will assist you in replacing the switch leaves in Gateron mechanical switches, however the same instructions will work on most other switches.

The metal leaves within mechanical switches play a crucial role in providing tactile feedback and completing the electrical circuit within the switch. When a switch leaf is damaged or broken, it can result in malfunctioning or non-responsive switches.

Before proceeding with the replacement, it's important to confirm that the switch leaves are the root cause of the problem. You can inspect the switches for any visible damage or deformities. Additionally, testing multiple switches or using different keycaps on the affected switches can help pinpoint the issue.

Please note that replacing the switch leaves in a hot swappable keyboard doesn't require soldering. Instead, you'll be utilizing the hot swappable feature of the keyboard to easily remove and replace the switches.

What you need

  1. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches, Mechanical Switch Leaf: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Disconnect the keyboard from the power source or computer before proceeding.

    • This ensures safety and prevents accidental input or damage during the switch opening process.

    Edit

  2. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Use a keycap puller or gently pry off the keycap(s) from the switch you want to open.

    • We suggest removing a couple extra keycaps around your desired key, as it will make it easier to remove the switch later.

    Edit

  3. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Use a switch puller to grip the top and bottom of the base of the switch.

    • Gently pull the switch straight upwards from the hot swappable socket on the keyboard.

    • This can only be done on a hot swappable keyboard. Other keyboards would require the switch to be desoldered from the PCB.

    Edit

  5. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 4, image 1 of 2 How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 4, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Precision Tweezers
    €4.95
    Buy

    • To open the switch housing, align the prongs on the switch opener with the clasps holding the top and bottom of the switch.

    • Apply gentle pressure on the top of the switch until the upper switch housing detaches from the lower switch housing.

    • Remove the stem, upper housing, and spring, so that you are left with the lower housing and switch leaves.

    • You can use tweezers to pry off the clasps on each side of the switch if a switch opener is not available to you. Make sure you do not break or bend any clasps, and work with caution as tweezers can slip out of place easily.

    Edit

  6. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 5, image 1 of 2 How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the old switch leaf by grabbing the top of the leaf with tweezers and gently pulling it out.

    Edit

  7. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Insert the new switch leaf by inserting the pin through the small hole at the bottom of the switch housing.

    • You know the leaf is fully inserted when the pin from the leaf is the same length as the other pin sticking out of the bottom of the housing.

    Edit

  8. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 7, image 1 of 3 How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 7, image 2 of 3 How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Align the switch components as they were when you took apart the switch

    • Apply pressure to the top and bottom of the switch housing until it snaps back into place.

    • Ensure the switch is fully closed on all four clasps or else it will not properly fit back into the PCB.

    Edit

  9. How to Replace a Mechanical Switch Leaf on Gateron Switches: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Reinstall the switch to the PCB by lining up the pins on the switch to the holes on the PCB, and apply gentle pressure straight down, until it clicks back into place.

    • Replace keycaps by aligning the cap with the switch stem, and applying gentle pressure until it is in place.

    Edit
Finish Line

Author

with 2 other contributors

Zoe

Member since: 05/27/23

157 Reputation

1 Guide authored

Badges: 2

Team

York University, Team A-8, Allen Summer 2023 Member of York University, Team A-8, Allen Summer 2023

YORK-ALLEN-SU23SAG8

1 Member

1 Guide authored

3 Guide Comments

Where can we buy switch leafs?

Y “t3124631” S - Reply Share

You need to buy switches and then salvage the leafs from them. I collect all my leafs and gaterons are always very easy to work with and relatively the same. I dont usually worry about linear leafs though as im a big fan of tactiles and those work with linear stems just fine, heck you can even overlube a regular tactile and it can basically just become a good linear if you know what your doing.

Sparktite (Personal) - Share

No info for when leafs dont wanna go back in or when performing a leaf swap and it gets stuck even though the leaf definitely fits when inserted into the bottom to verify it will actually fit?

Sparktite (Personal) - Reply Share

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