My first keyboard mod: Soldering 62g Zealios into my Logitech G710+

[GeoStreber]

Hello.
After having my trusty G710+ for about 5 years, I decided it needed a small upgrade.
Since I actually like the tactility of the MX Browns, but can't stand their scratchiness, I decided to go for 62g Zealios.
I want to build a sleeper, so apart from changing the switches there will be no further modifications made to the keyboard.

This is my keyboard prior to the modification:

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After removing all the keycaps, 14 screws had to be loosened to remove the top casing. In addition to the screws, it's also fastened by about 10 clips that are spread around the outer edge of the case. Those can break off quite easily. Additionally, the volume wheel cable needs to be removed. This is quite easy however.

IMG_7778.JPG (4.85 MiB) Viewed 2331 times

In the next step, I removed the rubber dome pads for the media keys, the four additional screws holding the PCB in place. Then, the PCB was loose and after removing the USB cables, I could take it out.

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Then it was time to desolder the LEDs and the keys themselves. I used a manual desoldering pump to do that, which took about 2 hours in total. The switches could then be removed with a set of pliers by pressing in the two small clips on their front side and just pulling them out.
Then it was time for the Zealios. They simply snapped into place. After soldering them in the keyboard looked like this:

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Soldering the LEDs was easy as well, as I had taken photos of their orientation prior to the project. I reused the original LEDs, as I didn't want the appearance of the keyboard to change at all.


After reassembly, I ended up with this truely unique Logitech G710+:

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Oh, and of course a jar of dirt. No wait, those are MX Browns:

IMG_7799.JPG (3.99 MiB) Viewed 2331 times

[Wodan]

That looks like a lot of work! And all that after you have spent so much time breaking these MX Browns in

Next step new keycaps?

[GeoStreber]

It was indeed a lot of work, I guess it took about 10 hours in total.
I will not replace the keycaps, as this thing is supposed to be a sleeper. I don't want anyone to notice the difference to a regular G710+ in terms of look.
Unfortunately, I just discovered that hte left CTRL button seems to be broken. It actuates properly, but the key is way scratchier and sounds awful compared to the other ones. I will have to open it again in the near future and solder a new Zealio in. Luckly i ordered a few extra ones.

Addendum:
The transparent cases of the Zealios improve the backlight underglow. It's much more regular than it was before.

[OldIsNew]

That's a nice looking board. I totally get wanting to upgrade without changing the appearance. Nice job!