How to Remove Keycaps on a Mechanical Keyboard with a Puller

Removing keycaps takes a steady hand and the right equipment. A keycap puller is all you need — and maybe to avoid the third cup of coffee or can of energy drink.

Your mechanical keyboard is an investment you want to keep clean and well-maintained. That means being able to get under the keycaps. Here's how to remove keycaps on a mechanical keyboard using a puller in three easy steps. Let’s go.

Step 1: Get Your Keycap Puller

First things first, you will need the right tool to do the job. We recommend a high-quality keycap puller with metal wires because they're usually the most reliable, comfortable, and easiest to use.

Plastic ones can break, or you could have the problem I have and misplace the small plastic keycap puller in the bottom of my office junk drawer.

If you don't want to buy one, or you're in a pinch for time and can't get a keycap puller from the shop, you can make your own DIY keycap puller. More on that later.

Step 2: Insert Tool Onto Keycap

Once you have gotten your keycap puller or made your own, insert it onto the keycap by gently pressing down, allowing the prongs to fall below the keycap. Check to ensure it is in place before pulling the keycap off.

Step 3: Gently Pull Up

Once the tool is in place, gently pull the keycap straight up. Avoid pulling at an angle, as this can damage the keycap and other keyboard components. Also, make sure the puller pulls the keycap from both sides to ensure its quality and integrity.

Tips on What to Look For in a Keycap Puller

When shopping for a keycap puller, consider these tips:

High-Quality Doesn’t Mean Expensive

We are talking about a $5-$7 part if you buy a high-end keycap puller. Cheaper ones, like the ones made of plastic, might not be durable, so don’t waste your money on low-quality parts. Just remember, an inexpensive puller can still be high-quality.

Metal Wires are Best

Again, plastic parts are rarely as durable as metal ones. That isn’t always the case, but it’s safe to say, when it comes to keycap pullers, metal is better than plastic. Opt for the metal one when doing your shopping.

How to Make a DIY Keycap Puller

What you'll need:

• Two size #1 paper clips (size matters, so get the #1!)
• Twist tie
• Pair of needle nose pliers
• Ruler

Straighten the paper clips and bend them to look like those long tacking staples (basically, make it look like the metal part of a keycap puller).

Use the needle nose pliers to bend the ends outwards (think of what the ends of the handles of a binder clip look like when you remove them).

Twist the twist tie around the bent clip ends. When you're done, it will look like the end of a metal keycap puller. If this all sounds confusing, PC Gamer has a good set of instructions, and you can see exactly how they make one of these pullers.

Mechanical Keyboard Keycap Removal FAQs

Can you remove keycaps without a keycap puller?

Yes. If you can get your fingers between the keys, you can pull them with your fingers. Also, you could use an instrument like a small screwdriver or paper clip. You can even use a binder clip. However, we strongly recommend using a keycap puller to ensure that you don't damage your keyboard or any of its components.

Can you use a keycap puller to pull switches?

Sure. You can also brush your teeth with a hand towel, but we don't recommend it. Unless you get a special 2-in-1 keycap-switch puller, use a switch puller to pull switches and keycap pullers for keycaps.

What can I use if I don't have a keycap puller?

You can bend a paperclip into a 'U' shape. Use the clip portion of a binder clip. Really, anything that will get under the keycap will work, but we do not recommend using anything other than a keycap puller. Even a properly made DIY puller is better than cramming a binder clip under your keycap.

Caring For Your Keycaps

Whenever you remove your keycaps, whether it is to clean your keyboard, lube the switches, or any other reason, we recommend storing them properly. Keycap containers have individual compartments, so you can separate your keycaps for proper storage.

At Kinetic Labs, we want to ensure you have all the tools you need to handle your keycaps with care. We have everything you need, from keycap pullers that help you gently remove your keycaps to full customized sets so you can personalize your keyboard’s look.