Repairing or Replacing a switch in the Z/Tracer

Repairing or Replacing a switch in the Z/Tracer

If a buttons tactile "click" is occurring, but no output is being sent there could either be a problem with your mouses configuration, or a hardware problem with the switch itself. Before proceeding with any hardware repairs please check the article below for steps to rule out the possibility of a configuration issue.


If the mouse button does not respond correctly with the "Button Test" profile, then there is a hardware issue. Such problems can be resolved with some maintenance, or by replacing the effected buttons switch. But your mouse is still within its warranty period. Then please submit a ticket with your purchase details to resolve the issue under warranty.

The middle mouse button in particular can be dismantled relatively easily to clean out contaminants which can interfere with its operation. Details for this can be found in the article below:

The other buttons (main left/right click, edge, trigger and thumb) cannot be dismantled so easily. So the maintenance option for them would be to open your mouse and apply some contact cleaner to the switch. Details for this will be covered in the instructions below.

If performing maintenance on the switch is no longer effective, then the other option is to replace it entirely. This requires some soldering, but if you don't have the equipment or experience to do this yourself any electronics repair shop should be able to handle it. Especially if you bring them your mouse pre-dismantled, along with a replacement switch. The switches used for the different buttons on the Z are listed below; along with links to where you can purchase compatible replacements.

Left and Right Click:
Omron D2FC-F-7N - Available here (third switch in this listing, identified as "Color: 2pcs D2FC-F-7N(20M)")

Middle mouse button:

Edge, Fingertip, Trigger & Thumb Buttons:


Step 1: Opening your mouse

The main body of the Z is held together with 7 screws in its base. 5 of these are easily visible once you remove the magnetic feet from your mouse, but two are hidden under the label at the nose of the mouse. So you will need to peel this off to access them.

The locations of all 7 screws and highlighted in the image below.



Once the 7 screws have been removed the top and bottom halves of the case can be separated. However you need to be careful when doing this as there is a small circuit board for the thumb buttons which sticks up from the bottom half of the case into the top. Also, there is a thin ribbon cable at the rear of the mouse which connects the two halves.

So when you are separating the two halves, do so gently, and with a direct vertical movement. Keeping the halves relatively parallel until you clear the thumb button circuit board.

Don't worry if the thumb button PCB pops out while you are opening the case. It is connected by another ribbon cable and can easily be placed back into its slot on the base.

The thumb button PCB, and ribbon cable are highlighted below.



Once the top half has cleared the thumb button PCB, the ribbon cable is long enough for it to be placed down on the table next to the bottom half. From here you can see all switches except the two trigger pulls, which are located in the top half of the case.



If you need to repair or replace one of the trigger pull switches details on dismantling the top half of the case can be found in the following article:
Accessing the Trigger Pull switches for repair or replacement

Step 2: Apply contact cleaner, or replace switch

If you're just going to apply some contact cleaner to the switch you can do this now. Simply put a couple drops directly onto the button on top of the switch. Then use something to activate the switch a few times (e.g. head of your screwdriver) to work the contact cleaner into the switch. Let it dry off and wipe any residue from the exterior of the switch.

You can then plug your mouse in and test the switch with it still open using the Button Test profile again. Just by pushing the switch directly this time.

Step 2.5: Detaching the top PCB layer (if replacing a switch on this PCB)

If you are replacing a switch you may want to take the whole top PCB layer out of the mouse to make it easier to work on.

Notes
Before removing the top PCB layer take note of how it is only screwed in loosely, and is able to wiggle in place slightly. This is intentional as this PCB needs to be able to move slightly for the force sensors which are positioned beneath it to work correctly. So when this PCB is screwed back in you'll want to ensure it is still free to move.


To do this first detach the ribbon cable at the rear of the top PCB. This is done by pulling the black latches on either side of the ribbon our a few millimeters, as shown below.


Now remove the six screws highlighted below which hold the top PCB layer in place.


With the screws removed the two sections of the PCB can be lifted out of the mouse along with the scroll-wheel, which can then be slid out of the encoder and put to the side.

Step 3: Reassembly

If you did not remove the top PCB layer skip to the 5th step.
  1. Slide the small side of the scroll-wheels axle into the encoder.
  2. Lower the top PCB layer and scroll-wheel back into position. The pegs sticking out of the base will slot into the holes in the PCB; so you can't go too wrong here.
  3. Slot the ribbon cable back into the socket at the rear of the PCB (Solid Blue end facing down). Once it is in place push the black latches on either side of it closed.
  4. Start screwing the top PCB layer to the base (3 screws on each side). Only do these up very loosely, as the PCB needs to be able to move for the force sensors to operate properly. Fully tightening the screws can cause them to go to 100% as soon as your press a button.
  5. Check that the thumb button PCB is sitting it its slot in the base.
  6. Lower the top half of the case back on, making sure that it sits flush along all edges.
  7. Loosely use two screws in opposite corners of the base of the mouse to hold the case together.
  8. Quickly check the force levels of all 5 force enabled buttons. If they are hitting 30%+ even when you press gently you may want to open your mouse again to adjust the screws on the top PCB. If this is required also check the circular white plastic spacers which sit directly beneath the two main mouse button switches. The two force sensors sit beneath these so give them a bit of a prod to make sure they have some movement to them as well.
  9. When you're happy with your force readings add the remaining 5 screws to the base of your mouse. Only tightening them until they start to catch.


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