Introduction
When you press a key on your keyboard, it will move down by fractions of millimeters. Little pieces of plastic (keys) push against other little pieces of plastic (keyboard).
Over time, they will wear out and stop working. Fortunately for you, there are ten steps to fix the keyboard keys that can make them better than new ones again.
You may also be able to clean your mechanical keyboard after completing these steps.
10 Steps
1) Identification
The first step to fixing a keyboard key is identifying the issue. This can be done by checking if any other keys are sticky or not functioning as they should.
2) Cleaning
This is often the solution to many keyboard key issues. All that is needed is a can of compressed air and some q-tips. First, use compressed air to remove any debris from under and around the key. Then, use the q-tip to clean inside the key’s hole.
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3) De-latching
If a key becomes stuck, it might just need to be de-latched. To do this, insert a paperclip into the small hole on the back of the keyboard near the key in question. Then, press the paperclip down until the key pops out.
4) Repair with Toothpaste
If keys are sticky or not functioning, it could be because of dirt under the key’s surface. To fix this, apply toothpaste (or white toothpaste) to a piece of paper and use it to clean underneath each affected key.
Once done cleaning under all the keys that aren’t working properly, let them sit for thirty minutes before removing all residual paste with another sheet of paper towel/toilet paper/tissue paper.
5) Cleaning Track-balls
When trackballs become dirty, they can malfunction and cause problems related to certain functions on your laptop or computer. A trackball is very easy to clean; Cotton swabs and alcohol work great.
6) Keyboard Replacement
If all else fails, your keyboard might need to be replaced. This is a more difficult process and will require taking apart the entire keyboard.
7) Fixing Springs
If a key isn’t depressing enough, it might be because one or more of its springs are broken. In this case, you can fix the key by bending the appropriate legs of the spring back into shape.
8) Adding Weight
If a key feels too light, adding some weight to it can help it feel more substantial and thus easier to press down. One way to do this is by using double-sided tape to attach a small metal washer to the inside of the key.
9) Key Replacement with Sugru
This is a relatively inexpensive product that can help fix most sticky keys. It comes in a pack of 8 or 16 colors and cures overnight.
Simply apply a small amount to the inside of the key, smooth it down with your thumb, let it cure for 24 hours, remove any excess material from around the edge, and voila!
10) Cleaning Bubble-pens
Sometimes ink from a bubble pen is stuck under keys that you type with often. An excellent way to fix this is by using an eraser or pencil eraser to get rid of all the ink under each affected key.
Once done cleaning under all the keys that aren’t working correctly, let them sit for thirty minutes before removing all residual pens with another sheet of paper towel/toilet paper/tissue paper.
How to fix a Sticky Keyboard Key?
If you find yourself suddenly unable to type an ‘s’ or an ‘o’, there is probably something sticky on your keyboard. Grab some rubbing alcohol and pour just enough onto a cotton ball or paper towel that will allow you to thoroughly wipe down each key individually without damaging anything else.
Another way to fix this is to use compressed air. If you have a can of compressed air, give it a quick shot under the affected key to blast away any debris or sticky substance that may be causing the problem.
An easy way to prevent this from happening in the future is to not eat while using your keyboard. It isn’t healthy for you, and it’s also not suitable for your keyboard, either.
Conclusion:
Keyboards are tech products, and they can show malfunctioning; you need to maintain your keyboard for the best output, clean and remove dirt from it and under the keys after regular time.
You can also avoid this kind of malfunctioning by using a high-end keyboard with excellent build quality.
