Filco Majestouch 2 busted?

[mwytock]

I love my Filco Majestouch 2 w/ blue switches but it seems to have failed me after a little over a year?? The keyboard stopped working and it seems to be due to the fact that the switch for the windows key is busted --- it was somewhat difficult to figure this out but I downloaded the "Key Codes" program on mac and as soon as I plug the keyboard into the USB I get these readings:

Modifier Change
   Keys:      ⌥
   Key Code:   65535 / 0xffff
   Modifiers:   524608 / 0x80140
Modifier Change
   Keys:      
   Key Code:   65535 / 0xffff
   Modifiers:   256 / 0x100
Modifier Change
   Keys:      ⌥
   Key Code:   65535 / 0xffff
   Modifiers:   2621760 / 0x280140

(windows key is mapped to alt/option on mac to emulate mac keyboard layout)

So essentially its as if this key is permanently depressed and thus I can't type anything. Is this a common issue with mechanical keyboards and Filco / blue switches in particular? Is there anything to try to fix it beyond sending it back to Japan (sounds painful)? I popped off the keys, cleaned it and I can't see anything particular wrong with this switch.

Alternatively, can someone recommend another keyboard w/ blue switches? I actually have 2 Filco's and I seem to remember the other one giving me some trouble with the USB cable (in certain positions it didn't seem to work). This issue seems to be unrelated, but I am sick of dealing with these problems. I also have iOne XArmor U9 with brown switches to keep the noise down at work, but I prefer the feel and clickiness of the blue switches for home.

[khaangaaroo]

Does the windows key still click or is it silent? If the leaf spring inside the switch is stuck in the closed position, I think it would no longer click. If it still clicks, it's possible something outside of that switch is bad.

[aggiejy]

Well, don't give up yet!  Replacing a switch is very easy... < $2 and basic soldering.  You could send it to someone here to fix too... I'm sure someone would fix it for free, including myself.  But shipping two ways would make that a bad deal.  Odds are it's a switch.  If you don't want to deal with it, I'm sure you can sell it just for parts.  I'd imagine I'd pay at least $50 for it, and others perhaps more.

[vipjun]

do you often use that key ? i never use my windows key , some people even do things to deactivate it. if you can't fix the switch, i'd imagine you can remove / break and get your kb working again.  another option is to use autohotkey to remap / ignore the windows key.

[mwytock]

The switch seems fine (it does click and feel like the other switches) and I don't use the windows key more than any other key, but it is kind of important because on the mac it is "alt / option" key which is useful so I would like to fix it (rather than just disconnect / disable it). However, I don't really know how to go about fixing it.. I did take off the caps and clean things externally so I guess the next step would be to take it apart and take a look at the internals. I'm not exactly sure what to look for though.

[aggiejy]

Just because it clicks doesn't mean it's not bad. Once you desoilder that switch you can test with a multimeter or something. If you don't have one, then try taking the switch apart (clips on the sides) and make sure everything looks normal. Otherwise, just order an extra switch and replace it. That has a good chance to work.

I'm a Mac user too, so I know what you mean!

[khaangaaroo]

But he said the key is registering like it's permanently depressed. It wouldn't make a click unless the internal contact wasn't putting enough pressure on the stem. Since it clikcs, there's pressure on the stem, so there's no reason why the contact would stay closed when the key returns to resting position.

I dunno what it could be though. There aren't many scenarios where a mx switch would be stuck in the closed position. It's usually the other way around.

I would still take it apart and poke around. Sometimes just messing with it will dislodge whatever is causing the problem if it's mechanical. But if it comes down to desoldering and replacing the switch, I'm sure someone would be willing to help you out. What city are you in? Maybe someone here is local.

[mwytock]

I disassembled the keyboard and am thinking about de soldering and replacing the switch but based on this discussion I'm unconvinced that the switch is the problem so I'm a little hesitant.

I'm in Pittsburgh, PA.

[khaangaaroo]

You can try using a multimeter or something else that can test continuity between the two pins under the windows switch. If it changes when you press the key, then the switch is fine.

[mwytock]

I came here to say I just realized that I should do that Thanks!

[aggiejy]

Yep, or take the switch out and do the same thing.  That way, you can also take the switch appart (two clips each side) and see if anything looks off.  If replacing the switch doesn't fix it, then could be the controller.  It can be swapped out too, but might be hard to find one.  Or, the PCB could be messed up somehow... which seems rare being locked in the case if it was working before.

[mwytock]

So I did test out the switches with a multimeter and they look fine. Playing with it more I realize now that it is registering key presses for both the win keys -- it just seems to think that this key is in the down position the whole time. I'm guessing it must be a problem either with the PCB (which I did clean although its not really dirty) or the usb cable, in any event I don't think it makes since to desolder and swap the switches since they seem to be fine.

If I can locate a suitable usb cable I will try replacing that otherwise (if theres a problem with the PCB) , there doesn't seem to be much to do...

Anyways, thanks for all the help!

[aggiejy]

If I can locate a suitable usb cable I will try replacing that otherwise (if theres a problem with the PCB) , there doesn't seem to be much to do...

You can always sell it for parts.  Especially if you go through the trouble of desoldering all the switches.