How to Remove Mechanical Keyboard Switches Without a Tool (3 Ways)

If you just bought a new set of linear switches to upgrade your gaming setup, but you realized you lost the little metal switch puller that came in the box, don’t panic. You don’t have to wait three days for an Amazon delivery to finish your build.

To learn how to remove mechanical keyboard switches without a tool, you just need two small flathead screwdrivers, a pair of stiff tweezers, or a bent paperclip. By gently pressing in the two plastic retention tabs on the top and bottom of the switch housing, you can carefully wiggle the switch out of the hot-swap socket.

Before you start prying at your expensive hardware, here are three exact step-by-step methods to safely remove your switches using household items without damaging your circuit board.

WARNING: Verify Your Keyboard is Hot-Swappable

Before attempting to remove mechanical keyboard switches without a tool, it’s crucial to identify if your keyboard is hot-swappable. Hot-swappable keyboards enable users to easily change switches without a soldering iron.

If you have a standard pre-built keyboard from brands like Corsair or Razer, the switches are likely soldered directly to the circuit board. If you try to pull a soldered switch out with a screwdriver, you will rip the metal contacts off the PCB and permanently destroy your keyboard.

(If you accidentally broke your board and need a cheap replacement, read our guide to the 5 Best Mechanical Keyboards Under 50).

Preparation and Safety

Before proceeding, follow these safety precautions to avoid any harm or damage to your keyboard:

• Power off and disconnect the keyboard: This prevents any accidental input and protects both the keyboard and your computer from potential short circuits.
• Remove Keycaps Safely: If you don’t have a keycap puller, you can use two credit cards. Gently wedge the corners of the cards under opposite sides of the keycap, then lift upward with even pressure until the keycap pops off.
• Understand the Switch Anatomy: Look closely at the top and bottom edges of the square plastic switch housing. You will see two tiny plastic tabs. These tabs snap under the metal plate to lock the switch in place. To remove the switch, you simply have to push both of those tabs inward simultaneously while pulling up.

Method 1: The Two-Screwdriver Technique

This is the safest method, as it mimics the exact mechanics of a real switch puller. You will need two small, flathead precision screwdrivers (like the ones used for repairing eyeglasses).

1. Position the Screwdrivers: Place the flat tip of the first screwdriver directly against the top plastic retention tab of the switch. Place the second screwdriver against the bottom retention tab.
2. Press Inward: Gently press both screwdrivers inward toward the center of the switch to depress the plastic tabs.
3. Pry Upward: While maintaining that inward pressure, gently rock the switch back and forth while pulling upward. The switch should pop out of the hot-swap socket.

Method 2: The Tweezer Technique

If you don’t have precision screwdrivers, a pair of stiff metal tweezers (like cosmetic tweezers) will work, provided they are strong enough not to bend under pressure.

1. Grip the Tabs: Open the tweezers and place one tip on the top retention tab and the other tip on the bottom retention tab.
2. Squeeze and Pull: Squeeze the tweezers tightly to depress both tabs simultaneously. Gently wiggle the tweezers while pulling straight up until the switch is released.

Method 3: The Paperclip Hook

Another simple technique for removing keyboard switches without a tool involves using a standard metal paperclip.

1. Prepare the paper clip: Straighten out one end of a regular-sized paper clip, and create a small hook by bending the tip at a 90-degree angle.
2. Engage the paper clip: Insert the hooked end of the paper clip under the top retention tab of the switch with the hook facing upwards.
3. Leverage the switch: Slowly and steadily apply upward pressure on the paper clip, leveraging the hook to lift the top side of the switch out of the plate. Once the top side is raised enough, grip it with your fingers and gently pull the rest of the switch out.

What to Do if the Switch is Stuck

Do not use excessive force! If the switch refuses to budge, you are likely not depressing the plastic tabs far enough. If you yank on a stuck switch, you will shatter the plastic housing, leaving the bottom half of the switch permanently stuck inside the keyboard plate.

If you are struggling with the household methods, we highly recommend simply buying a proper switch puller. They cost less than $10 and will save you from accidentally destroying a $150 keyboard.

(Once you get the old switches out, are you wondering what to replace them with? Read our Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard Switches Guide to find the perfect upgrade).

Frequently Asked Questions