1. I remove all the keycaps except the spacebar, as the keycaps puller not able to do so. There are a few methods of removing a spacebar, but i choose the common way (maybe) by use two hands. Hold the both end of the spacebar and slowly & gently remove it by lifting it upward.


2. There I have, succeed . The next thing to do is removing the screws to dismantle the pcb and plate from the casing.


3. Before proceed, I take a close look on the switches. All the mx switches of Poker2 are reverse-mounted, except for the spacebar.



4. The screws used are cross head, and have 2pcs of thin metal gasket (not sure I'm right about this) to prevent over stressing on the pcb when u try to screw it back. Here's a close look of it:


5. Top view of the original poker case.


6. The back view of the pcb.


7. Side view of the pcb with plate mounted. This plate doesn't allow the mx switch covers to be opened unless u desolder and remove all the mx switches from the pcb. MX switches are sitting on top of the plate and the cutout size of the plate just enough to fit the mx switches and secure them from moving.

8. One thing that almost everyone complaint about is the led holes are pre-filled with solder already. Thus make a little more work to desolder them. This is a very weird implementation by IKBC, seriously I cannot understand why as well. However, there's one good thing that you can use pcb mount mx switches on this pcb too because it do have the holes for extra 2 pins.


9. I start by desoldering all the led holes first, here's a common mistake/problem that I have. Sometimes I won't be able to one shot it by using my sucker when the timing is wrong, hence the residue was still there. So I apply a little solder on it and desolder again, the residue will get molten together with the solder I apply so that I can suck them out altogether. After a few trials and I eventually get the right timing to suck it out .


10. I did some LEDs testing first before proceed to the next step to make sure there's connection to the led holes. Else, it would be a big fail to me if I remove every mx switches and in the end LEDs doesn't light up haha.


11. LEDs are working nicely . Start removing the mx switches (I skip the part on desoldering the mx switches as they are just basically same thing >_>). The trick is by pushing both side of the the clips (with tweezers) and then pull/lift it up.



12. After that will be the cherry stabilizers to be removed. The mechanism is similar like removing mx switches. Either using tweezer or finger tips are okay for me. One hand pressing the clip part and another hand push it from behind.



13. Poker2 use plate-mount cherry stabilizers. A quick comparison between pcb vs plate mount type.
Left = PCB type; Right = Plate type.

14. Finally everything is removed, now it's time to replace the steel plate with Hammer's Alu poker2 plate that I bought previously from a group buy. Test the precision of the Hammer's plate and it is same size, nicely done by Hammer with mx switch covers removable feature for oiling, changing spring/stems ^^ .



15. Install back the mx switches & stabs then combine the pcb and plate altogether. I found out that stock leds are getting in the way when I try to fit the plate on pcb, because the Hammer's plate doesn't have enough cutout for spacebar and capslock so I just desolder the LEDs and remove them.



16. Did some testing when I done soldering the mx switches before proceed to solder LEDs on pcb to make sure all keystrokes are detected by PC. Soldering process is much faster and less hassle as compared to desoldering. An overview of the soldered LEDs and mx switches:


17. Time to wipe out grass haha , just cutting those legs as they disallow pcb to be installed back to the casing.


18. Testing the LEDs and MX switches again before installing back to the casing.


19. Put it down gently into the casing and secure it with screws again >_< .

20. Done at last, put back keycaps and play with it before I go to sleep .

all mkb have same method and layout pcb if want to put led?

Method of installing leds should be the same.
But all mkb have different layout and depends on the pcb whether have support led mounts or not.

awesome mod! u must have spend a few days on soldering those LEDs

Just one day only since I skip the switch lubing and stickering modding.
Soldering is very fast actually, but desoldering and replacing the plate makes the procedure longer.

Your LEDs are insane. My K95 dims out alot after adding the lampshades, hence the translucent caps to help preserve brightness.

Great work boss.

are you willing to sell this kb sir?