Cleaned and ready for new switches. The Gateron's were completely unremoveable with the tool provided, so I resorted to a pocket knife and a guitar pick. Totally broke half the tabs on the switches, but I hate them anyways, so idc.
Discussion
As suspected Gateron switches are total e-waste. The plastic insertion/removal tabs basically break 50% of the time you attempt to remove them. The Kailh's go in and out with reasonable force in either direction, but you have to be careful with the contact pins, bc they are a little prone to getting crushed/bent on insertion.