Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

12

Time Required

                          10 - 45 minutes

Sections

3

  • Toggle Indicator Tab
  • 2 steps
  • Backplate
  • 5 steps
  • Key Switch
  • 5 steps

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0

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Introduction

The stock key switches on the HyperX Alloy Origins are custom HyperX switches. However, they can be replaced with any number of other MX-type switches. Replacing a key switch on the HyperX Alloy Origins may be a quite difficult task for some people, as it requires the use of a soldering iron. However, a new key switch may be able to save a what was previously a broken keyboard.

Before you begin, ensure that the key you want to replace is entirely broken before resorting to such drastic measures. Unplug and reconnect the keyboard, reset the keyboard through the NGENUITY software, and ensure that nothing is preventing the key from being pressed. If none of these methods are working, proceed with the switch removal by first unplugging the keyboard and bringing it to a well lit area. Ground yourself before beginning replacement.

Usage of a desoldering iron or a desoldering pump (alongside a normal soldering iron) is strongly recommended. The HyperX key switches contain pins which make it difficult to wick away solder. This guide uses a sole soldering iron for demonstration purposes only.

What you need

Step 1

              Toggle Indicator Tab
  • Locate the toggle indicator tab on the top right corner of the keyboard.

Locate the toggle indicator tab on the top right corner of the keyboard.

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Step 2

  • Insert the metal spudger or some other separating instrument into the right crevasse between the tab and the keyboard.
  • Lift up gently on the tab, while holding the left side of the tab down.
  • The tab can spring upwards upon removal. Eye protection is recommended during this step.

Insert the metal spudger or some other separating instrument into the right crevasse between the tab and the keyboard.

Lift up gently on the tab, while holding the left side of the tab down.

The tab can spring upwards upon removal. Eye protection is recommended during this step.

Step 3

              Backplate
  • Flip the keyboard over so that the backplate is facing you.

Flip the keyboard over so that the backplate is facing you.

Step 4

  • Remove the rubber feet on the four corners of the backplate.
  • When reassembling, use an adhesive to reattach the feet. A silicone rubber adhesive is recommended.

Remove the rubber feet on the four corners of the backplate.

When reassembling, use an adhesive to reattach the feet. A silicone rubber adhesive is recommended.

Step 5

  • Remove the specified keycaps as depicted in the image.

Remove the specified keycaps as depicted in the image.

Step 6

  • Remove all Philips #0 screws from the new openings created after removing the rubber feet and plastic tab.

Remove all Philips #0 screws from the new openings created after removing the rubber feet and plastic tab.

Step 7

  • Separate the backplate from the keyboard using your hands.

Separate the backplate from the keyboard using your hands.

Step 8

              Key Switch
  • Identify the key switch to be replaced.
  • Remove its keycap by carefully prying it off of the keyboard with your fingers.

Identify the key switch to be replaced.

Remove its keycap by carefully prying it off of the keyboard with your fingers.

Step 9

  • Flip the keyboard over to face the PCB.
  • Identify the corresponding switch to be removed.

Flip the keyboard over to face the PCB.

Identify the corresponding switch to be removed.

Step 10

  • Plug in and turn on your soldering iron.
  • Do not touch the metal end of the soldering iron while it is powered on. Allow the soldering iron to cool before stowing it away.

Plug in and turn on your soldering iron.

Do not touch the metal end of the soldering iron while it is powered on. Allow the soldering iron to cool before stowing it away.

Step 11

  • Melt the solder surrounding the four pins of the switch’s LED, and the two lower pins of the switch body.
  • To remove the melted solder, use a desoldering iron, a desoldering pump, or desoldering braid.
  • The exposed switch pins are susceptible to damage from the soldering iron. Avoid applying heavy pressure to mitigate pin bending.

Melt the solder surrounding the four pins of the switch’s LED, and the two lower pins of the switch body.

To remove the melted solder, use a desoldering iron, a desoldering pump, or desoldering braid.

The exposed switch pins are susceptible to damage from the soldering iron. Avoid applying heavy pressure to mitigate pin bending.

Step 12

  • Using a spudger or another metallic instrument, firmly press down upon the exposed plastic of the switch. This will separate the switch from the rest of the keyboard.
  • If the switch’s pins will not separate from the keyboard’s PCB, continue applying the soldering iron to the pins to melt any residual solder.

Using a spudger or another metallic instrument, firmly press down upon the exposed plastic of the switch. This will separate the switch from the rest of the keyboard.

If the switch’s pins will not separate from the keyboard’s PCB, continue applying the soldering iron to the pins to melt any residual solder.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Note that when reattaching the switch back to the keyboard PCB, the switch needs to be held in place behind the keyboard while soldering.

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                    Cameron Michaels

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                       UMass Dartmouth, Team 5-2, Sinclaire Fall 2022                        

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