Can the keycaps be taken off from a CoolerMaster CK552 keyboard?
Can the keycaps be taken off from a CoolerMaster CK552 keyboard?
I own a CoolerMaster CK552 keyboard for roughly two years. It produces excessive noise, which doesn’t sit well with me, though I can’t change that due to sentimental reasons. I have two queries:
Can I take off the keycaps? Are they permanently stuck in place? Since I don’t have the box and likely don’t remember a keycap puller, do I need an alternative tool?
If removal is possible, can adding o-rings under the keycaps help reduce the sound? That seems like a viable option.
I’ve placed the keyboard on soft foam, which slightly improves silence, but the main noise still comes from the keys themselves. I’m open to trying that method if it helps.
The keyboard is extremely loud—currently I use a basic Chinese internet-cafe keyboard for around 4 AUD. It feels rough, flexible, and unstable, emits an unpleasant smell, and has inconsistent performance with blurry letters. The cable often disconnects when exposed to air, and there’s a risk it could fail at any moment. Using something quieter would be preferable.
Appreciate your help.
You can employ almost any keycap puller. Opt for the ones with trapezoid wires as they apply less pressure on the keycap compared to other locking type pullers.
Regarding your switch question, it depends on the color—brown, blue, or red. You might need to desolder each switch and install a different keyswitch, but be prepared to have soldering skills, a fume extractor, and proper tools.
You can employ almost any keycap puller. Opt for the ones with trapezoid wires as they apply less pressure on the keycap compared to other locking type pullers.
Regarding your switch question, it depends on the color—brown, blue, or red. You might need to desolder each switch and install a different keyswitch, but be prepared to have soldering skills, a fume extractor, and proper tools.
Thank you for your prompt reply. It's reassuring to know the keycaps are removable. I'm planning to buy a keycap puller right away. The keyboard features brown switches, which I believe are the quietest option available—browns are often recommended for typing comfort. This model matches the one shown in the video exactly, including the switches. I've handled soldering before, but I admit I'm not very skilled at it; I tend to be a bit clumsy and struggle to keep my work precise. For now, I'll start with the o-rings since they seem more reliable and affordable.
Reds are quiet, Browns are hands-on, so the only sound is a bump. Blues make a clackety noise that could wake someone up, at least in theory. You might try using a syringe of Krytox lube and then lubricate the switch stems, though I’m not sure you’ll have time for all the steps—even the space, entering and backspacing. Welcome!
Feel free to reply with a follow-up if this thread gets stuck. If needed, we can add your comment here.