This article gives you all the information you need to know how to change the keycaps on your keyboard.
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Swapping the keycaps on your keyboard can do wonders visually for the aesthetic of your setup. It’s a nice way to freshen up your build and create more cohesion around your chosen aesthetic without having to overhaul your build.
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 also wanted to add more personality to the accessories I already had.
If you’re intimidated at the thought of messing around with the keys on your keyboard don’t be. I promise you it’s a simpler and far more satisfying process than you may initially 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. I that sounds like you then keep on reading to learn how to change your keycaps.
Board Games
The first thing that you’re going to want to do is make sure to check the specifications of your keyboard.
Not all keyboards are created equal and unfortunately they can’t all be customized in the same ways so it’s important to do your research.
Make sure that your keyboard comes with the ability to customize its keycaps by checking any product descriptions or reviews that you can to ensure you keyboard is up to the task.
Try searching using terms such as “customizable keycaps” or “hot swappable” when purchasing a keyboard your keyboard to ensure you’re looking for the right product.
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. This allows you to customize the sound and switch quality of your board such as making your typing more “creamy” as apposed to “clicky”.
In saying that, make sure the keyboard, switches, and keycaps will all work with one another when looking around for the parts you want to purchase.
You don’t want to spend a bunch of money on all these facets just for them not to work so make sure to research your keycaps sets, your keyboard, and possibly your switches if you’ve decided to go that route.
While it may sound overwhelming so long as you’re careful to read product descriptions and look up reviews you’ll more than likely be in the clear.
If swapping out switches isn’t exactly your forte then just getting a board with “customizable keycaps” should be good enough to suit your needs.
You won’t be able to mess with the switches but if that’s not your goal just be sure to do your research on your given board to make sure the switches are the ones you’ll want as you can’t change them later.
Switches come in three types, linear, tactile, and clicky. If you knows these terms you’re pretty much empowered to find the keyboard sound of your dreams. Or at least one that doesn’t annoy your roommates.
Prep Work
Now that you know that your keyboard is customizable in the ways you want it to be make sure you have the right tools for the job. Namely, you will want a keycap puller to help you on your keycap yanking quest.
You can purchase one of these online for cheap or you can check to see if the keycap set you bought actually comes with one as sometimes keycap sellers will be generous in that way.
Having a few cotton swabs on hand is also a good idea to help you reach any small crevices that will need cleaning. You can also use dust cleaning gel to help pickup dust in small areas as well. You can also get this online or you can often get if from auto parts stores as well
If you feel that your keyboard is looking more gross than usual then you can use some all purpose cleaner to remove any grime.
I would caution you against using a ton of cleaner and only use small amounts on your cottons swabs so as not to damage anything electrical around the keyboard.
Finally, make sure you have a tray or a flat surface to arrange your keycaps on as you work to help you to keep track of them your keycaps. Believe me your future self will thank you later.
No Cap
Now you can start removing the keycaps. Begin by positioning the two wire grips around each side of the keycap making sure to position them so that they don’t slip off when you start pulling.
Once you’ve done this place your ring finger through the hole in the middle of they keycap puller handle and start to gently pull.
The caps should just pop right off without a ton of tugging or twisting so be sure to be gentle. 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 until you’ve got the metal sides of the keycap puller on there securely. Do this until you have all the keycaps off the board and you can see the bare switches underneath.
Scrub Scrub Scrub
Now would be a good time to clean under your keys if you feel that it’s looking dusty or just plain gross. 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 so as 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 the switches.. Sets of keycaps often come already laid out on a tray for easy assembly, but if not try to organize them before hand to make your life easier.
What I like to do is order them on a tray in the same order that they would appear on the keyboard. I don’t know about you but I do not have the QEWRTY keyboard committed to memory and am completely lost when it comes to remembering which keycaps go where when putting them back.
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 to each individual switch. This part is the most tedious but if you like pushing buttons than you’ll love this part of the process.
Simply position the keycap over the switch and press down a couple of times to make sure it’s on right. You should feel it pop into place and hear a small click.
Do this with all the keycaps being mindful to keep track of how they are supposed to be positioned as you apply each one. Once you’re done inspect the board to make sure everything is on right and where it’s supposed to be.
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. Keys such as the space bar and other more unique shapes might take a bit more work but just be patient as it won’t take long to do.
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 within your PC build.
This article gave you a step by step process on how to change your keycaps. If you liked this content check out the links below for even more posts you’ll love.
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!!