Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
8
Time Required
30 minutes
Sections
1
- OP-1 Key/button Removal and Cleaning Guide
- 8 steps
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BackTeenage Engineering OP-1
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Introduction
What you need
Step 1
OP-1 Key/button Removal and Cleaning Guide
- First and foremost. These keys on the OP-1 are delicate, but not cheap. Be careful with them, but do not be afraid to use a little force to remove them.
- Next we have to make a proper tool to make removing them safe and easy
- I tried a few different versions, the first ones being plastic and nothing succeeded as well as a classic metal spudger with a slight modification
- Simply bend the triangular tip in about 75 degrees. This will help get underneath the keys to release the tabs.
First and foremost. These keys on the OP-1 are delicate, but not cheap. Be careful with them, but do not be afraid to use a little force to remove them.
Next we have to make a proper tool to make removing them safe and easy
I tried a few different versions, the first ones being plastic and nothing succeeded as well as a classic metal spudger with a slight modification
Simply bend the triangular tip in about 75 degrees. This will help get underneath the keys to release the tabs.
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Step 2
- I found it best to start by removing the keys starting at the bottom left
- The first 3 square keys on the bottom will be the hardest to remove. Once you remove them, access to the others will be easier.
- To access them you must insert the modified tool in the gap between the key and the aluminum case.
- You then must get the tip of the tool above the key tabs and the key scissor clips that hold it on.
- The clips that hold the key are circled in orange. Pull the key back in the direction of the red arrows and slide the key off those back guide tabs. Please look at the next step for video examples of how to remove the keys BEFORE trying to remove them.
I found it best to start by removing the keys starting at the bottom left
The first 3 square keys on the bottom will be the hardest to remove. Once you remove them, access to the others will be easier.
To access them you must insert the modified tool in the gap between the key and the aluminum case.
You then must get the tip of the tool above the key tabs and the key scissor clips that hold it on.
The clips that hold the key are circled in orange. Pull the key back in the direction of the red arrows and slide the key off those back guide tabs. Please look at the next step for video examples of how to remove the keys BEFORE trying to remove them.
Step 3
- One swift gentle but firm motion…:)
One swift gentle but firm motion…:)
Step 4
- Heres another example. Feel free to look ahead to see a closer look at what the key assembly looks like removed.
Heres another example. Feel free to look ahead to see a closer look at what the key assembly looks like removed.
Step 5
- The red area is the back of the key and the orange tabs are where the key connects into the previously labeled orange scissor clips.
The red area is the back of the key and the orange tabs are where the key connects into the previously labeled orange scissor clips.
Step 6
- Pictured here is a piano key, but it has the same connection from the key to the scissor clip as the rest
- The best solution is to insert the modified spudger below the inside of the key and above the key scissor clip right where the red arrow points (do not insert the tool where the dental pick is here)
- Then pull downward to release the clip from the tabs labeled with the orange arrows.
Pictured here is a piano key, but it has the same connection from the key to the scissor clip as the rest
The best solution is to insert the modified spudger below the inside of the key and above the key scissor clip right where the red arrow points (do not insert the tool where the dental pick is here)
Then pull downward to release the clip from the tabs labeled with the orange arrows.
Step 7
- Removing the rest from here is pretty straight forward except for one part. The black piano keys alternate tab removal access points. They are labeled for your enjoyment
Removing the rest from here is pretty straight forward except for one part. The black piano keys alternate tab removal access points. They are labeled for your enjoyment
Step 8
- Start from the left and work your way right.
- Once again make sure you note the correct insertion point
- Also note that sometimes the scissor clip occasionally detaches from the key bed, but don’t fret they easily reinsert.
Start from the left and work your way right.
Once again make sure you note the correct insertion point
Also note that sometimes the scissor clip occasionally detaches from the key bed, but don’t fret they easily reinsert.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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Brian Fox
Member since: 10/16/2013
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Dave Meadows - Dec 28, 2015
Reply
A very useful article. Does anyone know if the key caps are available elsewhere?
Patrick T Gill - Mar 26, 2018
Reply
Hello, is it possible to order the scissor clips for the black key on the far right of my OP-1?
Thanks,
Patrick
Nano Visuals - May 12, 2018
Patrick - read the below. x
Nano Visuals - May 12, 2018
Reply
Not really. I contacted TE about my snapped plastic scissor bracket replacement. The guy from customer service asked me to put on hold as they were out of stock. After 4 months waiting time I got an email to spent 80 quid and get a whole keyboard panel. I asked why and it makes no sense, also that does not seem to be too eco-friendly either. I had to wait aprox 5-6 weeks for a reply. Hows that TE ?
Im going to 3D print it so suck on that TE. Thanks x
