geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:16:09

Title: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:16:09

So my space bar seems to be catching something when it goes back up... Most of the time it just makes it click which doesnt bother me too much, but sometimes it gets stuck for a second or two, and it can be especially annoying while gaming. Do you guys know what it could be? It's a linear grey switch with cherry stabilizers.

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: ComradeSniper on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:18:43

Seems obvious, but have you tried removing and replacing it?

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: tp4tissue on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:21:07

check for straightness

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: damorgue on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:21:14

Crap and dust on the sliders, something slightly misaligned or not fully seated or just lack of lubrication could cause it to jam a little.

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: Photoelectric on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:21:42

I'd remove the spacebar and check that the stabilizers move freely.  If they do, and everything looks aligned properly, I'd look at the underside of the spacebar and see if anything is off.  Like some defective stem placement or angle.  With Cherry stabilizers, you won't have the stabilizer bar catching inside the cap, but stabilizers being out of alignment with the switch could inhibit vertical movement.

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:23:25

Huh. I think I found the problem.
The cap seems to be catching inside the case. So I'm guessing I need a new space bar? :rolleyes:

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: Photoelectric on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:28:42

Is it a PBT spacebar?  If so, those are frequently slightly deformed but can be realigned with some heating.  You can put it in near-boiling water for 15-30 seconds, then take out and exert some gentle pressure onto the sides of the spacebar.  Like press it against a flat counter top, along the side you're trying to straighten.

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:30:09

Yeah, it's PBT. And I dyed it too, so that's probably what deformed it :p
I'll heat up some water and try that, then

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: Photoelectric on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:31:05

Be careful, it will be very hot when you take it out!  I'd handle it with a towel.

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:51:27

It's been two attempts, can't seem to fix it. :(

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: Photoelectric on Wed, 01 January 2014, 15:56:46

Do you have a different spacebar to test?  If you find one that works well, you can compare it with the deformed one.  It might be slightly twisted?

Title: Re: Space bar catching on return?
Post by: moonexe on Wed, 01 January 2014, 16:00:48

Nope, don't have a replacement at the moment. But I filed down the edge that was catching, and now it's working smooth. :rolleyes:
It's a bandaid, but it works. :D
Add that to the list of risks from dyeing keycaps...