Reply to Arcade Buttons question (with pics, need help!)

I want to put arcade buttons on a Zomo MC-1000 midi controller. Here's a stock picture of the unit so everyone knows what I'm talking about:





I have never modded a unit before, apart from taking my old VCI-300 apart to clean it. Here are some images of the MC-1000 buttons with the top cover taken off (my iPhone rotated them for some reason):







If you notice, the buttons are attached to the side of the case with flimsy plastic bars that give it the resistance feel...to replace the button, I'm quite certain I'll have to cut each button free of these two bars, which is a VERY scary thing for me since I won't be able to put it back on if the mod doesn't work.

Is this a standard button configuration on many controllers? What am I looking at here? Any help?