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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Half-Saint on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:38:38

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: Half-Saint on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:38:38

I bought a blank set of 2-piece keys for my Ambra keyboard. All is fine except for one weird key. It looks virtually the same as all the rest with one difference. When I push it, the spring doesn't buckle properly and there's virtually no click. Any ideas on what to do? I know it's not the problem with the spring because it does that no matter where I place the key.

Cheers
SainT

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:42:59

When you put the key on, did you make sure to hold the keyboard upside-down whilst reinserting it?

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: kishy on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:44:06

Keyboard upside down?

I'd recommend tilting it back (such that the front is raised and spring leans away from you) but not upside down...

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:53:41

Well, upside down makes sure the spring lies along the top of the barrel, which I find to be the optimal angle for making it fit right.

If anyone says "That's what she said"...

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: kishy on Tue, 20 April 2010, 14:59:24

That's what he said to her when she just didn't get it.

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: Half-Saint on Tue, 20 April 2010, 15:20:00

Believe me, I just finished inserting 101 keys... they all function properly, except the one I told you about. Will try again but I think there has to be a difference between keys!

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: brkz on Tue, 20 April 2010, 15:20:26

Sometimes just taking the key cap off and reseating it a few times will make it work right even if nothing else changed. Press the key a few dozen times too, sometimes they won't seat properly right away but clear up with excercise.

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: Mental Hobbit on Tue, 20 April 2010, 16:30:35

Put the offending key and a working one side by side and eyeball them carefully in bright light. Could be just some lint.

Title: Weird Model M key - spring won't buckle
Post by: Half-Saint on Wed, 21 April 2010, 01:41:04

Inside of the stem is not all nice and smooth. I tried hacking at it with a small screwdriver but can't get it as smooth as the rest and I don't have a file... I'll try again after work.