ErgoDox EZ Keyboard Repairability Assessment

Written By: Arthur Shi
Published: 06/08/19
  • Comments: 8

ErgoDox EZ Keyboard Repairability Assessment

Published: 06/08/19

Teardown

Introduction

Our friends at ZSA Technology Labs sponsored an in-depth look at the repairability of their nifty ErgoDox EZ keyboard design. We’re happy to report that we came away impressed: you can read our detailed impressions here. Below you’ll find a blow-by-blow of the disassembly and the final repairability score. Note: For this assessment, we specifically used a white CIY (Change It Yourself) edition with no LED lighting.


To learn more about iFixit’s manufacturer collaborations, click here.

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    • Exterior reference photos.

    • The keyboard isn't ingress-proofed. Liquid spillage can potentially damage the circuit board within.

    • The keyboard uses standardized mini-USB and 3.5 mm TRRS connectors, which allows for easy replacement of worn cables.

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    • The included puller tool works well in removing keycaps of all sizes, as well as key switches. Clear instructions on how to do so are offered online, though it may be helpful to include printed guidance.

    • Malfunctioning key switches are a concern for keyboard longevity. The CIY system allows for easy replacement using off-the-shelf parts.

    As far as I can see the puller works on square keycaps only. You say clear instructions are offered online - where?

    jrs.idx -

    Here they are!

    Arthur Shi -

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    • The main housing is held together by standard Phillips screws, one of which is hidden under the plastic sticker.

    • While the presence of the hidden screw is noted on the product website, it would be nice to have it visually marked on the sticker.

    was a bit difficult to remove the sticker on the back, ended up just poking a hole where the screw was and peeling the sticker a bit to make space to remove the screw

    Peter Cardenas -

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    • Once opened, the metal brackets that support the tilt/tent legs can be easily removed for replacement.

    • In the CIY model, the circuit board is held on by the key switches themselves, and can be immediately removed with careful prying.

    • The board is silkscreened with key identifiers, which can help with troubleshooting.

    • The keyboard's only ports—a mini-USB and 3.5 mm TRRS ports—are soldered onto the board. Because these ports are not high-use, this should not impact the keyboard's longevity.

    Where can I buy the metal brackets? I need it as one of them lost the grip and the screw won’t hold anymore.

    humberaquino -

    You can probably contact ErgoDox directly to request replacement brackets.

    Arthur Shi -

    I’m in the same boat! Were you able to get a new bracket?

    Ben Trotter -

    My left hand pcb broke but can't find where I can buy a single pcb.

    Jeremy Del Valle -

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    • The ErgoDox EZ earns a 10 out of 10 on our repairability scale (10 being the easiest to repair):

    • Parts that are prone to wear, such as key switches and cables, are modular and individually replaceable with off-the-shelf components.

    • The product comes with a specialty tool, which is not necessary (but very helpful) for repairs.

    • The enclosure is held together with standard Phillips screws. No adhesives or clips are used.

    • The manufacturer provides repair documentation on their site.

Author

Arthur Shi

Member since: 03/01/18

248651 Reputation

One comment

Fantastic guide. Took apart my ErgoDox to fix a problem with my reset button + cleaning. This guide helped me do it with less guess work. Its a pity they added that plastic, glued cover blocking access from one of the screws.

Mathew Payne -