If you have a mechanical keyboard, it may sometimes stop working. Luckily, a few simple solutions can help you get it back up and running again. One of the most common issues is keys that need to be fixed. Typically, this can be caused by one of two things.
- Check The Keys
Many people have mechanical keyboards, which can be very annoying when the keys don’t work properly. There are many reasons that a key can stop working on a mechanical keyboard, including dust and debris, physical damage, or a broken switch. If a mechanical keyboard isn’t working, it is important to identify the problem and find a solution. There are a few ways to test the keys on a mechanical keyboard and determine whether they work properly.
First, try typing a few different keys at once on the keyboard to see if they all register. If a single key does not register, then it is likely that the keyboard needs to be replaced. If a few keys register, it means that the keyboard has an N-key rollover feature, which typists and gamers rely on. Second, check the switches on the keys that are not working. You can clean a switch with a contact cleaner if it is dirty. If it is still not responding, you should also check the solder joints on the switch to see if there is any dirt or debris in them. Third, you can use a small brush to remove any debris from the keys that are not working. This is a very simple fix that can be done in minutes.
Finally, you can re-lubricate the keys on a mechanical keyboard. If the keys are sticky, you can use a lubricant specifically designed for keyboards. If a lubricant isn’t available, you can use rubbing alcohol, water, and soap to remove the dirt. If this is the case, you can easily find out how to do it by searching for a tutorial online. It will provide you with a step-by-step guide and pictures to help you do it. If you’re uncomfortable with this, you can always bring your keyboard to a repair shop and have them do it.
- Check The Switches
There are many different types of mechanical switches on the market, and it cannot be very clear when trying to figure out which one is right for you. There are also a lot of little details that make up a good switch, from the pressure needed to activate the key to how long it takes to travel. The most important part of choosing a switch is getting one that feels right. It’s small, but it can make a big difference in gaming and typing. Testing the switches before buying your keyboard is also a great idea. This will save you time and money if you’re unhappy with the switches or if something needs to be fixed with the solder job.
You can use a Cherry MX Switch Tester kit to check the switches on your keyboard. This kit will allow you to test nine keys to ensure they all work properly. It also includes a keycap puller and o-rings, which can be used to test for o-ring dampening (where you put o-rings around the switch connector on the underside of the keycap to dampen the ‘clack’ sound that occurs when you bottom out a key). If you want to go further, there are switch films that can help increase the feel of your switches. This is done by placing thin pieces of plastic between the upper and lower housings (like making a sandwich).
A switch graph will show how much force is required to activate the keys. This is called “Actuation Force,” It can be measured in centinewtons or gram-force, depending on the switch.
The graph will also show you where the switch hits its actuation point. The actuation point is the distance from the top of the keycap to when the switch is in contact with the spring that registers the keypress. Tactile switches will have a bump in the graph, which is the peak operating force required to trigger the key. The highest point of the graph represents where the bump is at its maximum, which will tell you how heavy the switch is.
- Check The Keycaps
Keycaps are the pieces of plastic that cover your switches, which send signals to the computer to let it know that a particular key is pressed. They come in various shapes and sizes, and manufacturers make them in many different materials. Most keycaps on the market are Cherry MX-style, meaning they will fit various keyboard switches. However, not all switches are Cherry MX, so check to see if the keycap you want to buy is compatible with your switch style. It may be necessary to replace the switches depending on the type of mechanical keyboard you have.
You should look at the layout images for each set of keycaps you are interested in. This will ensure that the keycaps you purchase will fit in the proper place on your keyboard and that the layout of the keycaps matches up with your keyboard’s key spacing. Another important factor is the keycap profile, which specifies the height and shape of the keycaps. Some keycap profiles are taller and flatter, while others are more low-profile. It’s important to note that choosing the right keycap profile is important, as a keycap profile that is too high or flat could be uncomfortable to type on.
Though there are others, PBT and ABS are the most common types of keycap plastic. Both are very durable and can stand up to scratches and fingertip wear. They are also available in various colors and are often more affordable than other types of plastic. Some keycaps are also made with artisan styles, usually engraved and filled with artwork or a game character. They are an up-and-coming trend among the keyboard enthusiast community and can add a nice touch to a keyboard without adding any extra weight or space to the keys themselves.
Wrapping It Up
In general, it’s a good idea to go with the highest quality keycaps possible. You don’t want to end up with cheap keycaps that are poorly manufactured and don’t fit properly. You can find many great keycaps sets online, so shop around! Reviewing reviews and reading the return policy before buying is a good idea.
