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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: snarfarlarkus on Tue, 07 January 2020, 19:21:47

Title: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Tue, 07 January 2020, 19:21:47
Hey everyone,

My HHKB stopped working out of the blue and I replaced the controller with another stock controller and the keyboard still doesn't work. Windows makes the USB detection sound when its plugged and unplugged but no keys register? Any idea? Thanks!
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: fanpeople on Wed, 08 January 2020, 00:23:28
Have you tried another computer also?
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Wed, 08 January 2020, 03:49:31
Yes I have with no luck
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Wed, 08 January 2020, 03:49:58
Have you tried another computer also?
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: fanpeople on Wed, 08 January 2020, 03:58:28
Well I am out of ideas.
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: nathanchere on Wed, 08 January 2020, 04:01:59
Just out of curiosity, if you connect the 'dead' controller to the PC via USB with something else attached, is it still detected or is it really dead?
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Thu, 09 January 2020, 20:25:07
Still detected so maybe it isn't dead but the keys are not registering when I type... Any help anyone please?
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: fanpeople on Thu, 09 January 2020, 21:12:58
Have you tried re-seating the connection to the controller? Have you tried restarting your computer? Have you tried different dip switch settings?
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Fri, 10 January 2020, 00:03:48
Tried all of that man... :(
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: nathanchere on Fri, 10 January 2020, 05:32:27
Still detected so maybe it isn't dead but the keys are not registering when I type... Any help anyone please?

... then I think that likely clarifies that it's not the PCB which is dead.
Do NONE of the keys register when you type? Or just some?
A couple things I've seen which caused problems with keys registering: make sure the case is screwed shut securely (e.g. if one side has loose screws you'll find keys don't register)
If you've done a dome swap with domes that don't sit right, this can also cause problems.
Even if you don't swap domes but still have taken it apart, the springs need to be centred properly under the domes to register presses. If they are off-centre even slightly it can stop registering.
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: DoctorNunu on Sat, 11 January 2020, 15:42:52
Hey everyone,

My HHKB stopped working out of the blue and I replaced the controller with another stock controller and the keyboard still doesn't work. Windows makes the USB detection sound when its plugged and unplugged but no keys register? Any idea? Thanks!

So you didn't do any changes at all? Like you didn't open the case / replaced the domes / lubed the sliders etc?
Would be really helpful to know, can I ask where you live? I have done plenty of work with repairing, and I could check it out if interested.
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: snarfarlarkus on Sat, 11 January 2020, 20:44:48
Still detected so maybe it isn't dead but the keys are not registering when I type... Any help anyone please?

... then I think that likely clarifies that it's not the PCB which is dead.
Do NONE of the keys register when you type? Or just some?
A couple things I've seen which caused problems with keys registering: make sure the case is screwed shut securely (e.g. if one side has loose screws you'll find keys don't register)
If you've done a dome swap with domes that don't sit right, this can also cause problems.
Even if you don't swap domes but still have taken it apart, the springs need to be centred properly under the domes to register presses. If they are off-centre even slightly it can stop registering.

Yeah I didn't know hence the the question mark in the title. The reason I thought its dead is because I've changed the controller and the same problem persists so I don't know what else it could be...


Hey everyone,

My HHKB stopped working out of the blue and I replaced the controller with another stock controller and the keyboard still doesn't work. Windows makes the USB detection sound when its plugged and unplugged but no keys register? Any idea? Thanks!

So you didn't do any changes at all? Like you didn't open the case / replaced the domes / lubed the sliders etc?
Would be really helpful to know, can I ask where you live? I have done plenty of work with repairing, and I could check it out if interested.

I have opened up the keyboard many times to lube, change domes, etc but never had a problem. I know the domes are all seated correctly.
I live in New Zealand so a bit far away... Shipping costs would cost a ton.
Title: Re: HHKB dead pcb?
Post by: DoctorNunu on Mon, 13 January 2020, 08:39:56
Still detected so maybe it isn't dead but the keys are not registering when I type... Any help anyone please?

... then I think that likely clarifies that it's not the PCB which is dead.
Do NONE of the keys register when you type? Or just some?
A couple things I've seen which caused problems with keys registering: make sure the case is screwed shut securely (e.g. if one side has loose screws you'll find keys don't register)
If you've done a dome swap with domes that don't sit right, this can also cause problems.
Even if you don't swap domes but still have taken it apart, the springs need to be centred properly under the domes to register presses. If they are off-centre even slightly it can stop registering.

Yeah I didn't know hence the the question mark in the title. The reason I thought its dead is because I've changed the controller and the same problem persists so I don't know what else it could be...


Hey everyone,

My HHKB stopped working out of the blue and I replaced the controller with another stock controller and the keyboard still doesn't work. Windows makes the USB detection sound when its plugged and unplugged but no keys register? Any idea? Thanks!

So you didn't do any changes at all? Like you didn't open the case / replaced the domes / lubed the sliders etc?
Would be really helpful to know, can I ask where you live? I have done plenty of work with repairing, and I could check it out if interested.

I have opened up the keyboard many times to lube, change domes, etc but never had a problem. I know the domes are all seated correctly.
I live in New Zealand so a bit far away... Shipping costs would cost a ton.

I would open it up and double check that all the domes are seated correctly (More importantly, the springs.), and also to check that there's nothing laying on the pcb that could short something.