Apple IIe Keyswitch Post Replacement

This quick post and how-to should give you a good idea of how to replace a broken key switch post on an Apple IIe with the RetroConnector replacement IIe post ($3.00 at Shapeways). I’m also working on a video to show the step-by-step from desoldering to testing. Keep an eye out.

A broken post will look something like this:

broken Apple IIe key switch post

The poor 7 key never knew what hit it.

 

After desoldering, the switch should pop out of the keyboard in one piece like so:

 

Apple IIe keyboard switch

a (non-broken) IIe key switch, I used for testing

 

Opening the switch can be tricky, but as long as you are careful not to break the small plastic tabs, you should be able to re-use everything inside except the broken post.

Apple IIe keyboard switch, open.

Careful at this step. The tabs can break with too much force, and there’s a spring inside that wants nothing more than to escape, never to be seen again.

 

Be careful, as the spring inside the post has a tendency to jump away when released from its prison.

Apple IIe keyboard switch, disassembled.

Fully disassembled. If you’re only replacing the post, you shouldn’t need to worry about the thin metal contacts. Try to keep them in their original orientation, and attached to the base of the switch.

 

Swap in the replacement part from Shapeways for the broken post.

Apple IIe keyboard switch post and replacement part.

The original part (black) and its 3D printed replacement (white)

 

Reassemble the switch. The post will only go into the top of the switch casing in one orientation. The indentions in the side of the post slide up and down on a rail in the switch top casing.

Apple IIe keyboard switch reassembly, with replacement part.

Reassembly. You didn’t lose that spring, did you?

 

Assembling the switch is a little tricky at this point. You’ll need to fit the thin metal contacts into the slots in the top of the switch casing.

Apple IIe keyboard switch reassembly, with replacement part.

View from below.

 

All done. Now test it with a multimeter to be sure it makes good contact. Solder it back into your keyboard, pop the keycap on top and get typing.

Apple IIe keyboard switch, with replacement post.

All together now.

Now Available: Replacement Apple II Keyswitch Posts

For the adventurous Apple II restoration enthusiast, I present two new items, technically still in Beta. These are 3D printed replacements for two of the more frequently broken parts on the Apple II, and typically difficult to replace.

Apple II keyswitch posts

The Datanetics post design includes some very small details that are difficult to reproduce in standard 3D printed material, so if you have any suggestions of redesign options that can replace the original part, and be produced more cheaply, please let me know.