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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 20 October 2013, 13:23:01

Title: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 20 October 2013, 13:23:01

As the title describes.  My keyboard had some liquid spilled on it and it sat long enough that some metal parts rusted.  Now some keys do not register or the wrong key is register or other stuff happens.

Anybody know if there is a possible fix or is the keyboard doomed?

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 20 October 2013, 13:53:32

The key to fixing a spill is quick action, which it sounds like you didn't take. What keyboard did you spill on?

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 20 October 2013, 14:09:54

Quote from: TacticalStache on Sun, 20 October 2013, 13:53:32

The key to fixing a spill is quick action, which it sounds like you didn't take. What keyboard did you spill on?

Well, I bought it this way off Ebay a couple months ago and finally got to testing the item.  Vintage Apple board.

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: rowdy on Sun, 20 October 2013, 16:23:25

The PCB might be corroded.

Disassemble and check, take photos and post if in doubt.

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 October 2013, 16:48:30

wuhhh oh...

OK.. Rule 1.. STOP USING IT for at least a week

It's winter time.. so put it "near" the radiator if you have one, and let it dry... remember NEAR, if you put it too close, the heat may cause the whole board and keycaps to Warp.


If you could take some pictures of the rust.. We could better help you assess a repair solution (http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/tuzki-bunnys/tuzki-bunny-emoticon-021.gif)

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 17:25:17

I'd look at the PCB too.  Might need to spray some contact cleaner / Deoxit.

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 October 2013, 17:52:22

Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 17:25:17

I'd look at the PCB too.  Might need to spray some contact cleaner / Deoxit.

what does that do? does rust make the contacts not work or cause shorts?

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 17:58:29

Well rust is bad in general.  But cleaning the PCB and perhaps switch internals could help, or at least would clear out any corrosion for closer inspection.  Could be some conducting material bridging a connection and preventing proper operation too.

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 October 2013, 18:02:49

Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 17:58:29

Well rust is bad in general.  But cleaning the PCB and perhaps switch internals could help, or at least would clear out any corrosion for closer inspection.  Could be some conducting material bridging a connection and preventing proper operation too.

maybe consider deoxit as a later solution... that stuff is xpensive(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/th_089_02.gif)

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 18:13:56

Yeah.  But there are good ones for around $4 from home depot, for example.  I've had good experience with CRC QD Contact Cleaner.

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: tp4tissue on Sun, 20 October 2013, 18:21:13

Quote from: Photoelectric on Sun, 20 October 2013, 18:13:56

Yeah.  But there are good ones for around $4 from home depot, for example.  I've had good experience with CRC QD Contact Cleaner.

I just got this crazy idea for adding weight to TKL boards..

Thick silicone GEL....  Just pump the board full of it with a syringe...

Title: Re: Liquid spilled on keyboard, some keys misfiring or not registering. Fixable?
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sun, 20 October 2013, 19:23:05

Eh, thanks guys.  I'm just gonna sell with full disclosure.  Somebody might want it.