ANNE PRO 2 - HOTSWAP MOD, LUBED GATERON SWITCHES, & STABS MOD

Here is my very first try at modding a mechanical keyboard. I found this Anne Pro 2 on eBay for around $60 and fixed it up. I desoldered the original Cherry MX red switches, added in MillMax sockets to the PCB which made it a hotswap PCB. I then bought new Gateron Yellow linear switches, lubed them and replaced the Cherry MX red switches for a smooth and buttery feel.
I know I didn't get it all right the first time and I did make a few mistakes, but I'm proud of the end result and happy that I went through with this daunting project.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Keycap removal/Dirty plate
0:58 Initial LED test
1:06 Keycap cleaning / Debris cleaning
1:44 Top metal plate removal
1:55 Battery removal
2:48 Desoldering a stock switch
3:21 Gateron Yellow PCB test
3:38 Cherry MX Red switch overview
4:10 Prepping the PCB and desoldering stock switches
4:50 Gateron Yellow switch opening and lube prep
5:19 Lubing the springs
5:49 Lubing the switches
6:40 Cleaning, clipping, and lubing the stabilizers
9:15 Hotswap conversion using MillMax sockets
11:18 Reassembly and testing
12:16 Audio comparison with HyperX Alloy Origins Core
FAQ:
Q: Is the Anne Pro 2 hotswap and can I use different switches?
A: No, the AP2 comes with the switches already soldered to the PCB. To use different switches you have do this mod or desolder the old and resolder the new switches.
Q: What tools did you use and where can I get them?
A: Most of the tools can be bought directly from Amazon. Here is the wish list I made: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
Q: What lube did you use and where can I buy it?
A: I used Krytox 205g0 lube which can be purchased here: www.ashkeebs.com/product/kryt...
Q: What switches did you buy and where did you get them?
A: I bought the Gateron Yellow SMD because I wanted a smooth linear switch and these were a great starting point. You can buy them here: bit.ly/2JulPZa. I would suggest buying at least 70 switches just to have backups. These have been really great to type and game on especially after lubing them.
Q: What are these sockets called and where can I buy them?
A: The sockets I used are the Mill-Max 7305-0-15-15-47-27-10-0. You can buy them from a few different sources:
1. Mouser: bit.ly/3ljLgtp
2. Ringer Keys: bit.ly/2HNhZcT
3. DigiKeys: bit.ly/2VhEp9f
Q: About how long did the mod take?
A: From start to finish I would say a few days. If I were to do it in one go it would probably be between 2-6 hours. This depends on your soldering efficiency too.
Q: After installing the sockets can I use any switch?
A: Most if not all Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh switches will work just fine. Some switches such as a few Kailh Box variants will be difficult to insert into the sockets.
Q: Why did you swap out the stock switches?
A: I was curious to try other switches and I saw someone had done this exact mod so I challenged myself to do the same. I also wanted a nicer keyboard in terms of feel and audio.
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📬 Business Inquires & Modding Services: [e-mail]

[@Escaldi]

Timestamps & FAQs: 0:00 Intro 0:32 Keycap removal/Dirty plate 0:58 Initial LED test 1:06 Keycap cleaning / Debris cleaning 1:44 Top metal plate removal 1:55 Battery removal 2:48 Desoldering a stock switch 3:21 Gateron Yellow PCB test 3:38 Cherry MX Red switch overview 4:10 Prepping the PCB and desoldering stock switches 4:50 Gateron Yellow switch opening and lube prep 5:19 Lubing the springs 5:49 Lubing the switches 6:40 Cleaning, clipping, and lubing the stabilizers 9:15 Hotswap conversion using MillMax sockets 11:18 Reassembly and testing 12:16 Audio comparison with HyperX Alloy Origins Core Q: Is the Anne Pro 2 hotswap and can I use different switches? A: No, the AP2 comes with the switches already soldered to the PCB. To use different switches you have do this mod or desolder the old and resolder the new switches. Q: What tools did you use and where can I get them? A: Most of the tools can be bought directly from Amazon. Here is the wish list I made: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3NYGE4VV282S8?ref_=wl_share Q: What lube did you use and where can I buy it? A: I used Krytox 205g0 lube which can be purchased here: www.ashkeebs.com/product/krytox-205g0-switch-lubricant/ Q: What switches did you buy and where did you get them? A: I bought the Gateron Yellow SMD because I wanted a smooth linear switch and these were a great starting point. You can buy them here: bit.ly/2JulPZa. I would suggest buying at least 70 switches just to have backups. These have been really great to type and game on especially after lubing them. Q: What are these sockets called and where can I buy them? A: The sockets I used are the Mill-Max 7305-0-15-15-47-27-10-0. You can buy them from a few different sources: 1. Mouser: bit.ly/3ljLgtp 2. Ringer Keys: bit.ly/2HNhZcT 3. DigiKeys: bit.ly/2VhEp9f Q: About how long did the mod take? A: From start to finish I would say a few days. If I were to do it in one go it would probably be between 2-6 hours. This depends on your soldering efficiency too. Q: After installing the sockets can I use any switch? A: Most if not all Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh switches will work just fine. Some switches such as a few Kailh Box variants will be difficult to insert into the sockets. Q: Why did you swap out the stock switches? A: I was curious to try other switches and I saw someone had done this exact mod so I challenged myself to do the same. I also wanted a nicer keyboard in terms of feel and audio.

[@shafikhan272]

Can i trade my anne pro 2 for yours please

[@henok1o186]

Does this work with kailh hotswap sockets

[@Escaldi]

Yes, it should

[@AX-fx7ng]

​@@Escaldi When soldering the Sockets with the Switches does the solder at times not bind to the Switch Pins? How to prevent that?

[@Escaldi]

@@AX-fx7ng You either need to apply more heat to the solder pad/switch pin or consider using flux paste to help the solder stick. Don't keep the solder on the solder pad too long though!

[@Xuch]

i never knew you could turn a solder pcb into hotswap, learned a lot from this

[@beersandbacon]

You can but honestly not worth the work when a hotswap DZ60 (60%) PCB can be had for less than $60. Too much work.

[@Xuch]

@@beersandbacon yeah but idk maybe ill do it for experience, since im used to working tedious work for hours

[@beersandbacon]

True, if it's what you are into it's worth it for sure. I love the tedious parts of a build. I guess more a recommendation for those without soldering experience haha

[@Escaldi]

I was pleasantly surprised to find out myself. The work was tedious as @BeersAndBacon Gaming has mentioned, but I think it was worth it in the end for the experience alone. I’ve modded another AP2 which came out even better than the first and it took less time thanks to my previous experience.

[@sweqt9182]

Hot swap pcb is a solder pcb, they just solder hotswap sockets to it

[@ashhlsy]

literally every year i keep coming back to this because its so cool and i want to do this some day, thank you so much for adding all the links as well!

[@azkill_9]

same lol I'm probably half the views of this video

[@KeenyNewton]

Absolutely fantastic work. Never knew that one could convert a plate to hot-swap. Excellent work doing it and equally great way to show it all along. Thanks.

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the kind words :)

[@turtlenso404]

Thank you for this really cool video! 👍 The "Hot Swap" mod is amazing, this is potentially doable on any keyboard with solder switches... it offers so many advantages!

[@ConsumerFanatics]

Nicely done, I commend you on taking on the challenge of converting to hot swap. I would never have the patience but see the value in doing so, at a minimum, you gain a lot of experience doing it. Thanks for sharing!

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the kind words. It was definitely a learning experience.

[@Phiz787]

Nice one! That is a TON of work. Desoldering is a colossal chore

[@Escaldi]

That’s why I’m never doing it again unless I get a desoldering gun. 😅

[@JayVon_Ro]

that idea with the pins is mind blowing. 10/10 vid

[@clintonleonard5187]

This was so amazing, I'm going to mod my Anne Pro 2 using this vid. And I'm going to spray paint the case, too.

[@1155media]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this, inspired me to breathe new life back into my Anne Pro 2 with the hotswap mod. Gonna be doing some Akko Jelly Black's, case foam and tape mod on it for funsies.

[@thinkrtank991]

That's a great job you did there. I personally hate soldered pcbs but knowing they can be turned to a hotswap is definitely interesting. Thumbs up

[@Escaldi]

Thank you! :)

[@willa3178]

this video is very high quality! when i finished watching, i went to subscribe and i was shocked that you didn’t have at least 100k haha. keep up the good work!

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the support! :)

[@erotunr]

It is so good to see a keyboard video that actually use flux. Great job cleaner solder.

[@arcforceworld]

this is gonna make me go to town on my RK918. Oh the possibilities!

[@louis.bodota]

your editing style is super chill 👌 have my sub

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the sub!

[@magisk5109]

So tempted to do this, it would also be my first keyboard mod

[@ftlbaby]

Great work! I was looking for a millmax soldering video where the switches are attached to the pcb before soldering and here it is! In all the other videos I saw they put the millmax on the empty pcb then soldered them, which I think can lead to misaligned switches that looks ugly or makes it hard to actually insert. the switch in. the first place!

[@nickthaskater]

This inspired the hell out of me to mod my AP2 rather than buying a whole new board. I had no idea about the hotswap mod - that's what I want most of all. Thank you for such a great video and for giving the AP2 a whole new life. Now, go stuff your AP2's case with some foam (or better yet, use some 2-part molding silicone) to dampen the sound and you'll be good to go :)

[@Escaldi]

Already did. ;)

[@kryptokn]

UNDERRATED CHANNEL! HOPE YOU GROW REALLY BIG! CHEERS

[@Escaldi]

Thank you!

[@chocolate3193]

This is an amazing tutorial! Im questioning if i need a hotswap or if i want to do it myself now lol keep it up man! wildcat level stuff!

[@Escaldi]

Just buy a hotswap PCB and save yourself the work lol

[@Xuch]

yeah i wanted to try doing this with hotswap but i guess why not and got soldering iron to solder and all

[@Dj-tx6cv]

Thank you so much bro this is a great tutorial your great at what you do

[@mikemeetstec]

Great video!

[@im.weasel]

This track is pretty vibin.

[@MsSupershark1234]

Thank you for making this video! This is the exact mod I'm trying to do for own Anne pro and it will be my first time modifying a keyboard so this gave me some confidence that I can do well too!!! ^__^

[@Escaldi]

Glad I could help!

[@marinacsmrad]

OMG I was looking for that!!! Tnx man. U re lifesaver 😁

[@Escaldi]

Happy to help!

[@MMA444_]

wow what a great video you deserve more subs!

[@Escaldi]

Thank you!

[@TheTrainIsCominggggg]

Hi! Just wanted to ask if a 0305 socket can fit to the PCB? Not sure if this would protrude fo the point that it would Poe the battery because of its taller height compared to the 7305. Thanks!

[@HotSoccerMom69]

I’m your 1000 sub congrats 🎉😎👍

[@Escaldi]

🎉🥳🍻

[@thanhanle3879]

10:22 a little trick could be use is to place all the millmax sockets on the pcb, stick a duc tape on it and solder.It's easier and also no need to press down hard to the switches which can damage it

[@azkill_9]

Really underrated channel!

[@Escaldi]

Glad you think so!

[@B.O.S.H_music]

Help please. I'm new to custom keyboards and looking to mod my anne pro 2. I'm wanting to make it hot swappable and confused about the LEDs. do they stay on the PCB?

[@fnordywings1344]

if I had Cherry Mx reds, as stock, and I wanted to swap them out with Gateron Yellows, do I have to solder them in or can I just swap the switches?

[@PedroHenriqueAmigo]

in case I ruin his rgb led, which model could I replace? thanks

[@AmeriaUprising]

Hi mate, what millmax sockets did you use exactly? thank you : ) - sweet keyboard

[@krisrobitzsch]

I’m doing this exact same process ti my ducky one 2 SF. But I’m adding the PE mod, plate foam and tape mod

[@tfgchillz242]

What screwdriver did you use to take the plate out and put it back in?

[@ImJayy583]

i might be asking for alot but if you have the og footage can you post a uncut version?

[@yulose9]

4:10 what's that paste you are applying the pcb?

[@ElijahTmW]

is there anyway to lube these without using thee hot tool ? srry Im new to this stuff and i don't wanna ruin it

[@Joel0Grant]

Any good how swapable keyboards that work with halo 2 switches?

[@myathtoohtet2799]

Hey, I want to desolder my Anne Pro 2 and make it hot swappable like you. Can i reuse the gateron red switches or will it if I desolder.

[@joonyoungahn3350]

what size and name was the screw or screw driver for the metal plate?

[@auras.aurora]

How do you only have 200 subs? Subscribed

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the support! :)

[@kubapiekus2843]

Hi bro I want to buy 3 pin gateron yellow switches, will they fit?

[@Vixckiev]

I can’t remove the switches can you teach me how?

[@gavintreglia9574]

what size screwdriver did u use

[@pmakosyo]

Can I use 3305 sockets too?

[@andreiganeb2474]

Will millmax 0305 work? Its much cheaper and easier to solder.

[@fatal1331]

Hey, I need your help! My anne pro 2 has a problem where I press a key once, but it types the letter mutliptle times. This is the problem with almost all the keys. For eg. When I hit S, it types Sssssss. I have cleaned the keyboard multiple times. I have updated software and I have also removed keycaps and pressed the switches to see if there is a problem with the keycaps, but even without keycaps, it spams. It would be really sweet of you to offer a solution! P.s it has gateron blue switches

[@lawrencelau2612]

who has a fix for the stuck keys or repeat key issue? I agree with everyone this is a great keyboard but I hate hitting that backspace so frequent. Thanks

[@mouss69200]

wonderfull job

[@Escaldi]

Thank you!

[@ventilate4267]

I love ricing it's fun

[@mrtoast4230]

Did you buy it 2nd hand?

[@SirCaco]

I feel like Anne Pros should just BE hotswappable, it's such a tragedy they aren't.

[@Escaldi]

Couldn't agree more! I have two more sitting behind me waiting for the same treatment, but the mods are so tedious :'(

[@AdyanHossain_]

I mean there is the kemove snowfox which is hotswappable and in my opinion better than the anne pro 2

[@Escaldi]

@@AdyanHossain_ Having a keyboard with a hotswap PCB out of the box is definitely nice. I bet both keyboards (and many others with the same layout/style) come from the same factory. I might pick up a Snowfox if I can find it cheap enough.

[@AdyanHossain_]

@@Escaldik

[@LordFprquad]

@@Escaldi get the shadow. On banggood

[@mozaic]

This was a nice chill video, I really enjoyed it. I planning on modding my Masterkeys Pro S soon, what does bandaid mod do for plate-mount stabs?

[@Escaldi]

Honestly? I'm not 100% sure. From what I gathered it helps to keep the stabilizer from shifting on the metal plate and possibly even help with noise reduction.

[@hookmeup1537]

can someone tell me the name of the screwdriver...

[@CrazedSyko]

Great video! I'm thinking of doing something similar to my AP2 as well. This has been really helpful! Thanks!

[@Escaldi]

Glad it was helpful! Let me know how it turns out!

[@SNDCloud]

I just would like to cange my letter H key...😔 whic is broken

[@pacificsimon5126]

great video! Next time try and put some foam in the case and bandaid the stabs on the pcb with some lube for some more dampened sound

[@Escaldi]

Thanks! I did eventually add foam in the case I just didn't have any on hand when making the video. Since I placed bandaid strips on the metal plate, that dampened the sound enough for me to not need the strips on the PCB. I've learned quite a bit since releasing this video, but thanks anyway for the advice. :)

[@banditsnake5927]

Is it hot swappable

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

What soldering iron and desolder tool was that? What was the paste you put down before desoldering? Thanks. I'm trying to get the right stuff together to take my old switches off an old keyboard.

[@Escaldi]

Hey there! Here is the soldering kit that I started with: amzn.to/3i3wOoL . It has pretty much everything you need to start off. If you just want the individual stuff here is the soldering iron I use: amzn.to/3i5DjqU . As for the solder sucker it's this one: amzn.to/2R3XoSx -- but I started having issues with that one because it would clog up too often so I use a cheaper solder sucker that works WAY better: amzn.to/357qxEM . The paste I put down on the PCB was soldering paste/flux. It helps with dissipating heat, electrical conductivity, and plays nice with the solder.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@@Escaldi Thank you so much for all the great info! Hey I just found out that you can load QMK firmware on the AP2! I am going to order one right away. I didn't know you could load the most powerful open source keyboard firmware on it or I would have bought one a long time ago. Cheers!

[@Escaldi]

No problem! I also saw that about QMK. I may eventually flash it onto my AP2, but I really have no need right now. If you decide to do it definitely let me know what you think and if it was worth it.

[@keanmira9641]

title of the song please?

[@arrazi8625]

is it possible to use kailh hotswap sockets with the anne pro 2?

[@Escaldi]

I believe so. I would’ve tried those instead if I had been aware of them at the time.

[@keithtaoy3121]

Great work! Can other pcbs(gk61 or dz60) fit on anne pro 2 case?

[@Escaldi]

I'm sure other PCBs will fit. You just gotta find the right ones with the right standoff points.

[@davieslm]

Fantasitic video with great care and attention. I am new to mechanical keyboards and just bought the Anne Pro 2 and Blitzwolf BW-KB1 with Gateron reds. I am coming from a HyperX Core (red) Origins with pudding caps. I am a little disappointed with the Anne Pro with the stabilised keys. They feel a little stiff or mushy compared to the other keys. The Blitzwolf that is half the price feels fantastic is comparison. Do the Anne Pro stabilised keys break in over time and is this normal?

[@Escaldi]

Thanks for the support! I'm not sure what to tell you about the stabilizers. I personally like how they feel stock and after being modded, but I'm also fairly new when it comes to mechanical keyboards so I don't feel qualified to say much on it.

[@khangle5765]

name's song, please.

[@gfdonuts2506]

How many sockets do I need to get? 2 per switch? I think i missed that in the video. I’m doing this to my anne pro 2 as well

[@Escaldi]

Yes, two per switch. For this project I bought 140 sockets just to have extras in case something went wrong.

[@czar_cz]

Is there no space to add a foam to the anne pro 2? Or do you think there's no need to add a foam?

[@Escaldi]

There is. At the time I didn’t have any to place inside the case. I did eventually add some though.

[@dabsjx]

I still need to buy the stuff probably just gonna lube and film my gateron reds might try yellows some other time gonna be my first time soldering and this is my first mechanical keyboard so I'm hoping I don't mess it up.

[@Escaldi]

Good luck! Let me know how it went.

[@melvinfuentes9815]

Hello! I wanna do the same to my AP2 that has Gateron Brown. I will buy Gateron Yellow SMD, will they work just fine with my AP2?

[@Escaldi]

Yes, they will work perfectly.

[@sparkysyndrome1849]

Quick question can you lube it without having to de solder everything?

[@Escaldi]

You could spray lube it but it may get messy. Check out tutorials on how to best go about doing it.

[@paddydaddy1281]

what scewdriver do i need for the anne pro 2?

[@Escaldi]

A T5 screwdriver.

[@andersontran172]

Hello! I was wondering how you got the solder off of the pcb board near the foam that was on it. Is there a safe way of how I can remove it?

[@Escaldi]

I just took my time and carefully maneuvered around the foam and used the solder sucker. I did touch the foam a few times but nothing happened. I think you’ll be fine as long as you don’t keep the iron on the foam too long.

[@andersontran172]

@@Escaldi Thank you so much Escaldi!

[@Escaldi]

@@andersontran172 You're welcome!

[@yulose9]

hi again man may I ask where did you buy those soldering kit you got?

[@Escaldi]

The iron I used in the video can be purchased here: amzn.to/3nqgqkQ My original kit can be purchased here: amzn.to/3mjAeoA

[@kylechan8445]

I'm just curious, but what does lubing inside the hole of the bottom housing help with? Isn't the outside of the hole enough because that's where spring contact is?

[@Escaldi]

I had the same question myself when doing this. I believe it’s for the stem of the switch which goes into that hole. I saw multiple sources saying that you should lube any plastic parts that come in contact with one another.

[@solderfumes]

Bottom out feel I believe.

[@Escaldi]

@@solderfumes Oh yeah that too!

[@Juanillo62gm]

Where I can find these sockets? Could you tell us measures?

[@Escaldi]

Everything you need to know about the sockets is here: www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/mill-max-manufacturing-corp/7305-0-15-15-47-27-10-0/ED1039-ND/1765737

[@bangnokia]

did you solder the yellow sockets onto the board?

[@urabus986]

9:24

[@mika8]

Very underrated channel. Thank you really much, I just ordered some switches for my AP2 too. But I have a question, do tin sockets like 0305 fit the PCB and easier to solder? Or it would be better to buy like 250 7305's, because I'm noob at soldering))

[@mika8]

I really want to learn how to solder, so it's better to me not to buy hot swap PCB

[@Escaldi]

I believe the 0305 will also fit, but they are shorter in length which may make it a bit more difficult to avoid getting solder in the bottom hole. So, I say stick with the 7305 instead. Good luck!

[@mika8]

@@Escaldi thank you!)

[@armanc2780]

what is that soldering iron you use? i need it in my life 🥺

[@Escaldi]

Check pinned comment.

[@farhandiaz8924]

so anne pro is it pcb mounted or plate mounted ?

[@Escaldi]

Plate mounted

[@oimpaa]

so i can make my blackwidow 2014 tournament edition hotswapable?

[@Escaldi]

I don’t know much about that one so I’m not sure, you’ll have to look it up.

[@_lly4248]

is it ok not to solder the millmax on the pcb?

[@Escaldi]

Sure, but they will just fall out lol. You'll need to either solder new permanent switches in or do the mod.

[@blu897]

What do you use to remove the screws after you take off the key caps

[@Escaldi]

I used a T4 bit

[@fahrness]

@@Escaldi that's the screwdriver you use to leave the case empty right? at 1:45

[@Yanaagi]

Hi can i ask how many millmax needed for it

[@Escaldi]

Two per switch but you should have extras just in case. I suggest having at least 130 sockets.

[@kamabokogonpachiro709]

Great video, man! How do the Gat Yellows compare to the Reds? I also have an Anne Pro 2 with Gat Reds, and I'm planning to do this mod as well, including the yellow hot swap.

[@Escaldi]

They are both linear so the difference is subtle and really depends on the spring weight. But LUBED Gat Yellows are a huge improvement over the stock reds.

[@davieslm]

@@Escaldi How about if the Gateron reds and lubed too? Also what is the difference between your Gateron yellows and the Gateron Yellows with clear top and black plate?

[@beastknight9790]

tbh keyboards get so fast dirty. i cleaned my white ducky one 2 sf and one week after that i could see dust, hair, dirt etc again between and under the keycaps even when i dont even have my head over the keyboard any time

[@sleepynessa4570]

Hey I was wondering what would happen if I change the switches without desoldering them

[@Escaldi]

You can’t because they are soldered to the PCB. It’s essentially a mini weld so it’s not going to budge. You COULD remove the top housing, springs, and maybe even the stem, but the bottom will stay. This would be difficult to do and take a long time, though.

[@sleepynessa4570]

@@Escaldi ok thank you!

[@malmal5041]

What if you put sound dampening foam in the casing of the keyboard?

[@Escaldi]

I did so afterwards :) It helped a little, but nothing too drastic.

[@malmal5041]

@@Escaldi is the light from the keyboard flashy or just the camera?

[@Escaldi]

It’s the camera’s frame rate.

[@jaleesa8523]

So to clarify the Anne pro 2 is hot swappable? On other videos it said it wasn’t so I’m confused

[@Escaldi]

The stock AP2 is NOT hotswap. I made mine hotswap.

[@midas.2280]

what are the sizes of the stabilizer? do you have any layout of the sizes of the switches? cuz I only know the spacebar size and its 6.25u. XD

[@Escaldi]

Honestly I'm not 100% sure but I think they are standard size.

[@midas.2280]

@@Escaldi thans for the respond

[@jush7719]

thinking about changing switches for my anne pro 2 but im wondering if i need to take out the frame or can i just pull out the switch and replace it?

[@Escaldi]

I go through that in the video. ;) You will need to desolder the switches which involves taking everything apart.

[@johnnybrunton]

Hi I've been wanting to do this to my AP2 but have no soldering experience and was wondering if I did it wrong could I destroy the pcb?

[@Escaldi]

Yes, it’s possible to mess up the PCB. Just make sure that you keep the temperature between 300-375 Celsius. Spread solder flux on the board and don’t keep the iron on the PCB for long periods of time, the longer you stay on the more of a risk of burning the PCB. To remove old solder it helps to add new solder over the existing solder. This helps to loosen it up a bit, then use a solder sucker to remove all the solder in one go.

[@Escaldi]

Take your time and make sure you clear out as much of the old solder as possible so your switches sit flat. Good luck!

[@Escaldi]

I appreciate the kind words. This channel is a hobby for me so seeing it slowly grow is enough for me. It’s also cool to know I’ve helped someone in some way. :)

[@seantnichols]

Exactly what I was looking for! I broke one of the connection on my first AP2 pcb, the solder got stuck in the sucker and tore off the copper from the board. I could jump it to the diode but that seems a bit too hacky. I bought a new AP2 and plan to start over. I was looking at the mill-max sockets, how have yours held up?

[@Escaldi]

Still going strong. I don’t swap out the switches often though.

[@panda_3874]

What key caps do you have on your keyboard I like them not the one your working on in this vid but your own keyboard

[@Escaldi]

They are the HyperX pudding keycaps: www.hyperxgaming.com/unitedstates/en/keyboards/keyboard-accessories Unfortunately they are out of stock currently, but HK Gaming sells pretty much the exact same thing: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084ZT45H7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@panda_3874]

@@Escaldi thx man

[@crazy4and1crazy4and1]

What sockets do you recommend? I really want to make mine hot swappable now. Such a clean video. Kudos.

[@Escaldi]

Thank you. MillMax 7305 sockets are what I used in the video and what I recommend

[@asianonrice19]

Hey i want gat yellows but i dont want the RGB to just disappear, what do I do?

[@Escaldi]

What do you mean disappear? Which Gateron Yellows will you be getting?

[@asianonrice19]

@@Escaldi I mean the rgb just gets muted and doesnt show up very well, i want the clear ones from KBD fans but im still not 100% sure about the rgb. In the video it looked very dim and im just the sort of person to like rgb

[@Escaldi]

I see. I guess it depends on which bottom housing your switch has. It also depends on where your keyboard PCB has its LEDs. I also went through the same thought process which is why I went with the SMD Gat Yellows in case I needed to solder in new diodes. In the end the RGB came out fine. The AP2 isn’t known for its vibrant RGB anyway.

[@henriknielsenelvsveen5064]

Nice build. Whats the soldering iron called?

[@Escaldi]

Here is the Amazon link to it: amzn.to/3oDbPwo

[@guillaume.p7045]

Can I do this with my one 2 mini ?

[@Escaldi]

Yes, you should be able to that. Pretty much any mechanical keyboard can be done if the sockets fit.

[@xiroshimaa]

Can you mod the HyperX keeb tho?

[@Escaldi]

I've tried and it's almost impossible to get into the aluminum case without bending it. I stopped trying just in case I broke something.

[@merielylima726]

Incredible. A few years ago your video helped me to make the improvement mods on my anne pro, but the only thing I didn't do was turn it into a hotsweap. But now I decided to make this change and hunted your video to try to find the correct sockets. But I'm from Brazil and the only place I can import without bureaucracy is from aliexpress. So, can you point me to a socket there? Not sure if either will work. If you can help me I would be very grateful. Congratulations for the video, I'm sure it helped a lot of people.

[@Escaldi]

Here you go: US $9.60 3％ Off | Switchand LED hot swap 32pcs/bag for mechanical keyboard DIY keyboard a.aliexpress.com/_mKraMYm

[@merielylima726]

​@@Escaldithank you man, you are the best!

[@cell389]

what u think of the anni pro 2 on alixpress i have seen the customer reviews... seems legit 76$?

[@Escaldi]

I have no idea to be honest. I mean, I’ve bought small things from AE, but never anything brand name. $76 seems a little low to me since the keyboard usually goes for around $100+. Only one way to find out! Lol

[@toshiakiz]

I just got mine last month from Taobao with Kailh Box Brown. It cost me about $62 and yes its genuine product. The price are not so high as previously. Maybe due to pandemic they wanna clear their stock 😂😂😂