Unlike other kinds of keyboards, mechanical keyboards offer the users the advantage of removing and replacing keys according to their convenience. It can be a really easy and simple process if you have the right tools and the know-how. However, if you use the wrong tools or follow the wrong procedures, you might end up damaging the keyboard. Therefore, you need to be extra careful while removing a key from a mechanical keyboard.
The spacebar is one of the most frequently used keys on any keyboard. Removing the spacebar is just like removing any large key from a mechanical keyboard. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide for this process so that you learn how to remove the spacebar from a mechanical keyboard.
Steps for Removing the Spacebar From a Mechanical Keyboard
The tool you will require to remove the spacebar from a mechanical keyboard is a properly designed keycap puller. A poorly designed keycap puller won’t provide the same efficiency for removing the keys, and it might even lead to unwanted damages.
The following are the steps that one needs to follow to remove the spacebar on a mechanical keyboard:
Step 1: Unplugging the keyboard and other accessories from the computer
One needs to be close enough to the keyboard to perform a sensitive task like this. Keeping the keyboard close enough is also necessary so that you can work with it comfortably. Larger keys, like the spacebar, can prove to be a more difficult task than removing smaller keys, as they come with stabilizers. Therefore, you must first unplug the keyboard from the computer and detach the USB cable attached to it (if at all, the USB cable is removable). Note that this step is not important if you have a wireless mechanical keyboard.
Step 2: Use keycap pullers at both ends to remove the spacebar
While smaller keys can be removed with a single keycap puller’s help, larger keys require two keycap pullers for better stability and avoid damaging the keys. You will be required to insert a keycap puller at each end of the spacebar. The keycap pullers need to be positioned perfectly, and its wires need to be adjusted so that the keycap is held firmly.
However, if you do not have two keycap pullers, we have a solution for you! You can place a keycap puller at one end of the spacebar and D-I-Y it on the other end with a paper clip. A paper clip can be converted into an efficient keycap puller if you know how to do it.
Follow the given steps to convert a paper clip into a keycap puller:
- Take three paper clips. Unfold all the paper clips and straighten them to begin with. Two of these clips will form the keycap puller’s body, while the remaining one will be used to join these two paper clips.
- Using the two clips, make two puller body parts. Make two equal 90 degree bends. Ensure that all the paper clips are of the same size.
- Repeat the process with the remaining one paper clip, which will be used to join the other two clips.
- Make the smaller 90-degree bend at the outward end. These will act as handles for your keycap puller.
- Finally, wrap all the pieces together. To ensure that the clips are on top of each other, you can overlap the two bent clips.
Step 3: Pulling the Spacebar Slowly
The final step is to pull the spacebar out. This needs to be done gently with the use of both the pullers, placed at both the ends of the spacebar. Do ensure that you pull up the keycap at both ends at the same time. Usually, there are three cross-shaped pegs on the switches and three cross-shaped slots under the keycap, which hold the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard in place. If you fail to pull the keycap simultaneously, you might end up damaging the keyboard. Moreover, note that larger keys, like the spacebar, can have a spring bar under the keycap. The spring ensures the stability of the key switch and the keycap. A jerky movement can end up damaging the spring bar. It might also cause damage to the connection joints. Hence, you need to be extra careful while removing the spacebar.
Once this step is performed, the process of removing the spacebar is complete. You can then remove the switch or clean it in accordance with your requirements.
Conclusion
A mechanical keyboard is an ideal choice for gamers because of the several advantages it offers. Since these keyboards are subjected to constant use, the keycaps require cleaning from time to time. Mechanical keyboards offer the advantage of removing the keys for cleaning, repair, and replacement. This article has provided you with a detailed guide on removing the largest key on any keyboard – the spacebar. We would suggest you go through this article thoroughly to learn how to remove the spacebar from a mechanical keyboard, without causing any damage to either the keycaps or the keyboard.
Moreover, the steps listed down in this article will help you remove the spacebar and any other larger key from a mechanical keyboard. These steps will be useful in handling the removal of Shift, Backspace, Caps Lock, Enter, Plus Icon, and other such larger keys that exist on your keyboard. However, we will repeat this: take extra caution while handling the removal of larger keys, as they are more prone to damage than the smaller keys!