In our main introductory article for the CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS, we talked a big game about how customizable this keyboard is. So, for this article, we decided to put our money where our collective corporate mouth is and show you how to get into the K65 PLUS WIRELESS. So, get your toolkit out and let’s take this thing apart.
Firstly, make sure you’ve got the correct tools. A screwdriver with a Phillips 1.0 bit works best here. (Our PC DIY Precision toolkit has this and a lot more, by the way). Additionally, keep a bowl or other similar screw receptacle around, as these screws are small and easy to lose.
Remember which part of the K65 PLUS each screw came from, too, as this will make re-assembly easier. The toolkit we mentioned has separate sections in the lid which is a lifesaver for fiddly work like this.
In order to fully get into the K65 PLUS WIRELESS, you’ll need to remove the keycap and the switches. If you don’t, the disassembly process will grind to a halt further down the line. You won’t be able to separate the layers because the switches hold them together, and you can’t remove the switches without taking the keycaps off to expose them.
Happily, this won’t take long and we’ve included a combination keycap/switch remover in the box so you won’t need any additional tools for this bit.
Grab the keycap/switch remover and position the wire side over the keycap. Push down until the wires hook around and under opposite corners of the keycap. Now pull directly upwards. The clip below illustrates pro pulling practice.
Once the keycap is removed, flip the tool around and press the other end over the switch. The little claws should hook underneath the top and bottom of the switch. Once they do, firmly squeeze the bumped section of the tool and pull directly upwards with the same motion you just used for the keycaps. See below for a visual aid.
Remember to remove the volume knob, too, as this can get in the way later. (just grab it with you hand and pull directly up.) We’ve written a more detailed guide on how to remove the switches and keycaps on the K65 PLUS. Note that this is a standard process for Hotswap boards, so you can follow the same steps for any Hotswap board, for example the K70 PRO MINI.
Now that the K65 PLUS is void of switches and keycaps, we can finally get in there. Flip the keyboard over and locate the eight screws on the base of the unit. Four at the top, and four at the bottom. Unscrew these and you’ll be able to remove the bottom of the case.
Be careful, though. The battery and the antennae are housed in the bottom case. So slowly lift the bottom case away a few inches then peak inside at the underside of the PCB. Here you’ll find 2 cables plugged in. They aren’t locked or glued in, so gently unplug them, and we can continue.
The K65 PLUS is a top-mount keyboard. This means that the PCB is mounted to the top case. You’ll know this because it remained attached when we separated it from the bottom case. Now’s the time to remove it.
With the back of the PCB facing you, continue to unscrew the erm... screws. Here, you’ll find four screws along the top, then three screws along the bottom. There’s another two along the centre line. Finally, there’s a sneaky eighth screw near the bottom left. Just above the arrow keys.
Now that all 10 screws have been removed, you can now separate the PCB from the switch plate from the foam. This leaves you with all the components of the K65 PLUS laid bare, ready for lubrication, modification, or total replacement. The world might not be your oyster, but the K65 PLUS is. Sort of.
Once you’re done with whatever nefarious business you’re conducting inside the K65 PLUS, simply follow these steps in reverse to reassemble the keyboard.
If the idea of customizing a mechanical keyboard sounds fun to you, then check out the CORSAIR K65 PLUS at our webstore.
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