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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: BojoGG on Thu, 20 August 2015, 12:41:11

Title: Is it possible to repair this keyboard?
Post by: BojoGG on Thu, 20 August 2015, 12:41:11

Hi i have had keycool 84 keyboard for a long time. Unfortunately today it broke. When i plug it in it does this.
 

(Sometimes it types random characters) Is it possible to repair it or build a new keyboard with these parts? I can solder and measure stuff but i don't know how a keyboard works.
 http://i.imgur.com/GNUmIyi.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/iXghYOb.jpg

Title: Re: Is it possible to repair this keyboard?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Thu, 20 August 2015, 13:00:54

Double post.

Title: Re: Is it possible to repair this keyboard?
Post by: suicidal_orange on Thu, 20 August 2015, 13:06:56

Did anything happen or just one day it worked the next it didn't?  Looks like the controller's gone a bit crazy which doesn't usually happen on it's own, but when it does that's the end of it.  If you're an expert solderer you could replace the controller chip but firmware would be an issue...

The easy option would be to desolder the switches and use them in the case and plate and add some wire, some diodes (cheap) and a Teensy or similar microcontroller ($20 or less) and learn how a keyboard works - they're quite simple really.  Then you'd have a working fully programmable keyboard, just without the flashy LEDs.

If you want the backlighting to work you'll need to find/make a PCB that matches the layout of the plate - I can't work it out from the back but it looks like a 75%?  Not sure what options there are for that but surely some.

Edit: Keycool 84... Looks like this PCB (http://winkeyless.kr/product/b-mini-x2-pcb/) is the right layout?

Title: Re: Is it possible to repair this keyboard?
Post by: BojoGG on Fri, 21 August 2015, 01:34:04

Thanks for the reply. You are right. Looks like i will have to find a new pcb.