geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: LONGZILLA on Thu, 05 November 2015, 10:54:48
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Ran into kind of a weird issue and was hoping somebody might be able to help :D
While yanking keycaps too hastily, the entire top part of the MX switch popped off. I placed the spring, stem and top-housing back in place but now the (Shift) key is permanently in the "pressed" state despite it being de-pressed. I've tried (1) unplugging and re-plugging in the keyboard, even (2) removing the spring/stem/housing, but it's still pretty much stuck.
I'm not really sure where the contact-point is on these switches but I'm assuming without the stem installed there shouldn't be anything touching it. Short of replacing the entire switch, anyone have thoughts?
Cheers
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Is this on a regular plate?
I've never seen anyone pull a switch out and put it back together and it work properly unless the plate allowed for switch top removal.
It sounds like the switch could be damaged so replacing it is your best bet.
Have you tried bending the contact leaf to see if it would unstick?
Or even open it up and short the pins on the bottom of the PCB for that switch.
Edit: tapatalk is being weird today
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Use a multimeter and test of continuity to see if it's physically making contact even when you're not pressing the key.
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I had the same thing happen recently. I tried to rebuild the switch (out of the board), but it never worked again. I was forced to replace it. I have a few switches on hand if you need one (mx blue and gateron black).
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Is this on a regular plate?
I've never seen anyone pull a switch out and put it back together and it work properly unless the plate allowed for switch top removal.
Yup, standard (non-top removal support) plate.
Use a multimeter and test of continuity to see if it's physically making contact even when you're not pressing the key.
Good one! I didn't think of checking that.
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Thanks for the tips all, very helpful and I really appreciate it.
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Switches are small and even the slightest damage can kill a switch.
Best to replace it to be sure.
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sounds like when the switch top came off it did damage to the leaf. once that is damaged the easiest fix is to replace it entirely. i've never successfully fixed a damaged leaf, as they are fairly delicate. if you have a soldering iron i'd be happy to toss a switch in the mail to you depending on whether i have the right stem. (i have browns, blues, blacks and clears on hand.)
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Sounds like bent leaf. crack open the switch. make sure that its not touching eachother when the stem is removed. then make sure that when you insert the stem that it seperates the leaves. you can bend it with your fingers
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Switches are small and even the slightest damage can kill a switch.
Best to replace it to be sure.
+1
Oh, wait, that was me. I can't get used to this new avatar!
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In MX switches if you take the stem out they are "pressed" by design - the stem holds the leaf apart rather than connecting it when you press them.
I have managed to remove a switch top from a non-removable plate without damaging anything, but the ones I tried to reassemble in place did get damaged. Desolder the switch, reassemble it then put it back (or better test continuity with a multimeter before putting it back) - you might get lucky and not have damaged it yet :)