Introduction
Tools
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Remove all the keycaps shown and the screws under them. You can use a keycap puller, but pulling from the top of the keycaps works too.
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There are two screws holding in the battery, which you can access by peeling back the sticker on top. You should note that there is a plastic layer underneath, which should be removed with the top one.
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Unplug the battery connector carefully, holding from the plastic part with your trusty fingernails.
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First, remove all the screws marked with red and orange, as they are the easiest to unscrew.
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Next, there are screws under the rubber feet, their locations are marked with yellow. You don't need a hot air gun or hairdryer to remove the feet, just get something sharp under there and pry it upwards. And don't worry, they will still stick after you've done this (at least a few times).
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And finally, If you wish to remove the PCB, you'll need to pull off the rest of the keycaps and unscrew and unplug everything.
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To reassemble, just repeat the steps in reverse.
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2 comments
on this last step, when the 5 screws were removed, I was not able to remove the circuit board. Not sure what was still holding it in place
1. The PCB is not removable without de-soldering every switch. There is a slight overlap.
2. For replacement switches/keycaps, Kailh low-profiles should work because there are just slightly custom Kailh (the switch's clear casing has "Kailh" imprinted on it)... as long as you are willing to make slight modifications with a dremel.
3. If you want to reduce weight, the bottom casing has a glued, steel plate with no purpose except to increase the weight. A heat gun can be usefull to loosen the adhesive if you're afraid of breaking the plastic case.
4. I used water and a toothbrush to clean under the caps, then let sit on a heat plate for 10 hours before plugging the battery back in.
if i want to do maintenance that requires removing the top chassis only, can i do this step only? or are all steps required (i.e. removing battery and all screws from bottom).
I dont need to remove the PCB i am just trying to replace the rubber media keycaps.
Deltron Z -