Mechanical keyboards have been in use for quite some time now. However, it has made a stunning resurgence in recent years owing to a drop in the average costs of key switches. Not only is a mechanical keyboard easier to type on, according to many typists, the recent expansion of the pc gaming industry has also resulted in a massive boost in the sales of mechanical keyboards.
Despite the popularity of mechanical keyboards at this time, there are still certain unavoidable issues. One of the major problems that mechanical keyboard owners have reported in large numbers is that a particular key has suddenly stopped working without any seemingly plausible explanation. This article will discuss some of the steps that will help you fix the keyboard key quickly.
A Basix Quick Fix
The first quick fix that we would recommend trying is to unplug the keyboard from your computer and then plug it in again. This can often resolve the issue and work as a short-term fix until you can address it properly later on. Most mechanical keyboards have USB 2.0 cables and check the ports as well if it is detachable.
The next thing you should consider is the warranty situation. It’s always best to seek a replacement model or a refund if the product is still under warranty or if the key has stopped working due to a manufacturing defect. However, it is perfectly understandable if you do not wish to go through that hassle and try to make things better yourself. In the following sections, we will tell you how to do exactly that.
Steps to follow while repairing a mechanical key or switch
The first thing you should do is buy a contact cleaner from the market or online. They don’t cost too much, and it would be worth your while to keep one handy if you use a mechanical keyboard.
Then, turn off your computer entirely and unplug the keyboard from the computer. You do not want to short circuit your keyboard and cause any kind of lasting damage, so make sure the power is off, and the keyboard is unplugged.
Following this, you need to remove the keycap from the switch. A gentle tug on the keycap should be enough to remove it, and you will be able to see the body of the switch. For the next step, fit the nozzle into the contact cleaner spray. Then spray one or two squirts onto the surface of the switch. The contact cleaner will do its job.
The next step is to move the switch in an up and down motion so that the contact cleaner can get into the switch’s sides and edges. Also, try and move the stem side to side as well for best results. Following this, you need to flip the keyboard over and repeat the same process. After this, set the keyboard down and let it rest for some time. Anywhere around 5 minutes should be enough for everything to be set in place.
Once this is done, replace the keycap back to its original position and plug the keyboard back into your system. Once you complete this process in its entirety, you will find the switch working again. Just repeat the process in case it happens to another key, and there you have it! Try out this DIY repair and let us know in the comments if it works.
What to do if this doesn’t work?
In case this process does not work, there might be a different issue. If it’s not dirty switches, then it might be broken solder joints, causing the problem in all probability. In that case, you have to know how to disassemble a keyboard. The issue is that not everyone will be comfortable with that. If you are interested in learning, you can give it a shot as it is not too difficult.
One of the most common trends now with mechanical keyboards is that some are equipped with user-changeable systems. Keyboards equipped with this mechanism generally cost more, but they usually last longer as well. The appeal of having DIY switches is great in itself as it allows you to simply change the switch itself if you can’t fix it using the contact cleaner. You can also swap switch types if you wish as well.
In case you have a broken mechanical keyboard that you cannot fix or that has surpassed the warranty period, you can try and sell it on online retail sites, and it should be fairly straightforward. Sellers will find value in the individual switches and the board if they can find someone to desolder it.
Some people build their own mechanical keyboards as a hobby, and they can save a few bucks by getting a second-hand keyboard. Make sure to mention what the issues are with the keyboard and if you are selling for salvage only.
Conclusion
We have reached the end of this article today, and we have discussed various aspects related to mechanical keyboards. However, this article’s main focus was to try and explain the process of fixing switches in case they are not responding because of dirt or dust build-up. We hope that we could answer the question properly. After reading this article you will have one more tactic up your sleeve when it comes to DIYing your keyboard if anything goes wrong.