Adding LEDs to switches

[Armagedda]

OK, so here's what's up. I have just received a Ducky YOTD keyboard with MX reds and purple LEDs. It does look phenomenal in person if any of you were unsure about buying one, as does the MX brown w/ yellow/orange LEDs. But I don't particularly like red switches and would like to get some MX greens and transplant the purple LEDs from the reds into the greens and then chuck those back into the YOTD.

Is this possible and if so how difficult will it be? I'm not a soldering buff but I don't mind learning as a bit of a project.

Thanks in advance guys.

[Icarium]

Well, you have to remove all the switches, put the leds in the new ones and put them back. With a bit of soldering experience it can be done in an evening. If you don't know how to solder it will take quite a bit longer. If the switches are plate mounted it can be quite tricky because you have to unsolder them all and then remove them with the plate. If you forget to unsolder one pin or it is just a little stuck stuff can break. I definitely wouldn't go through the trouble but with a bit of practice it's just a chore with possibly some fixing afterwards.

[Ascaii]

I agree...with a little practice it is fairly straightforward. In case you want some input from people that have done mods like this you can pm Half-Saint or Ceesa, both modded tg82 LED boards.

[Armagedda]

Yeah I had a feeling this was going to be the response I'd get. The switches are plate mounted just putting it out there. I've never taken apart a switch before, will the LED's come out easily? How do I go about unsoldering them? Do I just desolder all the points behind each switch and then line the new switch up with the holes? How do I go about transplanting the LEDs?

I'm not too worried about having to learn how to solder, I shouldn't expect it would be too hard to do a basic switch swap yeah? I don't mind taking my time to get this done right, even if it takes a week of evenings to do the soldering.

[Icarium]

Okay, so getting the right tools will make your life way easier. You will want
wick and a pump as can be seen at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desoldering in addition to the iron and solder. If you don't mind spending the extra money a desoldering iron is great fun.

When you've got everything together just watch some youtube videos and practice on some old junk for an hour or so.

Swapping the leds from one switch to another is trivial btw.

[Armagedda]

Once I get the switches free from the PCB/plate the LEDs will just pop out and into the new switch then?

[Icarium]

I'm not sure if you have to open them to switch the leds but it is easy: http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how- ... t2130.html

[Armagedda]

Ok, thanks a lot for the replies. I'm feeling a lot more confident about doing this now. I'll hopefully be able to get in on the switch group buy that's happening and have this board operational relatively soon.