Achieving compatibility with various mechanical switches requires comprehensive optimization across multiple dimensions, including structural design, material selection, operation methods, and applicable scenarios, to address the differences in size, mounting methods, and installation structures among different switches. Its core logic lies in covering the needs of mainstream switches through a universal design, while simultaneously enhancing compatibility with special switches through detailed adjustments.
While mainstream mechanical switches (such as Cherry MX, TTC Gold, and Kailh Box switches) differ in actuation feel and actuation force, the size and spacing of the positioning pins at the bottom of the switches are standardized. For example, the positioning pin diameter of MX switches is typically 2.0mm, with a spacing error controlled within ±0.05mm. The key puller design needs to be optimized to this standard. For instance, a U-shaped opening structure is used, with its width slightly larger than the spacing between the positioning pins to ensure stable insertion into both sides of the switch; simultaneously, the opening depth must cover the vertical distance from the top of the switch to the positioning pin to prevent slippage due to insufficient contact area. This design allows a single key puller to be compatible with the vast majority of traditional tripod switches.
Some switches (such as some optical switches and low-profile switches) have undergone structural innovations, posing new challenges to the compatibility of Key Pullers. Taking low-profile brown switches as an example, their height is reduced by 30% compared to traditional switches, the diameter of the locating pin is reduced to 1.8mm, and some models have even eliminated the locating pin design, replacing it with an optical sensor trigger. For these switches, Key Pullers need to adopt an adjustable opening design, such as using elastic plastic or shape memory metal materials, to allow the opening width to adaptively adjust within the range of 1.5-2.5mm; or to be equipped with replaceable collets, allowing users to change to different sizes of collets according to the switch type for precise adaptation. Furthermore, for optical switches without locating pins, Key Pullers need to increase the clamping force on the top edge of the switch, improving stability during removal by adding anti-slip textures or rubber pads.
The widespread adoption of hot-swappable switches has further driven the upgrade of Key Puller compatibility. Hot-swappable switches connect to the PCB board via a connector, eliminating the need for soldering at the bottom of the switch; therefore, care must be taken to avoid damaging the connector during removal. Traditional key pullers, when used directly for hot-swappable switches, may cause the switch housing to deform or detach due to excessive force. Therefore, key pullers designed for hot-swappability require optimized mechanical structures. For example, they can employ lever principles, extending the lever arm to reduce the force per unit area and decrease the impact on the switch housing; or add a buffer layer, embedding silicone pads at the contact surface between the chuck and the switch to absorb some of the impact force during removal. Some high-end key pullers also feature adjustable force, allowing users to adjust the pulling force according to the switch type (e.g., traditional soldered switches or hot-swappable switches), achieving "one device for multiple uses."
Removing large keys with stabilizers (such as the spacebar and Shift key) presents another challenge in compatibility design. Stabilizers connect to the PCB board via mounting holes and positioning posts, resulting in a complex switch structure and large keycaps. During removal, the stability of both the switch and the stabilizer must be considered simultaneously. For such scenarios, key pullers need to employ a dual-clamp design: one clamp secures the top of the switch, while the other secures the stabilizer connection, applying force simultaneously to prevent the switch from tilting. Alternatively, an extension rod can be included to increase the operating distance, allowing users to remove keycaps at a more vertical angle and reducing lateral strain on the stabilizers.
Material selection is equally crucial for compatibility. The key puller body should be made of high-strength plastics (such as PC/ABS alloy) or metals (such as aluminum alloy) to ensure it doesn't deform during repeated use. The clamps, on the other hand, should use more flexible materials (such as TPU) to provide sufficient clamping force while preventing damage to the switch surface due to excessive material hardness. Some products also add anti-slip textures or micro-protrusions to the inner wall of the clamps to further improve compatibility with different switches.
In actual use, user habits also affect compatibility. For example, if the angle exceeds 15° when removing the switch, it may cause the switch's positioning post to jam against the PCB hole, or even damage the switch mount. Therefore, high-quality key pullers optimize ergonomics during design, such as adding anti-slip textures to the grip area or lengthening the handle to reduce operational difficulty and help users maintain a vertical pull angle. In addition, some products come with instructional videos or illustrated tutorials to guide users on the correct pull-out method for different switches, further reducing compatibility issues.
Key puller compatibility is the result of a combination of structural design, materials science, mechanical principles, and user needs. From universal compatibility with standardized switches to customized solutions for special switches; from protective designs for hot-swappable switches to synchronous operation support for large keys on stabilizers, every detail optimization aims to enhance the practicality of a "one-stop shop." As the types of mechanical keyboard switches continue to diversify, the compatibility design of key pullers will continue to iterate, becoming an indispensable auxiliary tool in the keyboard DIY ecosystem.
