Disassembly

Given the hot-swappable switches here, I wanted to begin this section with a look inside the Gateron Red switches that came on this sample. This 3-pin mechanical switch employs the Cherry MX stem design, so we have the usual construction with the top, a crosspoint stem/slider, spring, and housing that has the metal leaf for the actuation mechanism. The switch does not come pre-lubed, which is reason enough to take these apart and lube and even film them if that interests you. This is otherwise a standard linear switch with no bumps or protrusions along the path of the stem as it meets the metal contacts to initiate switch actuation.


Disassembly of the keyboard is extremely simple, with just six Phillips-head screws to remove that are accessible once you remove some specific keycaps, as seen above. The plate/PCB section can be completely removed from the single-piece chassis here wherein we see a Poron foam sheet placed between the PCB and the case to help minimize reverberations occurring throughout the otherwise empty case. Interestingly, this foam sheet is thicker at the top end where the case is also thicker, so the goal here is to have the foam essentially cradle the PCB throughout.


At this point you can choose to remove all keycaps and switches to further separate the steel plate from the white PCB itself, and this would allow you to also potentially replace and re-lube the stabilizers too. There's not a lot to examine on the PCB, given the USB microcontrollers aren't easily identifiable. Ranked does say there is a 32-bit ARM MCU here with optional support for QMK and VIA, to effectively make the Nova n60 compatible with open-source firmware. The hot-swap sockets themselves are CIY-branded and note also the EVA foam sheet present between the plate and the PCB for further sound dampening. All the components, including the switch sockets, SMD LEDs, and capacitors, are soldered to a multi-layered PCB.

Before we move on, be advised that disassembly may void the warranty and that TechPowerUp is not liable for any damages incurred if you decide to go ahead and do so anyway.