An arrangement of buttons or keys that function as mechanical levers or electronic switches make up a computer keyboard, a peripheral input device inspired by the typewriter keyboard. Since the 1970s, interaction with computers have primarily been accomplished using keyboards modelled after teleprinters, with the computer mouse becoming a significant addition in the 1980s. Earlier punched cards and paper tape technology have been replaced.
A single written symbol is typically represented by the engraved or printed set of characters that correspond to each key on a keyboard each time it is pressed. However, some symbols may require you to press and hold several keys simultaneously or in order. Other keys, like the escape key, can cause the computer to issue system commands even though the majority of keys produce characters (letters, numbers, or symbols). The software in a modern computer typically interprets key presses; the scan code sent to the computer only tells it which physical key (or keys) were pressed or released.
It appears simple to understand how to remove keyboard keys. However, there is a possibility that you could damage the cap or even it’s switch if you don’t remove them properly. The most crucial step when cleaning the keyboard’s keycaps is to remove the keys. In addition, when a key needs to be replaced, we also reach for a specific key. There are various methods for removing keys from various keyboards. Each one is discussed in this piece, which will also teach you the proper technique.
When Should I Remove My Keyboard Keys?
For cleaning purposes, it’s advisable to know how to remove keyboard keys. Apart from that, we do not advocate removing them needlessly. Additionally, you ought to only use the longer keys—most notably the Spacebar—when necessary. They have a stabilizer underneath them, which is prone to breaking, which is why. So, the following situations are when it is preferable to remove keyboard keys:
- If your keyboard hasn’t been cleaned in a while, hair, dust, or other food particles may become lodged beneath the keycaps. Once they start showing up in the corners of your keys, you’ll notice them. In such a case, you can perfectly remove the keys and clean your keyboard.
- It’s a given that the keys must be taken out of the keyboard before customizing your keycaps.
- Some keys may not function for unknown reasons. You can remove them and put new ones on in this situation.
- You must take the key out of the keyboard before replacing a switch that is stuck or broken on a mechanical keyboard.
Various Types of Keyboards
Everybody has at least one mobile phone in this digital age. In organizations and educational institutions, desktop computers are still widely used. The main tool you require when working on a desktop, as opposed to a smartphone, is a keyboard. Numerous users also attach a larger keyboard as an external device to their laptops, which typically have a more compact, smaller keyboard. Using a longer keyboard can easily improve your productivity and make things easier for you, whether you have a Mac or Windows-based PC/laptop.
Keyboards can be categorized into several categories based on their design, key layout and functionality. But we have categorized keyboards into three different categories based on user demand and keyboard construction:
Membrane Keyboard
Rubber dome switches are the key components of membrane keyboards. The dome descends and makes contact with the tiny electrical contacts, signaling to the PC that a key has been pressed. Membrane keyboards are significantly more silent and lightweight than mechanical keyboards. Additionally, when pressing the keys, you don’t need to exert all of your force. However, they don’t provide tactile feedback, which is why many users express frustration with their typing.
These keyboards have three membranes stacked on top of one another, to speak of their design. Conductive traces in the top and bottom layers help the system record the keys we press. However, the middle layer—often referred to as the “hole layer”—is the void area containing inert gas. By dividing the two layers, this membrane ensures that the keys are not continuously depressed.
You risk damaging the rubber dome switch while taking out a key. In this situation, you will need to replace the rubber sheet with a new one and this is obviously a time-consuming and expensive task.
Mechanical Keyboard
There is a switch under each key on mechanical keyboards. When we press each key, these give us a noticeable tactile response. Mechanical keyboards are popular among programmers and gamers because they are affordable. You can alter these keyboards to suit your needs. Moving on, a switch-loaded spring, a colored stem, and a keycap are used to construct mechanical keyboards. When we press a key, the stem descends and activates the switch, sending an electrical signal to the computer.
To avoid breaking or harming the switch, we must take care when learning how to remove keyboard keys.
Laptop Keyboard
These days, the majority of us use laptops, so we are quite accustomed to this kind of keyboard. But the keyboard on your laptop might be different from the keypad on another model. Certain keys found on the standard keyboard may not be present on all laptops. Today’s laptops, for instance, don’t typically include a Numpad. A hinge clip can be found under the key cap, unlike membrane and mechanical keyboards.
Therefore, we must exercise extra caution when removing a key from a laptop keyboard. If not, there could be problems with your laptop keyboard.
Methods for Removing Keyboard Keys
Now that you are familiar with the various types of keyboards let’s examine the four methods for detaching the keys. Before starting, we advise taking extra precautions when removing keys like Backspace, Spacebar, Shift, etc. Additionally, if your keys do not easily come off, stop right away. Rather than adding more pressure, you will need to try the process again.
1. Flat Tool
Using tools from around the house, such as a screwdriver, guitar pick, credit card or knife, can be used to remove keyboard keys. In general, all keyboard types can benefit from this. However, we do not advise it because these could graze your peripheral.
Let’s review the following instructions for removing keys properly now:
- Place a flat object underneath the upper corner of the key cap.
- Apply pressure slightly to pluck it out. During the process, take care not to damage the hinge clip on the laptop keyboard.
If you are unable to remove the keycap, you might try putting the flat tool underneath the lower corner.
2. Keycap Puller
A keycap puller is a tiny instrument that grabs keycaps from beneath their base, making removal simpler. Keycap pullers are occasionally included with keyboards and keycap sets, and they are usually reasonably priced on their own. The best method for removing keys from a mechanical or membrane keyboard is to use a keycap puller. However, using this tool might make removing keys from some laptop keyboards challenging.
Use a keycap puller to remove keyboard keys by following these general instructions:-
- First, keep the keycap puller’s two sides on your desired key. Normally, you get two types of pullers – wire pullers and ring pullers.
- Pull the keycap toward you by pulling it up vertically while applying some pressure to the handle. Therefore, you must pull it straight and not at an angle. Otherwise, you risk damaging the keycap.
- A pop can be heard as the key detaches. Applying more force is necessary to pry off the keycap on some membrane keyboards.
3. Alternative Puller
We are referring to making a keycap puller on your own when we say “alternative pullers”. For instance, a paper clip could be used to remove keyboard keys. This won’t be as simple as using a keycap puller to remove keys, though. A problem could even cause your paper clip or keycap to break. But if you don’t have a genuine keycap remover, this will work best if you want to remove your keyboard keys.
What you can do:-
- To begin, shape the paper clip into a U
- After that, attach the clip’s two ends underneath the desired key
- The key can then be removed by applying light pressure next
- The pressure, then, is dependent on the model of keyboard you use.
4. Using Your Hand
The keys on some mechanical keyboards can even be removed with your hand if you don’t have any of the aforementioned tools. But doing so could crack the keycap, as well as the switch or hinge clip beneath it. Use this method only in those situations where it is absolutely necessary.
You can remove the keyboard keys properly by using your hand in the manner described here:
- The key you want to remove should be between your thumb(at the left) and index finger. Wiggle it a little while applying light pressure
- Now pull the key vertically upward while applying some pressure
Closing Thoughts
The fact that wire keycap pullers grip keycaps’ bottoms without sliding down the side makes them a popular choice among keyboard enthusiasts, even though any option will do the job. Keycaps may become damaged or scratched by ring pullers. The prongs typically prevent this from happening if they are used carefully. However, this can occasionally happen. So Follow this guide and you can easily learn how to remove keyboard keys. All the best!
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
