Editing Cherry MX (section)

==Disassembly==
The Cherry MX switch shell is based on Cherry's previous low-profile [[Cherry M9|M9]] switch ("[[low-profile]]" in the '80s being standard profile from the '90s onward).

The switch has four retention tabs: two on the left and two on the right. A loose switch can be opened by prying these tabs either from the top or from the bottom.
Enthusiasts have developed special tools for both methods, but narrow flat screwdrivers are also often used.
The screwdrivers are inserted into two opposite holes; then the side retention tabs are pried away from the switch body. 

PCB-mounted MX switches can be opened in-place from the top. 
Most plate-mounted switches must be removed to be opened, as the plate prevents their side tabs from moving outward to clear the retaining lugs.
Some DIY keyboard kits have cutouts for the retention tabs, allowing them to be opened in place. Other keyboards, primarily for enthusiasts, have [[Hot-swap#Hot-swap_sockets|hot-swapping sockets]] allowing switches to be removed and replaced without de/soldering.

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File:Cherry MX -- opening the switch.jpg|Opening one side of a PCB-mounted switch.
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