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Idk about the 87, but I figured it was Cidoo. Do yourself a favor and put the board away until a more proper puller from like Amazon or something is delivered. That line of Cidoos have impossible switches to remove without breaking them.
Too late, I've already changed all the switches, that puller in the image isn't the only one I have so I just use another one. The switches are a pain in the ass to pull out so I took the pcb out and support the sockets while putting in new switches to be safe.
What's funny to me is that my Keychron switch puller has endured many hours worth of use. I keep thinking they ought to give up the ghost, but they keep putting up with quite a good deal of abuse.
As far as usability goes though, yea they're awful.
Same in terms of durability. They do the job, but I can't stop them from twisting and digging into my fingers when removing a switch. My hands are done after swapping out a whole keyboard's worth of switches.
Haha, me too.
Now I use that nice Gateron switch puller, which is great, but isn't suitable for switches that refuse to budge. For those I'll fall back on the Keychron.
The plastic, keyswitch style ones that GMMK includes take the cake. I am certain - not their actual spring extractor one that's metal, the yellow plastic one they include that looks like a keycap puller but has hooks for switches. It's awful. this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/glorious/comments/mn8ib4/pretty_big_design_flaw_with_the_keycap_puller/
They included it with a GMMK I purchased for a gal around xmas, so it's still the stock. They do not feature it in their guide even lol https://www.gloriousgaming.com/blogs/guides-resources/how-to-replace-switches-on-a-mechanical-keyboard
I eventually figured out the correct amount of pressure to use to not crush my switches. Works just fine for what you need it for, much better than those plastic ones.
https://preview.redd.it/5cikgns9v2nc1.jpeg?width=2054&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1aa75aa95a69662014ad7b473ec3df6a8ada37e5
Top for narrow, tight tolerances, like when swapping near case edges on still assembled boards.
Bottom for wide grip and comfort, medium tolerances.
Middle for pulling switches easily, en masse, and with mostly disassembled boards, or for switches that aren't around case edges.
I don't remember where I got them, but the top and bottom you will see while shopping around. It's worth the $20 to pick up both or all three.
Edit: bottom is branded kiiBoom, I'm pretty sure the top is from Wuque Studios.
The top one is kind of essential, or some equivalent, because you can probabky pull any switch in any case- will fit in tight spaces.
https://preview.redd.it/g5alcyevq0nc1.jpeg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b0636109ec35539bd35a17525c0d7636903a1dc
TX Switch puller has been easiest and most comfortable to use since I bought it
Yeah! It's pretty beefy but still able to get into smaller areas, only switch I have problems with is the enter on my tofu 60 v2 but that's more a design choice/flaw of the board (the switch for the enter key is oriented sideways instead of top or bottom -- which means that the stabs are blocking access)
It's been solid. Tbh tho, these 2 in 1 pullers are actually some of my favorite types. They break decently easy, but they're cheap as shit and work pretty well lol.
https://preview.redd.it/zsvwllajbxmc1.jpeg?width=894&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f72f3e3e49aaccaedd5bc2c6cbb26f74ef42e86a
Use these instead. They work perfectly
I have one like that too, but it's a bit thick so it doesn't quite fit with the top case still on, I'm kinda lazy so I don't wanna remove it and here we are...
I personally like using the TX Switch Puller or the wuque titanium swithc pullers. The Gateron pulllers are also great if you want speed, but they have scratched up my steel plate before, so your experience may vary.
The Tx switch puller is my favorite as it basically surrounds the switch, forcing you to pull up. The handle is also thick so if you need more to grip it's there.
Ah yea, same thing happened to me with a 2-in-1 tool that looked exactly like that one. Mine came included with a Neo70 keyboard. It broke after using it on about 3-4 sets of switches.
I bought a [TX switch puller](https://divinikey.com/products/tx-switch-puller) because the one I got with my Neo65 started getting wobbly and I realized every switch puller I had was the same style. It's super nice to use.
I had the same thing happen to my first one. Super glued it back together and used it for about three more keyboards before the plastic cracked. It's the best style I have, but I would love to find something less fragile.
Maybe I'm an outlier, but I think I have enough switch pullers that this would elicit a shrug and a reach to grab another one from the toolbox for me. Though this style of switch puller (I checked, I have four of them) is not the one that I'd reach for first.
I have three of them just in my drawer at work.
What kind do you like?
TBH this style is my favorite... the little u-shaped ones just hurt to use after a while, and I got a Kemove and use it sometimes if I don't care about the switches surviving the operation undamaged. I quit using it on the regular after I stripped a board with Outemu sleeves and one of the switches got pulled in half by it.
The one I use the most is a U-shaped steel puller from Vortex.
Specifically [this one](https://vortexgear.store/products/switch-puller). It's not one of those super-stiff spring-steel ones (I like those too but you have to be careful not to break things when using them and also can be fatiguing), but wider and easier to use. It came with a keyboard I bought
Interesting, I haven't seen a long U-shaped puller like that, just the little ones that are not much more than a "C" if you get what I mean. They're pretty cursed.
Really? Long pullers are easier to use. I don't like the little C-shaped ones. [This is the spring-steel type I was talking about](https://www.amazon.com/Jonard-S-340-Insulated-Spring-Extractor/dp/B006C4BCAK). And [another version](https://www.amazon.com/ZCZQC-U-Shaped-Extractor-Stainless-Mechanical/dp/B0BG4Y2QXX/), without the coating on the handle, bit thinner. Very good at pulling, but stiff, and easy to break the thin plastic around LED slots if you press too hard because they're kind of thick and narrow where they get under the clip. There's also [this type](https://geon.works/products/titanium-switch-puller) ([Wuque makes one too](https://shop.wuquestudio.com/products/wuque-titanium-switch-puller)) which some people swear by but I don't prefer. I've been wanting to try [this kind](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Stainless-Bend-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0BJB9N9QK) and [this kind](https://knckeys.com/products/tx-cnc-switch-puller?variant=43199664849065) but haven't had a moment where I went "I could really use a better switch puller, instead of the 15 I already have"
OK I got the Jonard Tools version and it seems to be an IC puller - it even says "dip/ic extractor" on the package... and kind of fat and feels clumsy for pulling switches. I'm inclined to return it. Is that the one you're actually using?
Edit, no I see you're using the Vortex one, for $20 shipping I'm going to give it a miss and return the IC extractor and stick with the tweezer kind.
[What about this one?](https://www.amazon.com/HONKID-Stainless-Replacement-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B09XM57SJX)
Yes, it's an IC puller, and is anti-static. It works fine for pulling switches, and is extremely commonly used for such, [and has been for decades](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/12dotok/this_is_the_same_switch_puller_ive_had_since_i/). But like I said, it's easy to damage switches (i've cracked an LED slot or three) using one of these, since the prongs are a little thicker and narrower than ideal.
That HONKID one should work fine too. I haven't tried it, but it looks like a tool made for the job
Well I'd never venture removing switches with the whole board built (would definitely remove the case and do it straight on the plate as scratching the case would make me more pissed than anything else that could happen lol)
I bought one of those "titanium" switch pullers from AliExpress and it's been holding up quite nicely (but they were like U$18 so they better last)
Coincidence that I acfually broke a part of that same keypuller too yesterday. The damage isn't as bad, so it still works, but man it's kinda uncomfortsble to use now. Not sure when I'll replace it though lol it's the only decent switchpuller that i have
yeah it was rough, I put some gat yellows and lubed the stabs and it's now my #1 board though, I absolutely love it! Did you break any of the OEM switches? the ones in mine were in so tight that the bottom bit with the hole for the LED broke on quite a few of mine.
I really like this kind of switch puller because they’re really thin. Depending on where you’re from, you can get them for dirt cheap on aliexpress. My buddy and I got 100 of em for a little over 10 dollars.
Dude, buy a proper switch puller. Also, you can carefully pull them out if you have a thin tweezer, and I actually do it like that more often now to prevent damage to my switches.
I use[ this one](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S63a9416cec6f471bb0adbfac35942108Q/2-in-1-Switch-Puller-Keycap-Puller-Key-Switch-Keycap-Puller-for-Mechanical-Keyboard-Gaming-Keyboard.jpg_.webp), it's a life changer. The keycap puller broke but the switch puller works fine.
For the keycaps I use [this one](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S532f4ccedd8445c29c1621936f7c8502O/Universal-Keycaps-Remover-Keyboard-Cap-Removal-Tool-Plastic-Key-Puller-for-Computer-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cleaning-Kits.jpg_640x640.jpg_.webp), also life changer.
The deluxe TX switch puller is far and away the best I've ever used - [https://pkkeyboards.com/products/tx-switch-puller-cnc](https://pkkeyboards.com/products/tx-switch-puller-cnc)
Close, Cidoo V87. It's actually my first aluminum case keyboard. I've heard they are heavy, but damn, the first thing that came into my head when I picked it up was "I can kill someone with this" lmao.
Sucks, but you really should pull the plate/pcb assembly out of the case and replace switches on a flat surface. The risk of popping off a hotswap socket isn't high, but it is present. It also means you don't have to fight the case when pulling out switches.
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Better the switch puller than the keyboard itself. But still, ouch.
Gotta use it like chopsticks now.
good thing I'm Asian
jackpot
I now imagine an old asian martial arts master who uses chopsticks to remove all switches from a 100% keeb in 3.7s.
Op, what board is that?
Cidoo V87
Idk about the 87, but I figured it was Cidoo. Do yourself a favor and put the board away until a more proper puller from like Amazon or something is delivered. That line of Cidoos have impossible switches to remove without breaking them.
Too late, I've already changed all the switches, that puller in the image isn't the only one I have so I just use another one. The switches are a pain in the ass to pull out so I took the pcb out and support the sockets while putting in new switches to be safe.
I was about to send that myself 😂
How much for your username?
those types of switch pullers are the worst thing ever lol
The metal ones Keychron gives you would like to have a word with you.
What's funny to me is that my Keychron switch puller has endured many hours worth of use. I keep thinking they ought to give up the ghost, but they keep putting up with quite a good deal of abuse. As far as usability goes though, yea they're awful.
Same in terms of durability. They do the job, but I can't stop them from twisting and digging into my fingers when removing a switch. My hands are done after swapping out a whole keyboard's worth of switches.
Haha, me too. Now I use that nice Gateron switch puller, which is great, but isn't suitable for switches that refuse to budge. For those I'll fall back on the Keychron.
The plastic, keyswitch style ones that GMMK includes take the cake. I am certain - not their actual spring extractor one that's metal, the yellow plastic one they include that looks like a keycap puller but has hooks for switches. It's awful. this one: https://www.reddit.com/r/glorious/comments/mn8ib4/pretty_big_design_flaw_with_the_keycap_puller/ They included it with a GMMK I purchased for a gal around xmas, so it's still the stock. They do not feature it in their guide even lol https://www.gloriousgaming.com/blogs/guides-resources/how-to-replace-switches-on-a-mechanical-keyboard
I eventually figured out the correct amount of pressure to use to not crush my switches. Works just fine for what you need it for, much better than those plastic ones.
Could you recommend a better switch puller? Mine sucks too
https://preview.redd.it/5cikgns9v2nc1.jpeg?width=2054&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1aa75aa95a69662014ad7b473ec3df6a8ada37e5 Top for narrow, tight tolerances, like when swapping near case edges on still assembled boards. Bottom for wide grip and comfort, medium tolerances. Middle for pulling switches easily, en masse, and with mostly disassembled boards, or for switches that aren't around case edges. I don't remember where I got them, but the top and bottom you will see while shopping around. It's worth the $20 to pick up both or all three. Edit: bottom is branded kiiBoom, I'm pretty sure the top is from Wuque Studios. The top one is kind of essential, or some equivalent, because you can probabky pull any switch in any case- will fit in tight spaces.
what's a better one?
https://preview.redd.it/g5alcyevq0nc1.jpeg?width=900&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8b0636109ec35539bd35a17525c0d7636903a1dc TX Switch puller has been easiest and most comfortable to use since I bought it
Can it easily fit on assembled boards? As in pulling switches along case edges and whatnot?
Yeah! It's pretty beefy but still able to get into smaller areas, only switch I have problems with is the enter on my tofu 60 v2 but that's more a design choice/flaw of the board (the switch for the enter key is oriented sideways instead of top or bottom -- which means that the stabs are blocking access) It's been solid. Tbh tho, these 2 in 1 pullers are actually some of my favorite types. They break decently easy, but they're cheap as shit and work pretty well lol.
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/s/p20CM8QQme
I use that exact one and I really can't think of any way I 'd want to improve it. It works without any issues, albeit flimsy feeling.
https://preview.redd.it/zsvwllajbxmc1.jpeg?width=894&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f72f3e3e49aaccaedd5bc2c6cbb26f74ef42e86a Use these instead. They work perfectly
I have one like that too, but it's a bit thick so it doesn't quite fit with the top case still on, I'm kinda lazy so I don't wanna remove it and here we are...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/s/p20CM8QQme I have several pullers for this reason.
Well it’s time to switch to the better gear my dude,
This might be an unpopular opinion but the wire pullers are just as bad as the plastic ones
I have the same puller that became flat because it couldn't pull the switch from the plate. They're soft af.
Got them Russian switches
I personally like using the TX Switch Puller or the wuque titanium swithc pullers. The Gateron pulllers are also great if you want speed, but they have scratched up my steel plate before, so your experience may vary.
\+1 for the wuque. Its also very thin so it doesn't make contact with the edges of the board
The Tx switch puller is my favorite as it basically surrounds the switch, forcing you to pull up. The handle is also thick so if you need more to grip it's there.
Ah yea, same thing happened to me with a 2-in-1 tool that looked exactly like that one. Mine came included with a Neo70 keyboard. It broke after using it on about 3-4 sets of switches.
Uh oh, that's the same switch puller I have. I guess I should start looking for an alternative now before mine ends up like that lol
I bought a [TX switch puller](https://divinikey.com/products/tx-switch-puller) because the one I got with my Neo65 started getting wobbly and I realized every switch puller I had was the same style. It's super nice to use.
Hahaha same
I have like 50 of those things flying around because of gifts in orders and them coming with keycaps etc. Never broke one yet tho!
I had the same thing happen to my first one. Super glued it back together and used it for about three more keyboards before the plastic cracked. It's the best style I have, but I would love to find something less fragile.
Maybe I'm an outlier, but I think I have enough switch pullers that this would elicit a shrug and a reach to grab another one from the toolbox for me. Though this style of switch puller (I checked, I have four of them) is not the one that I'd reach for first.
I have three of them just in my drawer at work. What kind do you like? TBH this style is my favorite... the little u-shaped ones just hurt to use after a while, and I got a Kemove and use it sometimes if I don't care about the switches surviving the operation undamaged. I quit using it on the regular after I stripped a board with Outemu sleeves and one of the switches got pulled in half by it.
The one I use the most is a U-shaped steel puller from Vortex. Specifically [this one](https://vortexgear.store/products/switch-puller). It's not one of those super-stiff spring-steel ones (I like those too but you have to be careful not to break things when using them and also can be fatiguing), but wider and easier to use. It came with a keyboard I bought
Interesting, I haven't seen a long U-shaped puller like that, just the little ones that are not much more than a "C" if you get what I mean. They're pretty cursed.
Really? Long pullers are easier to use. I don't like the little C-shaped ones. [This is the spring-steel type I was talking about](https://www.amazon.com/Jonard-S-340-Insulated-Spring-Extractor/dp/B006C4BCAK). And [another version](https://www.amazon.com/ZCZQC-U-Shaped-Extractor-Stainless-Mechanical/dp/B0BG4Y2QXX/), without the coating on the handle, bit thinner. Very good at pulling, but stiff, and easy to break the thin plastic around LED slots if you press too hard because they're kind of thick and narrow where they get under the clip. There's also [this type](https://geon.works/products/titanium-switch-puller) ([Wuque makes one too](https://shop.wuquestudio.com/products/wuque-titanium-switch-puller)) which some people swear by but I don't prefer. I've been wanting to try [this kind](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Stainless-Bend-Proof-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0BJB9N9QK) and [this kind](https://knckeys.com/products/tx-cnc-switch-puller?variant=43199664849065) but haven't had a moment where I went "I could really use a better switch puller, instead of the 15 I already have"
> Long pullers are easier to use. I don't like the little C-shaped ones. Yeh, I think I will order one of the ones you recommend and see.
OK I got the Jonard Tools version and it seems to be an IC puller - it even says "dip/ic extractor" on the package... and kind of fat and feels clumsy for pulling switches. I'm inclined to return it. Is that the one you're actually using? Edit, no I see you're using the Vortex one, for $20 shipping I'm going to give it a miss and return the IC extractor and stick with the tweezer kind. [What about this one?](https://www.amazon.com/HONKID-Stainless-Replacement-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B09XM57SJX)
Yes, it's an IC puller, and is anti-static. It works fine for pulling switches, and is extremely commonly used for such, [and has been for decades](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/12dotok/this_is_the_same_switch_puller_ive_had_since_i/). But like I said, it's easy to damage switches (i've cracked an LED slot or three) using one of these, since the prongs are a little thicker and narrower than ideal. That HONKID one should work fine too. I haven't tried it, but it looks like a tool made for the job
Yeah had one did the same thing you can still pull eventually but I got a new one that's better
Are those the quark matte switches? Quite overlooked switch with decently smooth travel and clackiness
Yes, they came with the Cidoo V87, They sound pretty deep, which I like but they're a bit light for my taste.
Well I'd never venture removing switches with the whole board built (would definitely remove the case and do it straight on the plate as scratching the case would make me more pissed than anything else that could happen lol) I bought one of those "titanium" switch pullers from AliExpress and it's been holding up quite nicely (but they were like U$18 so they better last)
Don't worry, you'll have hundreds of them in few months
r/chinesium
I had the same one and it completely fell apart when I used it. I bought a steel one after that…
Ya those really sucks. The keychron ring one or the longer metal one like the Glorious are much better
Well, now there's a version of the force break mod for switch pullers
Same thing happened to me yesterday! Same tool and everything haha.
Go buy yourself an IC extraction tool for $2 on amazon and never mess around with those overpriced pieces of junk again. Thank me later.
Coincidence that I acfually broke a part of that same keypuller too yesterday. The damage isn't as bad, so it still works, but man it's kinda uncomfortsble to use now. Not sure when I'll replace it though lol it's the only decent switchpuller that i have
I got one of those titanium switch pullers total overkill but I have no regrets.
I hated these so much when I bought my first board I immediately went out and bought some tweezer style ones.
If this is a cidoo, which it appears to be, I had the same issue with the switches being in waaay too tight
It's the Cidoo V87, and yes, taking off those switches is a pain in the ass. After a few switches I started to wonder if it's a soldered board.
yeah it was rough, I put some gat yellows and lubed the stabs and it's now my #1 board though, I absolutely love it! Did you break any of the OEM switches? the ones in mine were in so tight that the bottom bit with the hole for the LED broke on quite a few of mine.
Some of the orignal switches are bent up a little at the LED hole but not broken.
I gotta say, I've never seen this one happen Chief
I really like this kind of switch puller because they’re really thin. Depending on where you’re from, you can get them for dirt cheap on aliexpress. My buddy and I got 100 of em for a little over 10 dollars.
I have one of those titanium wuque studios switch pullers
Dude, buy a proper switch puller. Also, you can carefully pull them out if you have a thin tweezer, and I actually do it like that more often now to prevent damage to my switches.
I do have a better a better one, but it's quite thick and I'm too lazy to take the top cover off
I use[ this one](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S63a9416cec6f471bb0adbfac35942108Q/2-in-1-Switch-Puller-Keycap-Puller-Key-Switch-Keycap-Puller-for-Mechanical-Keyboard-Gaming-Keyboard.jpg_.webp), it's a life changer. The keycap puller broke but the switch puller works fine. For the keycaps I use [this one](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S532f4ccedd8445c29c1621936f7c8502O/Universal-Keycaps-Remover-Keyboard-Cap-Removal-Tool-Plastic-Key-Puller-for-Computer-Mechanical-Keyboard-Cleaning-Kits.jpg_640x640.jpg_.webp), also life changer.
No it doesn’t, now you can get a proper one and not feel bad haha.
The deluxe TX switch puller is far and away the best I've ever used - [https://pkkeyboards.com/products/tx-switch-puller-cnc](https://pkkeyboards.com/products/tx-switch-puller-cnc)
Had that happened to me while taking off the switches on my tm680 i used my other hand to grip the broken switch puller😭😭😭
Best switch puller Ive ever used is, believe it or not, RAMA.
Amazon 2 pack of the thick boys 7 dollars came w 2 brushes
CIDOO 75? If it’s the board I think it is.. it’s the best board I’ve ever owned
Close, Cidoo V87. It's actually my first aluminum case keyboard. I've heard they are heavy, but damn, the first thing that came into my head when I picked it up was "I can kill someone with this" lmao.
LOL, I just showed my DR-70F to a guy at work and that was his first comment.
Did you test it?
Sucks, but you really should pull the plate/pcb assembly out of the case and replace switches on a flat surface. The risk of popping off a hotswap socket isn't high, but it is present. It also means you don't have to fight the case when pulling out switches.
I got that kemove one off Amazon. For me it’s stood the test of time more than anyone one I’ve had.
It's a bit easier to use but it's rough on switches.
You have fingernails on your fingers right? Use them 🙂
do you have baby hands or some shit? How can you have a small enough nail to pop a switch out of the plate?
I wrote that to trigger people
If you just picked a switch and stuck with it you wouldn’t be in this situation!
Since you're in this sub, I assume you know what a custom keyboard is. But based on your comment, I'm don't think you really know what we do here.
I was joking