Keyboard Switch Mods: A Guide to Customizing Your Keystrokes

Tired of that scratchy, pingy sound from your mechanical keyboard? That stock board is a decent start, but what if it could feel… perfect? Welcome to the world of keyboard switch mods, the ultimate DIY upgrade for any South African gamer. It’s easier than you think to transform your keystrokes from standard to sublime, giving you a competitive edge and a typing experience that’s uniquely yours. Let's dive in and unlock your keyboard's true potential.

Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Black / Tactile Mechanical Switches / Key Rollover / Anti-Ghosting / PBT Keycaps / LED Lighting / Built To Last / 920-010437

R1559.00In Stock

Razer Pro Type Ultra Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Yellow Switches / US layout / Linear keyboard switches / Ergonomic design with soft-touch coating / Plush leatherette wrist rest / RZ03-04110100-R3M1

R3699.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless 2023 Ed. - World's Fastest Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Adjustable Actuation – Esports Tenkeyless – OLED Screen – PBT Keycaps – Bluetooth 5.0 – 2.4GHz – USB-C / 64865

R7099.00In Stock

ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO Linear Mechanical Titan Switch Full-size PC Gaming Keyboard with Per-key AIMO RGB Lighting, Anodized Aluminum Top Plate and Detachable Palm Rest – Black / ROC-12-671-RD-AM

R2799.00In Stock

SteelSeries Prismcaps Double Shot PBT Keycaps - Black / Extreme Durability / Compatible With Most Mechanical Keyboards / Thermoplastic PBT Keycaps / 60200

R949.00In Stock

Razer Mechanical Switches Replacement Pack for Gaming Keyboard: Gen-3 Green Clicky Switches - 1.9mm Actuation Point at 50g - Transparent Housing - 3 Pin - Box-Style Cross Stem - 36 pcs / RC21-02040200-R3M1

R699.00In Stock

Why Bother With Keyboard Switch Mods?

You might have a great gaming keyboard right out of the box, but stock switches are mass-produced. They often have minor imperfections that lead to scratchiness (friction), spring ping (a high-pitched ringing), and housing wobble. Keyboard switch mods are all about refining these components to achieve a superior feel and sound.

The goal isn't just about aesthetics; it's about performance and satisfaction. A smoother, quieter, and more consistent keystroke can reduce finger fatigue during long gaming sessions and make typing a genuine pleasure. For competitive gamers, a perfectly tuned switch can mean faster, more reliable actuation. 🚀

The "Big Three" Keyboard Switch Modifications Explained

Most of the magic happens with three core techniques. You can do one, or all three, to completely change how your keyboard feels.

1. Lubing Switches

This is the most impactful mod. Applying a thin layer of specialised lubricant (like Krytox 205g0) to the switch's internal components—the stem and housing—drastically reduces friction.

• The Result: A silky-smooth, buttery keystroke. It also deepens the sound of the switch, a quality often described as "thocky." This single modification can make an entry-level board feel like a premium custom build.

2. Filming Switches

Switch films are tiny pieces of plastic or rubber that sit between the top and bottom housing of a switch. Their purpose is to tighten the tolerance between the two halves.

• The Result: Reduced housing wobble and a more solid, focused sound. By eliminating rattling, films contribute to a cleaner sound profile and a more stable-feeling keypress. It's a subtle but significant step in the journey of customizing your keystrokes.

MSI FORGE GK300 Gaming Combo / Blue Switches / 9-Mode RGB / 26 Keys Anti-Ghosting / Optical Mouse Sensor / Micro Switch / S11-04US20N-HH9

R999.00In Stock

GLORIOUS Polychroma Keycaps: Clear for RGB Shine Through for Mechanical Gaming Keyboards, 115 Keys, Translucent Cherry Profile / GLO-KC-POLY-RGB

R799.00In Stock

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s - Tonal Graphite / Comfy and quiet keys / Slim and lightweight / Minimalist design / Customizable Fn shortcut keys / Pair up to 3 devices / 920-011851

R609.00In Stock

Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini 65% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: HyperSpeed Wireless - Green Tactile & Clicky Switches - Doubleshot ABS Keycaps - 200Hrs Battery Life / RZ03-03890100-R3M1

R3799.00In Stock

Gamdias Hermes E2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Blue Switches / Brilliant Illumination / Durable, Stylish Design / Neon Backlight Colors / Long Lasting Durability / HERMES-E2-BLUE

R699.00In Stock

Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED Gaming Keyboard - BLACK - US INT'L TACTILE / 920-012136

R4319.00In Stock

3. Spring Swapping

Don't like the weight of your current switches? You can change it! Swapping the default spring for an aftermarket one lets you fine-tune the actuation force (how hard you need to press) to your exact preference.

• The Result: A fully personalised typing experience. Whether you prefer a light touch for rapid-fire gaming or a heavier spring for deliberate, tactile typing, this mod puts you in complete control.

Getting Started: Your Modding Toolkit

Ready to give it a try? You don’t need a massive workshop, just a few key tools. The essentials include:

• A Switch Opener: To safely open the switch housing.
• Fine Brushes: For applying lubricant precisely.
• Tweezers: For handling small parts like stems and springs.
• Lube Station (Optional): A tray to hold switch parts, keeping you organised.

If you're not ready to modify your current board, starting with one of the many affordable gaming keyboards available in South Africa is a great way to experiment without risk. Of course, you can also just buy a set of brand-new keyboard switches to mod and swap into your hot-swappable keyboard.

Gamdias Hermes E7 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Black / Red Switches / RGB Backlighting / N-Key rollover / Hot-Swappable / 1.5m Type-C to A cable / HERMES-E7

R799.00In Stock

Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s Keyboard - Tonal White / Comfy and quiet keys / Slim and lightweight / Minimalist design / Customizable Fn shortcut keys / Pair up to 3 devices / 920-011852

R999.00In Stock

Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED Gaming Keyboard - BLACK - US INT'L TACTILE / 920-012136

R4319.00In Stock

GAMDIAS Hermes E3 61 Key RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Switch with 19 Built-in Lighting Effects Certified Optical Switches and N-Key Rollover & Anti-Ghosting Functionality (Black) / HERMES-E3-RED

R799.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 OmniPoint 3.0 HyperMagnetic Switches / Adjustable Actuation / Rapid Trigger / Game-Ready Presets / Protection Mode / Rapid Tap/SOCD OLED RGB PBT Keycaps / USB-C / 64740

R5999.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard – Tenkeyless Compact Form Factor - 8-Zone RGB Illumination – IP32 Water & Dust Resistant – Whisper Quiet Gaming Switch – Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting / 64831

R1299.00In Stock

Putting It All Together: The Final Touches ✨

Once your switches are modded to perfection, the customisation doesn't have to stop. The final steps are about creating a setup that is 100% yours.

Top off your freshly modded switches with a set of custom keycaps to match your rig's colour scheme. For ultimate comfort during those marathon sessions, pair your board with an ergonomic wrist rest.

And if you're looking for a complete peripheral refresh, check out some of the excellent keyboard and mouse combo deals to ensure your entire desk setup is cohesive and ready for battle.