How to Install and Use Keyboard Switch Springs
By UniKeys | Custom Mechanical Keyboards, Keycaps & Switches | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to replace switch springs in mechanical keyboards. Step-by-step guide to modding switches with Kaidi and TTC springs for a custom feel.
Quick answer
To install new switch springs, open your mechanical keyboard switch, swap the spring, and reassemble. This guide walks you through each step with Kaidi and TTC springs.
Why swap switch springs?
Changing springs is the most direct way to adjust the force and feel of a switch without buying new ones. A lighter spring reduces finger fatigue; a heavier one adds resistance and can prevent bottoming out. The spring length and material also affect the sound pitch and travel feel.
Single-stage vs. long springs: what to know
Most stock switches use single-stage springs. The Kaidi switch springs are a standard 22mm single-stage option with various weights and a ±2g tolerance. The TTC Elastic Long Spring is 24mm long, which pre-compresses more in the switch, creating a snappier return and a slightly heavier bottom-out feel for the same actuation force. That extra 2mm matters most in linear switches where you want a crisp rebound.
How to install switch springs
- 1. Open the switch: Use a switch opener tool or carefully pry open the switch housing with a flathead screwdriver. Separate the top housing from the bottom, keeping the stem and spring inside. Common mistake: prying too hard can break the housing clips. Use a dedicated opener if you mod often.
- 2. Remove the old spring: Lift out the stem and set it aside. Take out the old spring from the bottom housing. Inspect the spring for deformation or rust. Checkpoint: if the old spring is bent, discard it—reusing a warped spring creates scratchy feel.
- 3. Insert the new spring: Place the new spring (Kaidi or TTC) into the bottom housing's spring seat. Ensure it sits centered and upright. For TTC long springs, you may feel slight pre-compression when closing. Common mistake: letting the spring lean sideways will cause binding. Align it straight before closing.
- 4. Reassemble the switch: Place the stem back on top of the spring, aligning its legs with the housing guides. Press the top housing down until the clips snap securely. Test the stem movement by pressing it a few times. Checkpoint: if the stem sticks or feels gritty, reopen and check the spring alignment and stem fit.
- 5. Test the switch in your keyboard: Install the modded switch into your keyboard's hotswap socket or solder it. Type a few words to feel the new weight and return. Compare with stock switches to evaluate the change. Common mistake: not testing before soldering—always test in a hotswap board first to confirm the feel.
Springs for this mod
- KAIDI KEYBOARD SWITCH SPRINGS: Kaidi's single-stage springs are 22mm long with a ±2g weight tolerance and come in packs of 100. The tight tolerance means consistent force across every switch in your keyboard, so you don't get uneven typing feel.
KAIDI KEYBOARD SWITCH SPRINGS - TTC ELASTIC LONG SWITCH SPRING: TTC Elastic Long Springs are 24mm single-stage springs with a 45gf actuation and 53gf bottom-out force. The longer length adds preload, giving a snappier return without a drastic increase in actuation weight, ideal for linear switches.
TTC ELASTIC LONG SWITCH SPRING
