When it comes to mechanical keyboards, many users have issues with their devices. From keys not working to power problems, here are some common troubleshooting tips to help you fix your mechanical keyboard. Double typing is one of the most common issues for users with mechanical keyboards. This can be caused by dust, dirt, or other objects that fall into the keyboard and get in the way of the key switches.
- Unplug And Restart
Unplugging and restarting a mechanical keyboard is an important step in troubleshooting any issues. It helps you determine whether the issue is related to the keyboard or the USB port to which it is connected. If you see that the keyboard causes the problem, you can resolve the issue with a few easy steps. Start by unplugging the keyboard and letting it sit for at least 10 seconds. If the issue persists, you may have to perform a reset procedure to fix it.
A reset is a simple process that will clear any memory built up on your keyboard and refresh it. This can help you fix unexpected behavior and lighting issues, like LEDs that don’t work properly or stuck keys. This is especially important if you are using a wired mechanical keyboard. Some models allow you to unplug the keyboard and plug it back in again to reset it, but this will vary from model to model.
Another option is to remove the keys from the keyboard and clean them manually. This will ensure no dirt or debris is stuck to the key. You can use cotton swabs or compressed air cans to remove debris on the keycaps gently. Once the keys have been cleaned, replace them on the keyboard and test them again to ensure they’re working correctly. If the issue remains, you can take your keyboard to a professional repair shop for further examination and possible repairs. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may have to replace parts or even the entire keyboard.
You’ll have to take the keyboard apart and remove the screws that hold it together to do so. This can be a tedious process, but ensuring that the PCB inside is completely free of water damage is essential. Once you’ve removed all the screws, you can access the PCB underneath the keyboard. The PCB is a circuit board that controls your keyboard’s lights, buttons, and other features. Once you’ve opened the case, you can safely remove the PCB and let it dry for at least two days before reinstalling everything. This should be enough time for the remaining water to evaporate and the PCB to dry.
- Clean The Keys
The keys on a mechanical keyboard are what you press when you type, so they get far dirtier than the rest of the keyboard. Thankfully, there are a few tried and true ways to clean them up. To start with, it’s a good idea to wipe down the keys on a semi-regular basis. This can be done with a disinfectant wipe or a simple water and dish soap solution. This will prevent grime from fusing to the painted metal plate underneath your key switches.
This can cause the keys to becoming sticky, which means they won’t be able to press down properly. This can lead to errors and frustration when typing. Turn your keyboard upside down to loosen the debris that may be in between the keys. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out any extra dirt that isn’t falling out naturally. Then, dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and gently wipe around each key. Ensure the swab is not dripping wet; otherwise, it could damage the switches.
You can remove the keycaps and clean them off with a slightly moist microfiber cloth. Be sure to avoid any paper towels, as they can leave particles behind and scratch the surface of your keys. If you still have a lot of dirt and grime on your keycaps after wiping them down, you should remove them altogether. This can be challenging on some keys, such as those stabilized with wires. It’s a good idea to use a tool that makes it easier to remove the keycaps, such as a screwdriver or a keycap puller. This will allow you to remove the keycaps and clean them off easily.
Finally, you can use a cleaning putty to break up any build-up of dust or grime that is stuck to the keys. You can buy these at your local home improvement store. The switches on a mechanical keyboard are small circuitry pieces that sit between the keycaps. Pressing down on a keycap pushes the switch against the key matrix, completing the circuitry that allows an electric current to flow through the keyboard. This hyper-responsiveness is what makes mechanical keyboards so popular with gamers.
- Replace The Keys
If a key isn’t responding properly, it’s important to replace it. Unlike membrane keyboards, which need to be replaced every time a key gets damaged, mechanical keyboards can be easily disassembled, so you can repair individual keys without replacing the entire keyboard. When a key becomes stuck, it can often be fixed by cleaning the underlying mechanism. Dust, dirt, and debris build up underneath the key over time, which can interfere with electrical contacts and cause a key to becoming stuck. Another common problem is an oily residue that collects on the contacts of a key. Contact cleaner can dissolve the oily residue, restoring electrical contact.
In addition, you can use a Q-tip or a microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean stains and sticky spots off your key. This will help prevent a sticky, stuck key from occurring. However, if a key doesn’t respond properly after cleaning, it may be time to replace it. If the key is a soldered mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to desolder and replace the switch, which can be complicated if you feel uncomfortable using a soldering iron. It’s also possible that the key’s socket is worn out and no longer works. This is rare but can happen if you have a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
The easiest way to fix this problem is by unplugging the keyboard and plugging it back in. This will restore the keyboard to its normal settings and ensure it works again. It could be a driver issue if the key still doesn’t work after unplugging and restarting the keyboard. You should check your keyboard’s drivers to see if any are outdated or need updating. If any are obsolete, you can update them by re-downloading the driver and installing it again. You can also change the battery level on a rechargeable mechanical keyboard to see if that solves the problem. Alternatively, restart the OS to see if it fixes the problem. This is particularly effective if you’re experiencing an error in which the keyboard doesn’t register a keypress.
Last Word
A mechanical keyboard is a great way to experience what a computer offers. However, you may run into some issues with your mechanical keyboard’s keys and hardware that need fixing.