Disassembly

Given the hot-swappable switch feature on the Sharkoon SKILLER SGK50 S4, I wanted to begin this section with a look inside the Kailh Red switches that came on this sample. The switch is held together with plastic clips on the top and bottom housing. Use a thin flat screwdriver to pry one side off before the other, but not by too much. I have taken a closer look at the newer Kailh BOX Red and even newer BOX Red V2, and this is more in line with the Cherry MX Red given the simpler construction of the top and the actuation mechanism itself. There's the usual MX-style cross-point stem which travels along to push two metal contacts together in the base itself. The top is see-through to help with backlighting support from the associated LED underneath the switch in the PCB.


Disassembly of the keyboard is extremely simple, with just seven 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 thin foam sheet placed between the PCB and the case to help minimize reverberations occurring throughout the otherwise empty case. You can also, if you wish to, remove all keycaps and switches to further separate the steel plate from the black 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 Sharkoon has decided to make it hard to identify the USB microcontroller used here. Given the lack of software support and relatively simple programming, I'd wager it's an older, less expensive unit on board. On the other hand we do get good quality Kailh hot-swap switch sockets here. Note also the thicker foam sheet present between the plate and the PCB, this will be handy in order to dampen keystrokes, making for a deeper sound signature. These are simple details that generally make the typing experience better on keyboards, and I am glad to see more brands adopt them. 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.