Keyboard chattering

[Constantin]

Hello!

What is going on with this tsunami of mechanical keys chattering?

It is my 2nd keyboard and from the first days, there is chattering.

My first was a total failure, even after an RMA......  

[191x7]

Here's a repost from an old status update of mine from GamingTribe:

 

CHERRY MX key chattering

It seems I've stumbled upon a well-kept secret when it comes to mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX switches (Kailh probably too). They all succumb to an issue - key chattering. Either something (dirt, dust, hair, ash, plastic dust, ...) gets inside the MX switch or it simply comes "of age" AND the switch starts to register as a double-click (but not each time). Sometimes it takes a year, sometimes less. It's a wide-spread issue.

How did I come to find that? My "g" key started experiencing "gg" sometimes instead of "g". I've noticed it a few days back (that it happens sometimes) but tonight it became really annoying. So I did some research.

Here are my findings:
- It affects all Cherry MX switch types (but some report MX Brown most frequntly).
- Sometimes cleaning the switch (while pressed) with compressed (canned) air can help (probably removes dust).
- Sometimes a few drops of Isopropyl alcohol (80% or stronger) and pressing the key rapidly makes the problem go away for a few weeks or even months.
- In a few rare cases lubricating the switch helped.
- If it happens on more than 1 key it might be the controler firmware (gone bad) or a driver conflict.

How to identify the issue if you're not certain?
- use a text editor and use the key you suspect
- use a program called Switch Hitter from Elite Keyboards
https://elitekeyboards.com/switchhitter.php

Is there a temporary "solution" to the problem?
- Yes there is. One can use a program called Keyboard Chattering Fix.
About: http://www.ilovefreesoftware.com/21/windows/keyboard-chattering-fix.html
Download link: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Keyboard-Chattering-Fix.shtml

Is there a permanent solution?
- Yes, but it involves changing the switch for a new one.
But since all MX switches are affected, no-one can guarantee...

#gtribers #cherrymx #mechanical #keyboard Logitech G #cherry #hardware #warning #switch #chattering

 

[Constantin]

@191x7

Did you had similar issues yourself?

Does the software help/fix the problem?

[191x7]

9 minutes ago, Constantin said:

@191x7

Did you had similar issues yourself?

Does the software help/fix the problem?

In my case, the few drops of alcohol solved the key chatter issue. It hasn't repeated for years now, 3+ years. Still using the same G710+ keyboard.

The same "fix" worked for a colleague of mine on my previous job, we fixed his keyboard (Steelseries 7G) that way.

 

Unplug the keyboard, remove the keycap, press the switch (key), apply a few alcohol drops, work the key out rapidly, leave it to dry and retry the keyboard.

The SteelSeries 7G required us to repeat the procedure two days later, but the issue didn't repeat (still used, the fiy applied more than a year ago).

 

Btw, if the KB is under warranty, try RMA-ing it first.

[Constantin]

4 hours ago, 191x7 said:

In my case, the few drops of alcohol solved the key chatter issue. It hasn't repeated for years now, 3+ years. Still using the same G710+ keyboard.

The same "fix" worked for a colleague of mine on my previous job, we fixed his keyboard (Steelseries 7G) that way.

 

Unplug the keyboard, remove the keycap, press the switch (key), apply a few alcohol drops, work the key out rapidly, leave it to dry and retry the keyboard.

The SteelSeries 7G required us to repeat the procedure two days later, but the issue didn't repeat (still used, the fiy applied more than a year ago).

 

Btw, if the KB is under warranty, try RMA-ing it first.

Thanks, i'll try it tonight, so i let it all night dry just to be sure.

[G9XFTW]

My general advice is mechanical keyboards are not for everybody. Think of it like an expensive sports car, it might feel luxurious, but it is heavy maintenance and can require you to purchase parts from overseas.

 

I too bought into a mech board and realized what a pain in the ass it can be to solve this issue. You can't really prevent it, but you could do things to take care of it. After a whole set of switch replacements, I just cover the keyboard with a cloth when not in use, clean the keycaps and dust the whole thing down. I hold it upside down while doing so (is that the right way?). Dust can be pretty bad for these things, also don't smoke right around & above keyboard. You'd be surprised how ash particles will settle inside the switch over time. Most of them have small openings, except for few types.

 

If you are still mad about mech boards and want to save money, look around for used boards. As long as the pcb is working you just replaces the switches you want. By this point you would also have to learn soldering, which I tried, but I don't have the patience to do repairs and will most likely break something. Grab a repair guy, or a friend who knows how to solder.

[Constantin]

 

what confuse me, is that it is not the same keys, today it may be the O, after 2 days the H and the T ect.......

[RainingTacco]

On 5/7/2019 at 5:40 PM, Constantin said:

 

what confuse me, is that it is not the same keys, today it may be the O, after 2 days the H and the T ect.......

Dust particles might interact or cause static electricity.That can cause switch error[chatter]. 

[hexafia]

I also need help i think my keyboard does the same but when I press

"w" it press "wq"

"a" into "as"

"z" into "zx"

windows key into win and alt key

"1" into "12"

and "F1" into " F1 F2 "

and vice versa. is ther a way to fix this

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

4 hours ago, hexafia said:

and vice versa. is ther a way to fix this

I don't think this is chatter, since it combines two keys instead of the same key being actuated multiple times.

Sounds more like a PCB issue to me.

[hexafia]

17 hours ago, GarlicDeliverySystem said:

I don't think this is chatter, since it combines two keys instead of the same key being actuated multiple times.

Sounds more like a PCB issue to me.

is it fixable or I need a new keyboard ?

 

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

7 hours ago, hexafia said:

is it fixable or I need a new keyboard ?

Don't know what the issue is, or what keyboard we are even talking about. Have you tried taking the keyboard apart, can you even get to the PCB (both sides)?