Introduction
Swapping the keycaps on your keyboard can do wonders for the aesthetic of your setup. It’s a nice way to freshen up your build and create more cohesion around your chosen aesthetic. I’ve been working on building a Kuromi themed build for my PC and changing the keycaps has done wonders to bring out the aesthetic.
I loved changing my keycaps as I didn’t want to get rid of my old keyboard but I wanted to add more personality. If you’re intimidated at the thought of messing with your keyboard don’t be. It’s a simpler and more satisfying experience than you may think. I created this article to show newcomers how to swap out their keycaps so that you can create the ultimate aesthetic PC build of your dreams. With that let’s get into the article.
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Board Games
The first thing that you’re going to want to do is check the specifications of your keyboard. Not all keyboards are created equal and they can’t all be customized in the same way. Make sure that your keyboard comes with the ability to customize its keycaps. Try searching for “customizable keycaps” or “hot swappable” when purchasing a keyboard.
If you’re REALLY into the idea of getting the full customization factor out of your board, go with a hot swappable board as the keycaps and the switches can be replaced. If that’s not your forte then just getting a board with “customizable keycaps” should be good enough. Speaking of switches, check to make sure your keys match the switches on your board. Keyboard switches come in varying types (named linear, tactile, and clicky) that all have varying subcategories. This is something you will want to look out for so that you don’t buy the wrong type of keycaps.
Prep Work
Now that you know that your keyboard is customizable make sure you have the right tools for the job. You will need a keycap puller to achieve this. You can purchase one of these online for cheap or you can check to see if the keycap set you bought comes with one.
Having a few cotton swabs on hand is also a good idea if you’re planning on cleaning your keyboard. If you feel that you’ll need it have a (very small) amount of all-purpose cleaner nearby for dipping your cotton swabs. Finally, make sure you have a tray or something to arrange your keycaps onto as this will help you to keep track of them or a jar to keep the discarded keycaps in for storage.
No Cap
Now you can start removing the keycaps. Begin by positioning the two wire grips around each side of the keycap. Once this is done apply a gentle force and pull up. The caps should just pop right off without a done of tugging or pulling. It should feel more like popping the tab on a soda can and less like pulling a cork out of a wine bottle. Bigger keys such as the space bar and the shift keys might be bit more awkward but just play around with the positioning. Do this until you have all the keycaps off the board.
Scrub Scrub Scrub
Now would be a good time to clean your keyboard if you feel that it needs it. I don’t know about you but when I took the keycaps off my keyboard, I became acutely aware of how gross it could become. Take out those cotton swabs and gently start working them around the switches to not scratch the paint. I advise keeping the swabs dry but if you have some more stubborn grime to deal with dry dabbing them (very lightly) with that all-purpose cleaner mentioned earlier. You can also use a cloth or damp wipes to clean the outer part of the board.
Rearranging the Alphabet
Now it’s time to remix the alphabet by putting the new keycaps on. Be sure to lay out your keycaps in the same way that they would lay on the keyboard. Sets of keycaps often come already laid out on a tray for easy assembly, but if not try to organize them before hand. I got humbled real quick because I thought I knew what a keyboard was supposed to look like and soon realized that that was not the case. So unless your EXTREMELY confident that you know where every key on a keyboard is supposed to go keep your keycaps in order as your placing them on the board.
All Cap
If you thought taking off the keycaps was easy, then you’ll think that putting the caps on is a cake walk. Now that your board is clean start popping those caps back on. Simply position the cap over the switch and press. You should feel it pop into place. Do this with all the keycaps being mindful to keep track of how they are supposed to be positioned. Once you’re done inspect the board to make sure everything is on right. You may need to take some keys off and reapply them as some may take a couple of tries for them to sit right on the switch.
Feel Good About Yourself
Now all that’s left is to stand back and bask in your new and improved keyboard. I absolutely LOVED the finished look of my board and am extremely happy with the results. Hopefully, you are as happy with your board as I am with mine and are ready to take your gaming experience to the next level. If you’ve been considering adding some of your personality to your keyboard I recommend you take the plunge as this is an amazing way to express yourself and your taste in your PC.
Wow I need to do this!
Who knew you could change the look of your boring old keyboard. It is especially nice if you could do this to your work keyboard. You do have to use it all day. Thank you!!