Question How can I remove the backplate from the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini Keyboard ?

[Westley The questionnair.]

I want to tape mod it for my first mod, but I have no idea how to remove the backplate.

 

[Ralston18]

Questions:

What is meant by"tape mod"? What are the expected benefits of the desired mode?

What specific problem or problems are occurring with the keyboard and/or its' performance?

Is the keyboard still under warranty? Removing the backplate will likely void the warranty.

More information needed.

 

[tecmo34]

Based on the below video, though not the exact same keyboard, you'll need to remove all the keycaps on the keyboard and look for the screws holding the top plate / PCB to the bottom plate.

View: https://youtu.be/hmNSNXQYeEA?si=f0Jqzea8CpcPNhbD


Once you have it disassembled, you'll be able to do your tape mode but make sure you mark where the screw holes open so it doesn't interfere when closing it up.

@Ralston18 - Tape Mod is a mod that the keyboard community does by applying painters tape to the back of the PCB to change the sound profile of the keyboard. It typically gives it a more poopy / deeper sounding and helps with the "pinging" sound that you can get with some keyboards.

View: https://youtu.be/g7-syoxeIBQ?si=LrVO7XD242IL89bz

 

[Westley The questionnair.]

Questions:

What is meant by"tape mod"? What are the expected benefits of the desired mode?

What specific problem or problems are occurring with the keyboard and/or its' performance?

Is the keyboard still under warranty? Removing the backplate will likely void the warranty.

More information needed.

Like the guy said it makes it sound better. There aren't any problems. I looked on the Steelseries warranty policy and I didn't see anything about warranty void. https://steelseries.com/policies/terms#:~:text=Warranty,are as follows:

It probably wont help but I also found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_repair after reading a post about warranty-void stuff,

 

[Westley The questionnair.]

Like the guy said it makes it sound better. There aren't any problems. I looked on the Steelseries warranty policy and I didn't see anything about warranty void. https://steelseries.com/policies/terms#:~:text=Warranty,are as follows:

It probably wont help but I also found this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_to_repair after reading a post about warranty-void stuff,

I would like to know if that voids my warranty tho.

 

[Ralston18]

FYI all:

https://support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/categories/202951887-Warranty-Returns

Not a lawyer: however, I will draw attention to the coverage paragraphs.

Specifically:

"Breakage due to abuse, cosmetic damage, dents, and chips, improper usage, water damage, tampering with the product or other causes attributable to events outside the manufacturing process.

As a layman (full disclosure) , I believe taping would be deemed tampering.

 

[Westley The questionnair.]

FYI all:

https://support.steelseries.com/hc/en-us/categories/202951887-Warranty-Returns

Not a lawyer: however, I will draw attention to the coverage paragraphs.

Specifically:

"Breakage due to abuse, cosmetic damage, dents, and chips, improper usage, water damage, tampering with the product or other causes attributable to events outside the manufacturing process.

As a layman (full disclosure) , I believe taping would be deemed tampering.

Not to argue but, since the tape mod is easily removable, how would they know if I did that or not?

 

[SkyNetRising]

Watched tape mod video.
Honestly - could not hear any difference between taped vs non taped sound.
Useless mod. LOL

 

[Ralston18]

No specific knowledge per se other than most manufacturers have some way or ways to discover such things.

Likely just removing the backplate could break some seal or could otherwise create a flag indicating that the keyboard had been opened.

Some little bit of plastic that breaks off and can never go back.

In any case you will not be given the benefit of the doubt.

And, based on some personal experience with "easily removable tapes" the reality can be different barring absolutely ideal circumstances and application.

Which does not include the physical insides of a keyboard.