deskthority

So i was wondering if there's already any good tool to open mx switches, and where to buy.

regards,

I just do it with two small screwdrivers.

Even without removing the switches? i assume this only works on pcb mounted and not on plate mounted?

http://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/i-di ... t2458.html
I made a paper binder/clip tool, like the one described in the above link. It works like a charm and is dirt cheap It takes around 10min to make one, and after 4-5 switches you get enough practice and opening switches becomes a joke
It works on PCB mounted and on Plate Mounted (if the plate has cutouts, if it doesn't there is no tool in the world to help you) .

Hey thanks! Let me check it out.

maxrunner wrote: Even without removing the switches? i assume this only works on pcb mounted and not on plate mounted?

Only on PCB mounted switches. You just remove the top half of the switch. The bottom half remains soldered to the PCB. I actually learned from the tutorial DanielT linked, I was just too lazy to look for it (thanks!)

I don't think you can open plate-mounted switches without de-soldering them all. If you have a plate with cutouts for switch opening then maybe, but I've never tried it.

I have done it, it works but only if it has cutouts. The paper clip tool is perfect. I opened 102 switches in 30 min

I would prefer tweezers like this one: http://www.ebay.de/itm/Pinzette-nach-Me ... 4ad3ca0ddd

Easier to grip for me.

I haven't had a single plate mounted cherry keyboard, im actually thinking of getting one, and i do like compact keyboards. Need to order switches from 7bit to test all variations, i only know the basic ones, blue, brown and blacks...

I think that the plate can make a big difference. Keycap material too. I didn't like MX blues with thin ABS Tai Hao doubleshots, but I now have a thick Cherry PBT set on the same keyboard and really enjoy it. It's too difficult to figure out if you'd like a keyboard of some switches from a single switch!

Yeah i do need to find a good compact so one with plate mounted switches.

Can you solder? Tinnie has a group buy on right now for a 60% PCB + plate, and it's pretty cheap and very customisable.

The_Beast has made tools for this in aluminum and is currently making them in Titanium. I don't know that they work any better than the paper clips mentioned by DanielT, but there is a specific tool if you're looking for one.

I can confirm that the paperclip method works great

scottc wrote: Can you solder? Tinnie has a group buy on right now for a 60% PCB + plate, and it's pretty cheap and very customisable.

Yeah i can do basic solder. Like swapping switches, but i have only done with alps ones. Let me check on that.

All you need for the GB is to solder on switches and you're ready to go. http://deskthority.net/group-buys-f50/f ... ml#p172261 You'll have to source a poker-compatible case somewhere too.

I believe we've gotten a bit off-topic!

Yep we did, lol. Regarding the mx opener tool, i didnt find 15mm paper binder clips, only 19mm but with a little work they might also work. Ill get back when i spend some time with them.

Bought the 19mm key binder clips and i managed to make them work but i think they're still not optimal.

I have used also 19mm, what I did was to flatten the ends just a little with a hammer, this way it fits better in the openings. It takes a little to bend them to be just right, but in the end is good cheap tool.

Yeah, i think ill spend more time with these bought a box with 10 or more just for this lol