Can Mechanical Keyboard be Repaired

There are several advantages to using a mechanical keyboard. One of the best things about these is their customization and repair options. The only keyboard type with the successful possibility of complete repair is the mechanical keyboard. You can simply replace individual keys when they are faulty, or you can customize them as per your liking. You have the freedom to do anything with a mechanical keyboard. In this article, we shall discuss how you can repair a mechanical keyboard and how it is advantageous.

You can repair, customize, and remodel a mechanical keyboard as per your requirement. Especially a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard is very user-friendly and doesn’t require any skill to customize or repair it. Even with soldered keyboards, you can successfully repair them with the help of PC technicians.

If you look at the design of a mechanical keyboard, it does not have a rubber dome like a traditional one. Rather, it has individual mechanical switches for each key which makes it easier to repair.

When you have something that has a mechanical design, there is room for repair before replacing it. The mechanical switches have springs under each key. So, when you press the key, the spring compresses and closes the circuit beneath which then sends a signal to register a keystroke.

Due to this mechanical design, you can remove the switch and repair it for any issues. There are two main types of keyboards with respect to mechanical keyboards. One is the hot-swappable type, and the other type is the soldered keyboard.

As the name suggests, hot-swappable keyboards let you remove the keys individually including the switch setup and customize it or replace it as per your requirement. They have a 3-pin or 5-pin configuration with which the keys are fixed to the keyboard circuit.

If you have accidentally spilled something onto the keyboard or your keys have suddenly got stuck, you can just remove the key from this pin and analyze them for any issues. Once analyzed you have the freedom to repair or replace it.

Similarly, in a soldered keyboard, the keys are soldered to the circuit board, and they don’t come out without desoldering them. But if you have soldering skills, you can desolder the key switch from the board and repair it.

By simply removing the key cap, you can access the switch and desolder it to remove the key from the board. Then you can carefully repair it and resolder it to the board.

Those who are looking for a long-lasting keyboard can choose a soldered one. But people who love to customize their keyboards often can choose a hot-swappable one. But both keyboards offer a complete repair solution in the event of any accidental spillage or improper functioning.

How to fix a key not working on a mechanical keyboard?

First of all, determine the reason for the issue with your keys. Because there are many instances that can cause the improper working of the keys and according to it you need to decide on the fixes.

For example, if you spilled something on the board and the key has stopped working, then you need to remove the switch, check for any spillage, and clean it. If the spillage has affected the circuit, then the chances of repairing it become less.

Therefore, before getting into the fix, find out the cause of the issue and try to solve it from there. Here are some of the fixes you can try to fix a key not working in your mechanical keyboard:

Clean the keycap

Mechanical keyboards have large gaps between each key which can accumulate dust and debris easily. This dust and debris can hinder the actuation of keys and they might not work properly.

So, if you haven’t cleaned your keyboard in a while and haven’t dusted it properly, it can lead to stuck keycaps.

Therefore, you must remove the key cap and start dusting your keyboard properly. You can use a cleaning solution to remove the micro dust particles present in the keyboard.

Removing the keycaps is easy on a mechanical keyboard. It will not damage the switch. So, simply remove the keycap and start dusting your board thoroughly.

After dusting, replace the key cap and check whether it is working properly. If not, you can go to other fixing options.

Blowing air and applying contact cleaner

This is another method to thoroughly clean your mechanical keyboard. Some debris might be stuck in a difficult manner inside a key switch. Therefore, you have to use an air blower to remove it effectively.

Remove the keycaps and hold the keyboard upside down. Now, using a blower, blow some air into the faulty key switch. Simultaneously, clean the dust and debris as you blow.

As for using a contact cleaner, choose the key that isn’t working and put one or two drops of contact cleaner at the stem of the switch. Let it dry for some time and replace the keycap.

This will help the keys to function back normally if the cause of the problem is dust and debris stuck into the keycap or switch.

Check for Solder Integrity and Replace the Switch

If you have been using a keyboard for a long, then there is a chance for the soldering to have worn out. Remove the key cap and inspect for any soldering issues.

If the switch has desoldered from the board, then you can try resoldering it. If you don’t have the skills, approach a technician to repair it for you.

If the switch is not fit for resoldering and has been damaged completely, then you have to replace it with a new one.

When you are using a hot-swappable keyboard, then it is relatively easier to replace the damaged key with a new one.

Conclusion

With a mechanical keyboard, you can do anything from customization to repair. It allows you to modify, replace, repair, and build a new look as per your requirement. Although the keyboards are quite expensive, they are worth the money because of the best keyboard experience they provide us with.

Ricky is a graduate of computer science engineering, a writer and marketing consultant. he continues to study on Nano technology and its resulting benefits to achieving almost there.