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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Fiskan on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:19:16

Title: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Fiskan on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:19:16
I just got a new CMStorm QFR and there's this slight wobble from the top left corner to the bottom right. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: i3oilermaker on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:24:43
My filco has a slight wobble when the feet are not extended...interested to hear suggestions.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Hzza on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:27:02
Take the top left corner in your left hand, the bottom right corner in your right hand and twist it gently until it's even.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:28:19
Option #1: Send it back and request a new one.

Option #2: Place a folded up piece of paper under the wobbly corner of the keyboard.

That's about all I can suggest.

Oh, and:

(http://dl.dropbox.com/u/61075086/Welcome.jpg)
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: WhiteFireDragon on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:35:26
Once in a while there are reports of these "bent" keyboards. Just take both hands and twist it. That will fix the problem most of the time, but if doesn't work, just return it.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Fiskan on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:39:07
Thanks for the infos. Have been a lurker in the past and I finally got my first mechanical keyboard today :D Apart from the slight wobble, the CMStorm QFR feels great!
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:44:23
I highly recommend sticking with ABS keycaps if you don't want to fiddle with a blowdryer and bent pbt space bars.

Contrary to certain rumors, PBT spacebars are always slightly mismolded due to the size and shape of the piece.

If you get light colored abs caps such as white, red or yellow, shine really won't be much of a problem.

Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:45:25
And as far as the wobbling goes, HOW do you know it-s not your table that-s warped.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Fiskan on Fri, 07 September 2012, 13:59:41
And as far as the wobbling goes, HOW do you know it-s not your table that-s warped.

If my old keyboard does not wobble while the new one does, surely that says something right? I tried placing it on the floor and it still had the wobble.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: dorkvader on Fri, 07 September 2012, 22:47:55
Once in a while there are reports of these "bent" keyboards. Just take both hands and twist it. That will fix the problem most of the time, but if doesn't work, just return it.
Officially this is called torsion.

Ofcourse, make sure it's not your desk by getting something really flat, like a good ruler. They should let you try a ruler or straightedges at the store. (I do get some looks when I walk in and start measuring keyboards with precision, though)
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: stingrae on Sun, 09 September 2012, 03:42:31
For mine it's quite literally my desk where I use the keyboard if I angle it differently no problem...check your desk because cheap rubber domes somehow are able to feel stable on awful desks, I guess that's an advantage of rubber domes!
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 09 September 2012, 09:38:52
Go to Wal-Mart and buy a roll of the rubber waffle-like "drawer liner" material for $5

Cut a pad to fit under the board. Softens the noise too, and it is useful stuff to have around for lots of things.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: jeroplane on Sun, 09 September 2012, 10:01:38
My Filco has the wobble too, ever since I switched from using the feet to laying it flat.

For me, the twist method has worked out great. It's such a solid board that I don't think it has the potential to damage anything at all, and due to its construction it only twists a really small amount when force is applied.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: thegunner100 on Sun, 09 September 2012, 10:05:19
McRip effect. Just bend your keyboard like others have said.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: whiskerBox on Sun, 09 September 2012, 14:49:01
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/09/1966_Twister_Cover.jpg/275px-1966_Twister_Cover.jpg)
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Hyde on Sun, 09 September 2012, 17:05:16
My Filco wobbles on my desk but doesn't wobble on my g/f's desk, so I think my desk is probably slightly warped.  BUT if you flip over your keyboard you'll notice two mini dome in the middle top and middle bottom.  I suspect those dome touches the table to make it wobble.  (there's more of those dome on the left and right corner too)  So I'm guessing you can either:

1. Sand off those domes and let it purely sits on the rubber legs.  (But if you plan to resell it then it might be a bad idea)

[attach=1]

[attach=2]

2. Fold a face towel in half and put it under the keyboard.  I'm using this method now it also absorb "desk echo" and make your keyboard sound better when you type.  Drawback is it look a bit ghetto depends on what colour towel you put down.  But I highly recommend trying the towel method first it makes my keyboard sound so much better.

[attach=3]

EDIT:  Added Pictures.  Also after some thoughts, probably don't sand off the domes at the bottom (Method #1).  They're probably there for a reason so let's just leave it at that :P
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: PointyFox on Sun, 09 September 2012, 18:08:17
Place a finger above each of the feet on all corners and press down.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Will@Drop on Sun, 09 September 2012, 21:15:38
I mean, rubber feet? They sell them at most hardware and big box stores.

Possible consideration?
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Rafen on Sun, 09 September 2012, 21:19:23
I think it would be hard to twist a keyboard that is plate mounted. I would probably just send it back and request another keyboard instead of dealing with all of the hassle. Plus I have OCD and if it isn't perfect it would drive me insane.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 09 September 2012, 22:39:50
@BaudlyDamage: Welcome to Geekhack!
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: sth on Sun, 09 September 2012, 22:41:47
I think it would be hard to twist a keyboard that is plate mounted. I would probably just send it back and request another keyboard instead of dealing with all of the hassle. Plus I have OCD and if it isn't perfect it would drive me insane.
you are wrong about twisting, it happens to tons of platemounted boards and it's an extremely easy issue to address. it's very likely not a production issue but the same issue that plagues many boards that are either compression fastened OR the person/robot assembling it tightened one side down too hard before tightening screws on the other side.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Fiskan on Sun, 09 September 2012, 23:26:54
After a few shifts here and there, I just realised that it was actually my table that's warped. I used a thin piece of plastic mat to "straighten" the surface but it still wobbles. Trying out Hyde's method and so far it seems like a very all-rounded solution :D
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 10 September 2012, 00:07:09
lol did you try the towel method?  I started trying that because I didn't like how my desk echo when I type, so I figured I need something to act as damper.  Turns out towel is cheap and effective, also doesn't damage the keyboard in anyway and make it sounds much better in my opinion.

Though my girlfriend refuse to try this because it looks ugly LOL.

Also if you guys find a better material than towel let me know.  I've tried mousepads while they look better but they're a bit too hard and less effective at reducing the noise.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: sth on Mon, 10 September 2012, 00:13:09
you could try ordering a sample piece of a thicker neoprene than most mousepads are made of.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: stingrae on Mon, 10 September 2012, 00:16:27
Just confirming my filco behaves exactly the same on my uni desk as my quick fire rapid :p darn cheap wood.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Fiskan on Mon, 10 September 2012, 01:48:31
lol did you try the towel method?  I started trying that because I didn't like how my desk echo when I type, so I figured I need something to act as damper.  Turns out towel is cheap and effective, also doesn't damage the keyboard in anyway and make it sounds much better in my opinion.

Though my girlfriend refuse to try this because it looks ugly LOL.

Also if you guys find a better material than towel let me know.  I've tried mousepads while they look better but they're a bit too hard and less effective at reducing the noise.

(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/3699/img1096ef.jpg)

I think it looks pretty neat :D Better still, it's easier to reposition the keyboard especially when playing fps games.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Hyde on Mon, 10 September 2012, 09:21:13
Quote
I think it looks pretty neat :D Better still, it's easier to reposition the keyboard especially when playing fps games.

lol looking good !!! Haha yeah it's true I do like the fact it makes it easier to reposition when I need the room to eat instant noodle :P Also I should really just go out and buy a plain black face towel or something.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: fohat.digs on Mon, 10 September 2012, 09:47:00
Get the rubber waffle drawer liner at Wal-Mart.

It is cheap, works great, and comes in a variety of colors.

You can cut pieces for the insides of boards, too, and put it under things like TVs and speakers.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: AKIMbO on Mon, 10 September 2012, 09:55:54
Take the top left corner in your left hand, the bottom right corner in your right hand and twist it gently until it's even.

^What Hzza said.  Filco cases have this problem, albeit hit or miss with each case.  Flexing the case in the opposite direction at each corner (i.e. grab the top left and bottom right corner and flex the case outward or inward depending upon the wobble) should fix the problem.  Don't worry about breaking the case as the plastic used for it is pretty resilient.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Will@Drop on Tue, 11 September 2012, 20:12:22
@BaudlyDamage: Welcome to Geekhack!

Thanks man! I've been around for a little while, lurked then made an account a few months ago and lurked some more. Didn't realize until you said something but I guess this is the first post I've made XD.

Either way, this thread gets a bump from me for the useful solution fohat.digs posted.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 11 September 2012, 20:34:09
Thanks man! I've been around for a little while, lurked then made an account a few months ago and lurked some more. Didn't realize until you said something but I guess this is the first post I've made XD.

Either way, this thread gets a bump from me for the useful solution fohat.digs posted.

Welcome to Geekhack!
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: jeroplane on Sat, 29 September 2012, 03:23:45
Sorry to dig up this thread again... But when the towel idea was first posed I scoffed at it thinking it was dumb and looked bad. But I just tried putting my sweater under my keyboard with Blues and it sounds so much better! Now looking around the house for a nice small towel for long-term use.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: Hyde on Sat, 29 September 2012, 16:06:27
Sorry to dig up this thread again... But when the towel idea was first posed I scoffed at it thinking it was dumb and looked bad. But I just tried putting my sweater under my keyboard with Blues and it sounds so much better! Now looking around the house for a nice small towel for long-term use.

Haha it's cool no one ever believe me when I tell them towel and mechanical keyboard is a good mix :P

Initially I only did it because my filco is uneven but now I actually everyone should at least try it once to see if they like it or not.  It's simple enough anyway can be tested with a sweater or any towel (general rule of the thumb the thicker the better).

Though what I find is the change is a bit less noticeable on sturdy desks also tactile switches.  But if your desk is hollow or if you use light switches then the the effect will become very obvious :D
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: appleonama on Sat, 23 August 2014, 03:43:00
I know this thread is sorta dead but I got my kbt race 2 today and it had a pretty bad wobble from the top left corner to the bottom right. I use the twist method and it straightened up this keyboard quick.
I was close to crying since I was going to have to return it and I was already falling in love with this keyboard.
Thank you geekhack community.

I'm becoming a keyboard addict now this is my second mechanical. My first was ttesports poseidon in mx brown but that one is just too big and feels cheap.
I also ordered a poker 2 for my travel keyboard and modding with keycaps. That one comes Saturday I'm exited to put granite key caps on the poker 2 :D
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: mouse.the.lucky.dog on Sat, 23 August 2014, 03:48:01
And as far as the wobbling goes, HOW do you know it-s not your table that-s warped.

If my old keyboard does not wobble while the new one does, surely that says something right?
It says the old keyboard was on the table when the table developed the ward, and the table took the kyboard with it.
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 23 August 2014, 06:32:21
I know this thread is sorta dead but I got my kbt race 2 today and it had a pretty bad wobble from the top left corner to the bottom right. I use the twist method and it straightened up this keyboard quick.
I was close to crying since I was going to have to return it and I was already falling in love with this keyboard.
Thank you geekhack community.

I'm becoming a keyboard addict now this is my second mechanical. My first was ttesports poseidon in mx brown but that one is just too big and feels cheap.
I also ordered a poker 2 for my travel keyboard and modding with keycaps. That one comes Saturday I'm exited to put granite key caps on the poker 2 :D

One week short of two years dead :))
Title: Re: Keyboard wobbling diagonally, what do I do?
Post by: mechanic on Sat, 18 October 2014, 02:53:08
Once in a while there are reports of these "bent" keyboards. Just take both hands and twist it. That will fix the problem most of the time, but if doesn't work, just return it.

You're a bloody champ mate! Just got my first mechanical keyboard, CM Storm Quickfire Ultimate with Blue switches and I noticed this. Just took it in my hands and bent it :) couldn't handle the little stick of paper I had below the pad any more!