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.

Important: This involves taking apart your keyboard, so take your time and work somewhere with good lighting. Keep track of those screws! If you're not comfortable working with small electronics, it's totally fine to ask someone for help.

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.


Tip: Put those screws in a small container right away - trust us on this one!

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.

Note: The plate may need a bit of pressure to pop out. Don't force it, but some gentle persuasion is normal.

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.


Important: Be gentle with the circuit board and try not to touch the electrical components more than necessary.

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.

 

Tip: Once you get the stabilizer out, thread these screws back into it so you don't lose them. Future you will thank you!

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.


Caution: If the board and plate come completely apart, carefully line up all the keys before reassembling.

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.


Critical: Carefully align the copper pins with the center of the switch sockets before gently pressing them in. The switches go in upside down compared to all other 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!