How to Use a Switch Opener for Custom Keyboards

By Keychron | Custom Mechanical Keyboards for Mac, Windows ... | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to safely open mechanical keyboard switches using a switch opener. Step-by-step instructions for lubing, cleaning, or modding your switches.

Quick Answer

To use a switch opener, align the switch housing tabs with the opener's prongs, press down firmly, and lift the top housing away. This tool makes opening switches for lubing or modding safer and faster than using a flathead screwdriver.

Why Use a Dedicated Switch Opener?

Opening a mechanical switch with a screwdriver or pry tool often bends the housing clips or scratches the plastic. A switch opener like the Gateron Switch Opener fits the exact shape of the switch, so you apply even pressure and reduce the risk of damage.

The Gateron Switch Opener is a simple metal tool with two prongs that match the latch points on compatible switch housings. It works on most standard MX-style switches, including Gateron, Cherry, and Kailh models. Because it is a single-purpose tool, it does the job faster than improvised methods.

Which Switches Can You Open?

Most mechanical switches with a standard MX-style housing can be opened with a switch opener. The Gateron Switch Opener is designed for Gateron switches but also works on many Cherry MX, Kailh, and Outemu switches. Switches with a sealed housing or those that are factory-lubed and glued shut (some optical or low-profile switches) may not open cleanly.

If you are unsure, test the opener on one switch first. If the top housing does not separate with moderate pressure, stop and check compatibility.

How to Open a Switch with a Switch Opener

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace: Place the switch opener on a flat, stable surface. Have a small container ready for the switch top housings and stems. Ensure your hands are dry and the area is well-lit. A cluttered or slippery workspace can cause the opener to shift and damage the switch.
Step 2: Position the Switch: Hold the switch with the two metal pins facing away from you. Align the two small tabs on the side of the switch housing with the two prongs of the opener. The switch should sit evenly on the opener without tilting. If the switch rocks or does not sit flush, rotate it 180 degrees — the tabs are not symmetrical on all switches.
Step 3: Apply Even Pressure: Press down firmly and evenly on the top of the switch until you hear or feel a click. The top housing should separate from the bottom. Lift the top housing straight up to avoid bending the switch pins. Do not twist or rock the switch while pressing — that can snap the housing clips.
Step 4: Remove the Stem and Spring: Once the top housing is off, carefully lift out the stem (the cross-shaped piece) and then the spring. Place them in your container. The bottom housing with the metal pins stays in the opener or on your mat. Keep stems and springs organized by switch type — mixing them can change the feel of your keyboard.
Step 5: Clean or Lube the Components: Now that the switch is open, you can clean the housing with a soft brush or apply lubricant to the stem rails and spring ends. Avoid getting lube on the metal contact leaves inside the bottom housing. Too much lube can make the switch feel sluggish or attract dust — a thin, even layer is enough.
Step 6: Reassemble the Switch: Place the spring back into the bottom housing, then insert the stem (ensure the stem legs align with the contact leaves). Press the top housing down until it clicks into place. Test the switch by pressing it a few times before reinstalling it in your keyboard. If the switch feels scratchy or does not click back together, the stem may be misaligned — open it again and check the stem position.

Product Facts

Gateron Switch Opener: The Gateron Switch Opener is a switch accessory made for opening compatible mechanical keyboard switches during maintenance or customization. It provides a secure grip on the switch housing, reducing the chance of bending pins or breaking clips compared to using a flathead screwdriver.
Gateron Switch Opener