Keyboards are our daily companions, whether we’re typing up reports, engaging in digital battles, or simply browsing the web. Over time, they accumulate dirt, grime, and debris, affecting their performance and longevity. Sometimes, keys can become damaged or unresponsive, necessitating a replacement. Removing keycaps is a must for deep cleaning and the first step toward repairing or customizing your keyboard.
What Happens if the Keycaps Are Not Removed Properly?
Potential for Electrical Issues
If the keyboard is not unplugged or turned off during keycap removal, there’s a risk of short-circuiting the keyboard, especially if metal tools are used. Static electricity can damage the keyboard’s electronics, especially if precautions aren’t taken to ground yourself before touching the keyboard’s internals.
Broken Keycaps
Applying too much force or using the wrong technique can crack, chip, or completely break the keycaps. This is especially true for older or more brittle keycaps.
Damaged Switch Mechanisms
Each key sits atop a switch that registers the keystroke; improper removal can damage these switches. Mechanical switches have delicate stems that can break, while rubber dome switches can tear or become unseated, all of which can result in a non-functional key.
Snapped Stabilizers
Larger keys like the space bar often have metal or plastic stabilizers for even motion. Twisting or yanking these keys incorrectly can bend or snap these stabilizers, making the key difficult or impossible to reattach and use smoothly.
Scratched Keyboard Surface
Using improper tools, such as sharp metal objects, can leave scratches or marks on the keyboard’s surface around the keys.
Wear and Tear on Mounting Points
Repeatedly applying too much force when removing or replacing keycaps can wear down the mounting points where the keycaps attach. This can lead to loose keycaps that do not provide the proper tactile feedback when typing.

Things You Should Know Before Removing Keycaps
Before you start removing keycaps, there are a few important steps and considerations to keep in mind:
- Turning off the computer or laptop: Always turn off your computer or laptop before working on the keyboard. This prevents any accidental key presses that could potentially harm your system or cause unwanted actions.
- Unplugging the keyboard (if possible): If you’re using a desktop computer with a separate keyboard, unplug it from the computer. This adds an extra layer of safety and makes the keyboard easier to maneuver during the keycap removal process.
- Tools that can be used:
- Keycap puller (recommended)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Butter knife
- Paperclip
While a keycap puller is the safest and most efficient tool, we’ll discuss alternative methods using common household items for those who don’t have access to a specialized tool.
Removing Keycaps with Different Tools
Keycap Puller
A keycap puller is the best tool for safely removing keycaps. It’s designed specifically for this purpose and minimizes the risk of damage to both the keycaps and the keyboard.
- Positioning the keycap puller: Place the wire loops of the keycap puller under opposite edges of the keycap you want to remove. Ensure that the loops are securely positioned beneath the keycap.
- Applying gentle upward pressure: Once the keycap puller is in place, apply gentle and even upward pressure. The goal is to lift the keycap straight up without twisting or tilting it.
- Removing the keycap: As you apply pressure, you’ll feel the keycap start to loosen. Continue pulling upward until the keycap comes free from the switch underneath. Set the removed keycap aside in a safe place.
Flathead Screwdriver
If you don’t have a keycap puller, a small flathead screwdriver can be used as an alternative, though it requires more care to avoid damage.
- Choose a small flathead screwdriver with a thin, flat tip.
- Gently insert the tip of the screwdriver under one edge of the keycap.
- Slowly and carefully pry up the keycap, being cautious not to apply too much force or scratch the keyboard surface. Use your fingers to gently pull it off the rest of the way as soon as the keycap is partially lifted
Butter Knife
You can use a butter knife in that way like you would a flathead screwdriver.
- Pick up a butter knife with a thin edge and a flat edge.
- Carefully slide the edge of the knife under one side of the keycap.
- Push up gently in order to lift the keycap slightly. If the keycap is only partially lifted, a completely extracted keycap should be completed by hand.
Paperclip
A paperclip can be bent into a makeshift keycap puller:
- Straighten out a large paperclip, leaving a small hook at each end.
- Insert the hooks under opposite sides of the keycap.
- Gently pull upward, using the paperclip as you would a keycap puller.

Removing Keycaps without Tools
In some cases, you may need to remove a keycap without any tools on hand. This method should only be considered in urgent scenarios, such as when a key is stuck and interfering with your work, or if there’s a small object trapped under a key that needs immediate removal. But before attempting this method, consider these alternatives:
- Wait until you have access to proper tools
- Use makeshift tools like a credit card or plastic cutlery instead of your fingers
Gentle Manual Removal Technique
- Finger Placement: Position your fingertips — not fingernails, as using them risks injury and damage to both nails and keycaps — at opposite sides of the keycap.
- Even Pressure: Press upwards gently but firmly with both fingers. The goal is to apply equal force to prevent stressing one side of the key more than the other.
- Wiggling Motion: Rather than pulling directly upward, employ a slight wiggling motion. This can help to loosen the keycap evenly without applying too much force in any single direction.
- Vertical Lift: Once the keycap starts to lift, continue to pull straight up to remove it from the switch stem. Avoid angling the keycap as you lift, which might damage the delicate plastic clips underneath.
Important Precautions
- Never attempt this method on larger keys with stabilizers (like the spacebar or shift keys).
- If you have long nails, this method may not be suitable as it increases the risk of nail damage.
- Be prepared to stop if you feel any pain in your fingers or notice any bending of the keycap.
Choose the Right Tools for Keycap Removal
While the blog discussed several methods for removing keycaps, a dedicated keycap puller remains the safest and most efficient tool for the job. If you frequently clean or customize your keyboard, investing in a keycap puller is highly recommended. If you must use alternative tools like screwdrivers or butter knives, always proceed with caution. Take your time, apply gentle pressure, and be mindful of the keyboard’s surface and the delicate mechanisms beneath the keys.

FAQs:
1. How often should I remove keycaps to clean them?
The frequency will depend on the amount of usage and nature of the environment. For most, a deep cleaning with removing keycaps every 6-12 months is good enough. You might need to clean more often in case you eat near your keyboard or work in a dusty environment.
2. Is it normal for keycaps to be hard to remove?
Some resistance is normal, but extreme force should not be required, especially if it’s the first time removing keycaps. If one keycap resists your methods more than expected, then check the method or use another tool.
3. Can I remove keycaps from a laptop keyboard?
This is possible, but, unfortunately, laptop keycaps usually are more brittle, and also, there are other involved mechanisms rather than in the desk keyboards. Anyway, the general recommendation is not to touch laptop keyboards if you are not an expert unless you have specific experience with this model.
4. Are there any specific keycap pullers for the various types of keyboards?
Sure, there are some, and those depend significantly on the particular kind of switch-importance of distinguishing mechanical from the membrane. At the same time, there is a universal keycap puller that goes quite well with most of keybs.
5. Can I grease my switches while I have the keycaps off?
Yes, but the application is more complex, and it requires a proper lubricant. Most importantly, with mechanical switches, do your research into compatible lubricants and application methods for your keyboard model and switch type.