I Need Help! Is this broken switch or stabalizer?

[KuhnTang]

So I got these new keycaps from Feng in the mail today, which arrived very fast, and I'm pleased with them.  However, while I was replacing them I broke something on my "backspace" key.  It is still operational, but it's super squishy and takes a second to get back into position.  It may not sound like much, but it's super annoying. 

I've included a picture of the keycaps just because they're cool.  I've also included a pic of the switch in case anyone can get any info from the picture.  Is this a common problem? 

Thanks in advance for any help you may provide.

[jdcarpe]

?? I don't see anything obviously wrong with your Backspace (other that the fact it's on a Leopold...with Blues.

[Shadovved]

No jd, the blue stem seems shorter than it should be........ I think its fractured within the backspace

EDIT: An angled shot will be good LOL

[KuhnTang]

close, its a (ducky dk9087g2 pro).  I almost got the Leopold though, lol.  I'll post angles shots in just a sec.

Thanks for your quick replies.

If there is a fracture in the stem how would I replace that?  The center blue switch seems to be working, but whatever pushes it back up isn't doing it's job.  I think when playing with the two black stems on the side, they seem like they are the problem.  Are those the stabalizers?  Are those Cherry or Costar?  And where can I order more, if they're even replacable? 

[jdcarpe]

Those are plate mount Cherry stabilizers. Since they are on the Backspace, you might be able to desolder the switch, place a new stabilizer assembly in there, and resolder a new switch. Sound like something you are up to doing?

[KuhnTang]

Here's the new pics

[KuhnTang]

Those are plate mount Cherry stabilizers. Since they are on the Backspace, you might be able to desolder the switch, place a new stabilizer assembly in there, and resolder a new switch. Sound like something you are up to doing?

I'm no stranger to soldering, I used to do it all the time.  However, I don't work in those labs anymore.  Is there an easier solution I can try before bribing my way back into one of the solder labs and completely disasembling my keyboard?  it looks like the black stems on the side may be able to come off.  Do you think I can order those from somewhere?

[jdcarpe]

Try re-seating the keycap on it. Use some force to get it on there. Sounds like it's just not seated properly on the stabilizers.

[jdcarpe]

You won't be able to replace the stabilizers (that's what those black stems are) without removing the switch from the plate by desoldering. I have a plate mount 2x Cherry stabilizer assembly here, if you need one. I can even send you a blue switch to replace that one if you mess it up.

[KuhnTang]

You won't be able to replace the stabilizers (that's what those black stems are) without removing the switch from the plate by desoldering. I have a plate mount 2x Cherry stabilizer assembly here, if you need one. I can even send you a blue switch to replace that one if you mess it up.

Awesome, I'll play with it this weekend and PM you if I can't fix it.  BTW how much of a hassle is it to take the plate out? 

[jdcarpe]

If you want to take the whole plate off, you'll have to desolder every switch first. If you need the parts, let me know. I'll send them to you for only the price of postage. I might even cover that.

[KuhnTang]

Hey, that's really cool of you.  You may be on to something with the reseating.  I put it back on from taking the picture and it works a little better already.  Not 100%, but better.

[Larken]

doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the switch/stabliliser externally. the chances of something breaking IN the switch while simply pulling keycaps off is pretty low imo.

Check the underside of the keycap to see if everything is fine with the backspace. If yes, remove the ] and \ keys and take another picture. My experience with cherry stabilisers is that that stabilising bar often dislodges when pulling out the keycap, and can be corrected by setting it back in place. A picture would help to confirm if it applies in your case.

[KuhnTang]

doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the switch/stabliliser externally. the chances of something breaking IN the switch while simply pulling keycaps off is pretty low imo.

Check the underside of the keycap to see if everything is fine with the backspace. If yes, remove the ] and \ keys and take another picture. My experience with cherry stabilisers is that that stabilising bar often dislodges when pulling out the keycap, and can be corrected by setting it back in place. A picture would help to confirm if it applies in your case.

Thanks for the advice.

How do you set the bar back into place? 

I'll post some pics tomorrow, its almost midnight, I need to get off the computer.

[Larken]

make sure the stabiliser bars are in the black stems and the circled spots are pushed in place. see pic for reference.


1 by lark132, on Flickr

the yellow circles are spots where the bar for my cherry board often pops out.

[rowdy]

Chiming in a bit late, but anyway, I had almost this exact provlem with a Ducky Shine and a custom keycap on the 0 numpad key (which also has Costar stabilisers).

Everything looked normal (the two thingies on the side should be lower with the keycap off - the keycap has 3 stems under it and these fit into the switch and the two thingies, and the spring in the switch causes all 3 thingies to rise.

But the key stayed down, or rose very slowly.  I pressed the keycap on a bit harder, and definitely felt it fit on better.

After that everything was good.

[KuhnTang]

Thanks everyone for the help.
I'm almost embarrassed to say this, but it's working again.  All I did was remove and re install the switch a couple times (as suggested, thanks you) and now it works perfectly. 

[rowdy]

Good to hear