09-2-2016, 05:34 PM | #1 |
longing
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,680
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Repairing mechanical keyboards
So basically, I broke a couple keys playing FFR... I'm sure I'm not the only one, but basically:
Started with ASKL, broke A -> moved to SD KL, broke D -> moved to GH ;', broke G, now I'm on HJ ;' and ; is about to stop registering most inputs.. I've basically ruined any comfortable spot of playing on the middle row lol Rather than buy a new keyboard, I'm thinking I'll just try to repair mine.. From what I can see, you can buy individual cherry mx switches (I found a 10 pack for $10), a soldering iron for like 5$, and you can swap em out.. 15$ vs like 80$, so.. Has anyone every done/tried this? It be ez? Last edited by Dinglesberry; 09-2-2016 at 05:35 PM.. |
09-2-2016, 07:10 PM | #2 |
Confirmed Heartbreaker
Join Date: Jul 2012
Age: 35
Posts: 5,858
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
Either you have a shitty mechanic or you are hella abusive
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09-2-2016, 07:13 PM | #3 |
longing
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,680
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
prolly both i got the cheapest i could find lol, I suppose i press down hard
shit breaks too quick tho lol |
09-2-2016, 07:17 PM | #4 |
Accuracy Player
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Connecticut
Age: 28
Posts: 4,628
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
You're doing something wrong if you are breaking keys that fast.
I use a really really cheap and easily breakable dome keyboard(just putting it in my drawer when I'm not using it and opening/closing rather quickly already formed a crack in the bottom of the keyboard) yet I've only lost one setup. This doesn't pertain to your OP but thought I'd share since you shouldn't be blowing through setups the way you do on a mech no less.
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09-2-2016, 09:58 PM | #5 |
魔法少女
Join Date: Jan 2006
Age: 33
Posts: 2,151
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
You're either
a) really abusive (pretty much what van stone said) b) buying a really shitty mechanical keyboard (which yours is cheap, so could possibly be this option) c) terrible form and position on the board You could possibly repair that keyboard...but is it really worth going through all that effort when you could just buy a new one? Last edited by Mahou; 09-2-2016 at 10:01 PM.. |
09-6-2016, 12:17 AM | #6 |
FFR Player
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: nima
Posts: 4,278
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
even if it's not worth repairing that specific keyboard learning how to replace switches is a useful, easy, and cheap skill to acquire
I replaced a half dozen switches a couple weeks ago using this iron and this solder sucker it took me a couple hours to figure it out and practice on one of my older boards but by the end of it I could disassemble my keyboard replace 2 switches and put it back together in about 5 minutes though I would probably recommend getting a more powerful iron if you plan on doing this long term also protip: damp sponge Last edited by MinaciousGrace; 09-6-2016 at 12:17 AM.. |
09-10-2016, 10:31 AM | #7 |
longing
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,680
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
I've really been looking for an excuse to learn more about soldering and electronics.
I dunno what these people are saying about it not being normal to break keys lol.. I mean like, I'm not saying the entire key breaks, I just mean it misses inputs, or perhaps I need to fully press it to activate (I have brown switches so they should activate with a light press). lol its definitely worth repairing tho instead of buying a new one.. like, you get to learn about soldering and how the keyboard is wired up, and its way cheaper. I actually know a guy who is super obsessed with mechanical keyboards lol, spends tons of money on custom keycaps and such, builds his own, I should make some beaast stepmania keyboard lol. That being said, for example, lets say you could just replace individual switches.. I could have a set of 4 keys that are brown switches, 4 red switches and 4 blue switches lol all on the same keyboard, and the switches would be like 10$. |
09-11-2016, 09:47 PM | #8 |
FFR Music Producer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Los Angeles
Age: 35
Posts: 87
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Re: Repairing mechanical keyboards
I've never used a mechanical keyboard for any appreciable length of time, but often with failing mechanical switches a good cleaning can solve the problem as opposed to replacement. You could try flushing them out with a can of pcb cleaning solution. If you do replace them, one tip is to get a pen type rosin applicator and apply before soldering. You'll get good solder joints more reliably than with just using a rosin cored solder.
Last edited by djaero; 09-11-2016 at 09:49 PM.. |
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