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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Classic on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:12:01

Title: Loose Space Bar
Post by: Classic on Mon, 10 June 2013, 20:12:01

I just installed new keycaps and the space bar is really loose.  I double checked it and it is fastened by the metal connectors and cherry switch.  Does anyone have any tips on how to tighten it up?  Thank you very much for your assistance!

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: Rule16 on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:05:27

I'm pretty sure this is just an issue with costar stabs, but you may have only just noticed it. All of my keyboards were like this out of the box, and its why I'm going to try cherry ones next.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: i3oilermaker on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:09:21

I'm having the same problem...I read that some silicone grease might help, but I have not had a chance to pick some up.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: Rule16 on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:11:40

Quote from: i3oilermaker on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:09:21

I'm having the same problem...I read that some silicone grease might help, but I have not had a chance to pick some up.

I have silicone grease, it doesn't help looseness it just makes it feel really smooth, and gets rid of squeaks.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: i3oilermaker on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:13:18

So my problem is that the stems fit tight but the spacebar still has some rattle.  Sounds like your issue....

Hope someone has some suggestions....perhaps a new stabilizer bar?

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: dante on Mon, 10 June 2013, 21:14:09

I've somewhat solved it in the past by applying a blow dryer to the space bar because it was not even.  Also lube helped but you need the thick stuff because otherwise it will come back in time.

Don't feel bad.  Even $250+ Realforce have this problem.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 10 June 2013, 22:36:23

How loose are we talking,, and in what axis is it loose..   make a video and take lots of pictures so we can properly diagnose..  >:D

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: PointyFox on Mon, 10 June 2013, 23:03:04

That's almost always caused by an uneven space bar.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: i3oilermaker on Tue, 11 June 2013, 14:09:20

I got fed up with my issue and came up with a creative solution.

I remembered how lose keys can be fixed with a piece of scotch tape over the stem.  Since I concluded the stems were tight, but the play was coming between the stabilizer and the stabilizer inserts, I placed a later of tape in the stabilizer insert. 

(http://i.imgur.com/8b1nMJJ.png)

Boom - Problem solved.

Title: Re: Loose Space Bar
Post by: shifted on Tue, 11 June 2013, 15:05:02

I suppose cherry stabilizers would have less of an issue in this area.  That loose space bar almost seems like a side effect of the costar stabilizers sort of by design.