Transform Your Typing Experience: How to Upgrade Your Keyboard Switches
Upgrading your keyboard switches is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to your mechanical keyboard. Whether you're looking to change the feel, sound, or performance of your typing experience, replacing switches can completely transform your keyboard.
This guide walks you through the entire process of upgrading your keyboard switches, from choosing the right switches to installing them properly.
Why Upgrade Your Keyboard Switches?
There are several compelling reasons to upgrade your keyboard switches:
- Feel preference: You might want a smoother linear, more pronounced tactile bump, or satisfying click
- Sound profile: Different switches produce different sounds, from silent to thocky to clicky
- Performance: Lighter actuation force or shorter travel distance can improve typing speed or gaming performance
- Consistency: Factory switches sometimes have inconsistencies that aftermarket options solve
- Customization: Creating a keyboard that perfectly matches your preferences
What You'll Need
Before starting your switch upgrade project, gather these tools and materials:
- New switches of your choice
- Switch puller
- Keycap puller
- Screwdriver set (Phillips and Torx)
- Switch opener (optional, for modding)
- Lubricant (optional, for modding)
- Tweezers
- Container to hold small parts
- Soldering iron and solder (only for non-hotswap keyboards)
- Desoldering pump (only for non-hotswap keyboards)
Choosing the Right Switches
Selecting the right switches is crucial for a successful upgrade. Mechanical keyboard switches come in three main types: linear, tactile, and clicky.
Understanding Switch Characteristics
When selecting new switches, consider these key factors:
- Actuation force: The amount of pressure needed to register a keypress, measured in grams (g)
- Travel distance: How far the key moves before registering, typically 3-4mm
- Sound profile: From silent to loud clicks
- Tactile feedback: Presence and strength of the bump you feel when pressing
- Spring weight: Affects how heavy the key feels throughout the press
For a deeper understanding of these properties, check out our guide on understanding actuation force and travel distance.
Popular Switch Options
Some popular switch options to consider:
- Linear switches: Gateron Yellows (budget-friendly), Alpacas, Tangerines (premium)
- Tactile switches: Glorious Pandas, Boba U4Ts, Holy Pandas
- Clicky switches: Kailh Box Jades, NovelKeys Sherbet, Kailh Box Navy
If you're on a budget, you might want to explore our top 5 budget mechanical keyboard switches guide.
You can browse our comprehensive mechanical switch database to compare options based on specifications.
Checking Compatibility
Before purchasing new switches, verify compatibility with your keyboard:
PCB Mounting Type
Switches come in three mounting styles:
- 3-pin (plate mount): Has the center post and two plastic pins
- 5-pin (PCB mount): Has the center post and four plastic pins
- Optical: Special switches that use light beams instead of metal contacts
5-pin switches can be modified to fit 3-pin boards by clipping the extra plastic pins, but 3-pin switches cannot be used in PCBs designed only for optical switches.
Hotswap vs. Soldered
Determine if your keyboard has a hotswap PCB or requires soldering:
- Hotswap PCBs have sockets that allow switches to be inserted and removed without soldering
- Soldered PCBs require desoldering the old switches and soldering the new ones
If you're unsure, check your keyboard's documentation or look for metal sockets around the switch pins on the back of the PCB.
Preparing Your Keyboard
Follow these steps to prepare your keyboard for the switch upgrade:
- Take a photo of your keyboard for reference during reassembly
- Remove all keycaps using a keycap puller
- Place keycaps in a container to keep them organized
- If necessary, open the keyboard case by removing screws on the bottom
- Disconnect any cables between the PCB and case components
Removing the Old Switches
The process for removing old switches depends on your keyboard type:
For Hotswap Keyboards
- Use a switch puller to grip the switch housing firmly
- Pull straight up with even pressure
- Store removed switches in a container
- Work methodically across the keyboard to avoid missing any switches
For Soldered Keyboards
- Flip the PCB to access the solder points
- Heat each solder joint with your soldering iron
- Use a desoldering pump to remove the melted solder
- Once both pins are free of solder, the switch can be removed from the top side
- If a switch is stuck, reheat the solder and try again
This process requires patience and care. If you're new to soldering, practice on an old electronic board first.
Optional: Modding Your New Switches
Before installing your new switches, you might want to modify them for improved performance. Common switch mods include:
- Lubing: Applying lubricant to reduce friction and improve sound
- Spring swapping: Changing the spring to alter the weight and feel
- Filming: Adding thin plastic films between switch housings to reduce wobble
For a detailed guide on switch lubing, check out our switch lubing tips for smoother typing article.
Installing the New Switches
Now it's time to install your new switches:
For Hotswap Keyboards
- Align the switch pins with the hotswap socket holes
- Press down firmly until the switch snaps into place
- Verify the switch is fully seated and level with others
- Test each switch after installation to ensure it's working properly
For Soldered Keyboards
- Insert the switch into the plate and PCB
- Ensure the switch is fully seated and straight
- Flip the PCB over to access the pins
- Solder each pin with a small amount of solder
- Verify there are no cold solder joints or bridges between pins
- Test each switch after soldering to catch any issues early
##
