How to remove the Preonic's stabilizer
Keyboardio Preonic: Removing the Stabilizer and Installing Split Spacebar
We'll walk you through removing the center stabilizer from your Preonic and replacing it with two 1U keys for a split spacebar setup. It's a straightforward process that opens up new possibilities for how you map your keys.
Prerequisites:
- Small Phillips head screwdriver
- Clean, well-lit workspace
- Small container for screws
- One additional 1U MX-style switch (you'll reuse the existing center switch)
- Two 1U keycaps for your new split spacebar
Disassembly Process
Step 1: Remove the Top Plate Screws
Start by removing all the screws from the top plate. These hold the top plate to the case.

Step 2: Remove the Center Spacebar Switch
Carefully pull out the switch in the center spacebar position. You need to get this out of the way to access the stabilizer underneath.

Step 3: Lift the Metal Plate
Gently tilt the metal plate up from the bottom. You might need to wiggle it a bit and apply some pressure to work it free. Be patient with this step.
Step 4: Access the Circuit Board
With the plate lifted, you can see the circuit board underneath. Good news: you don't need to disconnect the battery for this.

Step 5: Remove the Stabilizer Screws
Remove the two screws that hold the stabilizer to the circuit board. You'll find them on either side of the stabilizer.
Step 6: Separate the Board from the Plate
To actually remove the stabilizer, you need to create space between the circuit board and the metal plate. Remove the 6 screws that hold the plate to the board.

Step 7: Create Access Space
Using your fingers, gently pry apart the circuit board and metal plate from the bottom. You don't need to fully separate them - just create enough space for the stabilizer to come out.

Installing the New Switches
Step 8: Install the Two New Switches
Place the keyboard assembly on the table with the back of the circuit board facing down. Install the two new switches in the spacebar positions.
Important: These switches must be installed upside down from the rest of the keys.

Step 9: Switch Installation Complete
Here's what your switches should look like when properly installed upside down from the rest of the keyboard switches.

Reassembly
Step 10: Reconnect the Circuit Board and Plate
Flip the circuit board over and screw it back together with the metal plate using the silver screws you removed earlier.
Step 11: Position the Power Switch
When reinstalling the circuit board in the keyboard tray, make sure the power switch is slid toward the inside of the keyboard and the plastic switch cover is also positioned toward the inside.
Step 12: Check the Power Switch Position
Verify that the plastic switch cover is properly positioned toward the inside of the keyboard.

Step 13: Reseat the Circuit Board
Carefully reseat the circuit board by angling it so the back goes in first, then lowering the front into place.
Step 14: Install the Keycaps
Finally, install all your keycaps, starting with the new split spacebar keycaps on your newly installed switches.
Congratulations!
You've successfully swapped out that stabilizer for a split spacebar setup! Your Preonic now has two independent 1U keys where the spacebar used to be.
By default, the left key is mapped to backspace and the right key is mapped to space. Of course, you can remap these however you'd like in your keyboard firmware.
If you run into any issues or have questions about this process, just reach out to us at help@keyboard.io. We're here to help!