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Replace the original shell of your MeowKit-S3 Standard Edition with the official MeowKit-S3 Transparent Shell Accessory. This procedure requires removing the display and working around small connectors, FPC cables, and the Power switch. Read the entire guide before you begin. If you are not comfortable working with small electronic parts, contact MeowKit Support before continuing.
Excessive heat or force can damage the display, FPC cables, connectors, battery, or Power switch. Work slowly and stop if a part does not release easily.

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What you need

Prepare:
  • MeowKit-S3 Standard Edition
  • MeowKit-S3 Transparent Shell Accessory
  • T5 screwdriver
  • Hair dryer or temperature-controlled hot-air tool
  • Fine-tip, non-marring tweezers
  • Clean, flat, static-safe work surface
  • Small parts tray
The Transparent Shell Accessory includes:
  • Transparent front shell
  • Transparent rear cover
  • Pre-cut 3M display adhesive
Keep the removed white shell and the center carrier from the new adhesive. Store them in a clean, dust-free bag in case you need them later.

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Before you begin

  1. Power off MeowKit and disconnect the USB cable.
  2. Remove the microSD card.
  3. Remove the finger strap or lanyard.
Do not work on MeowKit while it is connected to USB power. Keep metal tools away from exposed circuit-board contacts and the battery.

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Remove the original shell

1

Remove the directional keycap

Hold MeowKit securely. Grip the directional keycap and pull it straight away from the front panel.Do not twist the keycap or lever it sideways.
2

Remove the rear cover

Use the T5 screwdriver to remove the five screws from the rear cover.Lift off the rear cover and place the screws in a parts tray.
3

Release the main PCB

Hold MeowKit with the display facing your palm and the Power-button side angled downward.Grip the upper and lower edges around the battery area without pressing or bending the battery. Lift the Power-button side of the PCB slightly, then carefully release the audio-jack side.Watch the audio connector as it clears the shell opening.
Do not pull the PCB away from the display. The display is still connected by FPC cables.
4

Disconnect the display

Use the USB-port side as a pivot and turn the PCB about 90 degrees to expose the display connectors.Check how each connector lock opens before touching it. Gently unlock the connector tabs, then slide the FPC cables straight out.The PCB can now be separated from the front shell.
Never pull an FPC cable while its connector is locked. Do not pry on the connector body.
5

Transfer the small parts

Remove the reusable parts from the white front shell in this order:
  1. CNC lanyard loop
  2. A and B keycaps
  3. Light guide
  4. Power-button cap
  5. Infrared filter
The infrared filter has the tightest fit. Press it from the outside of the white shell toward the inside until it releases. Support the shell around the filter and use steady, controlled pressure.
6

Remove the display

Place the front shell on a clean, non-scratching surface.Use low, evenly distributed heat around the display perimeter to soften the original adhesive. Keep the airflow moving and do not concentrate heat on one area.From the inside of the shell, apply gentle, even pressure near the speaker-opening side until a small gap appears. Continue gradually around the perimeter. Warm the adhesive again whenever resistance increases.
Never force, sharply bend, or twist the display. Do not insert a metal tool beneath it, and keep hot airflow away from the battery.
Place the display face down on a clean, soft, dust-free surface. Remove remaining adhesive from its edge with non-marring tweezers.Do not scratch the display or pull on its FPC cables.

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Install the transparent shell

1

Check the shell and adhesive

Unpack the transparent front shell, transparent rear cover, and pre-cut 3M display adhesive.Make sure the shell is clean and free of dust, protective-film fragments, or packaging debris.
2

Install the small parts

Install the transferred parts in this order:
  1. Infrared filter
  2. CNC lanyard loop
  3. A and B keycaps
  4. Light guide
  5. Power-button cap
Install the infrared filter first. Support its larger face with your finger, align the smaller end with the opening from inside the shell, and press it straight into place.Confirm that the A and B keycaps are in the correct positions and that every part moves freely.
3

Reconnect the display

Position the PCB beside the transparent shell without straining the FPC cables.Insert each cable straight and fully into its connector, then close the connector lock.The exposed contact line should be even across the connector. A cable that is angled or only partly inserted may cause display or touch problems.
4

Install the PCB

Hold the transparent front shell with the Power-button side angled downward so the small parts stay in place.Hold the PCB by its edges. Insert the audio connector into its shell opening first. Support the PCB through the display opening, then move it gently toward the audio-jack side to create clearance for the Power-button side.Before lowering the PCB fully, confirm that the PCB-mounted Power switch aligns with the Power-button cap and is not trapped or pressed sideways.
The PCB-mounted Power switch is easy to damage. Do not force the PCB into place. If it does not sit flat, remove it and check the audio connector, Power button, and internal parts.
5

Install the transparent rear cover

Confirm that the PCB sits flat and that no cable or small part is trapped between the PCB and shell.Fit the transparent rear cover. Reinstall the five screws in their original positions and tighten them gradually in an alternating pattern until snug.Do not overtighten the screws. Excessive torque can crack the transparent shell or damage the threads.
6

Apply the new display adhesive

Remove the outer release liner from the pre-cut 3M adhesive while keeping the adhesive flat.Align one short edge with the display opening first. Use tweezers to position the opposite side, then press around the full perimeter for firm, even contact.Remove and retain the center carrier. Leave the display-side release liner in place for now.
7

Test the display and touch input

Place MeowKit on a non-conductive surface with the display supported and clear of exposed components.Power on the device briefly. Confirm that the image is stable and touch input works across the screen.Power off MeowKit before making any adjustment.If the display or touch input does not work correctly, unlock and reconnect the FPC cable. Make sure it is straight and fully inserted, then test again.
Do not touch the exposed PCB with a metal tool while MeowKit is powered on.
8

Install the display

Power off MeowKit.Fold the FPC cables gently along their existing bends so they sit naturally without springing upward. Do not create a new sharp crease.Clean the display and shell mating surfaces. Remove the remaining adhesive liner, align the display with the opening, and lower it into place once.Press gently and evenly around the perimeter.
Avoid repeatedly lifting and repositioning the display. Each repositioning reduces adhesive strength.
9

Reinstall the directional keycap

Align the directional keycap with its control and press it straight into place.Confirm that it moves freely in every direction.

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Final check

Before regular use, confirm that:
  • The display image and touch input work normally.
  • The directional control, A and B buttons, and Power button move freely.
  • The audio jack, USB port, infrared window, speaker opening, and microSD slot are unobstructed.
  • The rear cover sits evenly with no visible gap.
  • The display is seated evenly around the full perimeter.
  • All five screws are installed and snug.
Reinsert the microSD card and finger strap only after all checks pass. Your MeowKit-S3 with the Transparent Shell is now ready.

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Troubleshooting

Remove the PCB and check the audio-jack alignment, Power-button cap, light guide, keycaps, infrared filter, FPC routing, and lanyard loop.Never use the rear cover or screws to force the PCB down.
Power off MeowKit and remove the rear cover.Check that the PCB-mounted switch and the shell button cap are centered and are not pressing against each other sideways.
Power off MeowKit.Unlock, remove, and fully reseat the relevant FPC cable. Close the connector lock and test again before adhering the display.
Power off MeowKit. Do not add liquid glue.Check for old adhesive, dust, incorrectly routed FPC cables, or uneven adhesive placement.Replace the pre-cut adhesive if it has been contaminated or repositioned repeatedly.