Disassembly

Given we have readily removable switches here, I wanted to begin the disassembly page by taking one of the new Razer Low Profile Linear Optical switches apart. It is built similar to any other optical switch, which in itself shares a lot with the typical cross-point mechanical switch design from the Cherry MX platform. There is a tiny spring in the middle which is extremely easy to lose so I don't encourage disassembly of the switches unless you wish to lube the stem slider. What is interesting to me is the use of silicone pads on the underside of the stem where it meets the base, which effectively dampens and quietens the downstrokes. Actuation happens when the slider interrupts the light signal going through the switch socket itself, as seen above.


Disassembly of the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is simple enough given the aluminium frame also acts as the keyboard plate and is held in place by 16 Phillips head screws. You need to remove certain specific keycaps to access them and a precision screwdriver comes in handy here. Once done, there are small interlocking plastic tabs in the ABS case at the corners that you need to press inward slightly to release. At this point the top piece comes off enough to access the internal USB cable and electrical isolating cable. Dislodge both to fully separate the two pieces, and then you will see a mostly empty but thin ABS case that hosts the 4200 mAh battery for wireless connectivity. This is a good-sized battery here and should make for a long battery life.


There is a thin foam sheet underneath the PCB itself, and a daughter PCB is on the other side of the sheet that hosts the connectivity port and buttons from earlier. The volume wheel and media button are connected directly to the primary PCB, and both are black in color with excellent solder quality throughout. The aluminium alloy plate can be removed from the PCB by removing all the switches, and this is useful should you wish to lube the stabilizers. Razer is also using first-party branded controllers here making it hard to identify the actual hardware in play, but we know there's a USB microcontroller, a dedicated Chroma LED hardware driver, and a combo RF/Bluetooth transceiver too. As is the norm, all the components are soldered onto 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.