I broke half the switch off into one of my keycaps. I already took apart the keyboard and unsoldered the old switch and soldered in a new switch… but the key cap itself still has half the old switch. I tried gluing the tip of a screwdriver to the plastic but that didn’t work. Anyone have any tips?

BCAdmin1 Comment on I broke half the switch off into one of my keycaps. I already took apart the keyboard and unsoldered the old switch and soldered in a new switch… but the key cap itself still has half the old switch. I tried gluing the tip of a screwdriver to the plastic but that didn’t work. Anyone have any tips?

Tackling a Stubborn Keycap: A DIY Guide to Repairing Your Keyboard

It’s always a disappointing moment when a mechanical keyboard—an essential tool for many—sustains damage. Recently, I encountered a situation where half of a broken switch ended up stuck inside one of my keycaps. After carefully disassembling the keyboard and successfully unsoldering the damaged switch for a replacement, I found myself facing a new challenge: removing the remnants of the old switch from the keycap itself.

Initially, I attempted to use an unconventional method of gluing the tip of a screwdriver to the plastic in hopes of extracting the stubborn piece. Unfortunately, this strategy didn’t yield the desired outcome. Now, I’m reaching out for your advice and insights.

If you have any tips or techniques for successfully removing leftover components from keycaps, I would greatly appreciate your suggestions. Whether it’s a particular tool you’ve found effective or a different approach you recommend, I’m all ears! Let’s share our knowledge and techniques for maintaining our beloved keyboards.

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  1. Hi, I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with stuck remnants inside keycaps after replacing switches. Here are some techniques that might help you remove the residual parts safely:

    • Use a Precision Blade or Hobby Knife: Carefully insert a sharp, thin blade or hobby knife between the keycap and the remaining plastic parts. Gently pry to loosen and lift the stuck fragment. Make sure to work slowly to avoid damaging the keycap.
    • Employ Tweezers or Small Needle-Nose Pliers: For gripping and pulling out small pieces, anti-static or plastic-tipped tweezers are ideal. Be gentle to prevent damaging the keycap or dislodging other components.
    • Apply Isopropyl Alcohol: Dabbing a small amount of 99% isopropyl alcohol around the stuck area can help loosen adhesive or plastic residues, making extraction easier.
    • Use Hot Air or a Heat Gun: Carefully applying a small amount of heat can soften any adhesive or melted plastic, aiding removal. Be cautious with the temperature to prevent warping the keycap.
    • Try Gentle Mechanical Removal: If the fragment is partial and accessible, use a plastic or wooden pry tool to carefully dislodge it without damaging the keycap’s plastic.

    Remember to work patiently and carefully

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