Roland TR-808

This is a little section about changing the tactile switches in your Roland TR-808.

Here you can see the tactile switch used by Roland for the programming section of the TR-808. These are made by ALPS named SKCAB by them.

De solder the button mechanism from the PCB. With a small screwdriver you can coax out the tactile switch from it's housing. When the old one is removed press in the new one and pay attention to how the legs are oriented.

Here you can see the old tact switch removed. You can also exchange the key tops without throwing away the housing featuring the LED and the tact switch. Although you need to be really careful when removing the key top as you can break the top of the housing to where the button (key top) actually attaches.