Details on swapping old switches for new ones? | Razer Insider
Skip to main content
Question

Details on swapping old switches for new ones?

  • February 18, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 66 views
W

So l'm replacing (or, intending to replace) my green switches on my blackwidow chroma TE keyboard with yellow ones. Id resolder them and all that. I was looking at the switches on razer's site that id buy to replace my own and noticed a fair amount of differences between the “new” switches purchasable on razer’s site and the ones already on my Blackwidow Chroma Tournament Edition.
Color differences aside,

would there be any conflicts hardware wise between using new switches on my older keyboard?
I’m seeing that there’s only two pins on the newer switches. If i remember right (which i could just be wrong), there’s three pins on the ones on my board. Am I correct about that? and if so, would it be an issue?
There is built in RGB/chroma lighting in the purchasable switches right?
Is there any other conflicts or things i might should know to make sure this could work?

I know it probably doesnt help much since it doesnt show any of the electric connections, but attached is an image to show the surface level differences between switches.
 

 

Did this topic help you find an answer to your question?

3 Replies

FiszPL
Vanguard
Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • FiszPL
  • VANGUARD
  • 7224 replies
  • February 18, 2025

It should fit. The old ones as far as I remember are also 3 pin (2 pin for the switch and 1 plastic pin for the mounting to PCB).

W
1 person likes this
  • W
    worldofwolf
W
  • worldofwolf
  • Author
  • Insider Mini
  • 1 reply
  • February 18, 2025
FiszPL wrote:

It should fit. The old ones as far as I remember are also 3 pin (2 pin for the switch and 1 plastic pin for the mounting to PCB).

I’ve heard that the PCB for this older board (blackwidow chroma TE) has the LEDs that are built into the board instead of the switch. but it looks like the newer switches that i’d be getting have LEDs built into the switch itself. Is that still workable if thats true?

FiszPL
Vanguard
Forum|alt.badge.img+1
  • FiszPL
  • VANGUARD
  • 7224 replies
  • February 19, 2025

Not true.

Both keyboards have LEDs soldered onto PCB - the difference is that older keyboards have leds “mounted” from the front, so to remove switch you also have to desolder LED.

Newer KBs have SMD LED also soldered onto PCB, but they’re mounted from the back of PCB - there is a small hole in PCB that SMD LED is just shining through.

Old keyboard have LED very close to the keycap, and the new ones not (because it’s directly mounted on to PCB) - so they’ll also require small translucent plastic insert that is sitting in the mechanical key to provide better light “dissipation”.

That how it looks on the older keyboard (image stolen from the internetz). LEDs are soldered into the board from the front - switch side (this is 4 pin RGB anode).

 

Example of the newer KB - SMD LED is mounted from the back of PCB.

2 LEDs and switches desoldered (left side) - it’s BlackWidow Elite or something newer.

 

Reply


CookiesCookie settings

Cookie policy

We use cookies to enhance and personalize your experience. If you accept you agree to our full cookie policy. Learn more about our cookies.

 
Cookie settings