Cherry MX switches - common problems - chattering

[191x7]

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.

 

What is key chattering? http://deskthority.net/wiki/Chatter

 

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. And I had something to find.

 

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...

 

I've written this a few minutes back here (here's the original):

https://www.gamingtribe.com/status/13194140054018/?v=349eca249c7371c2dd2b59c97dce2728

 

 

[Enderman]

the problem is people being dirty pigs and not taking care of their shit

[AresKrieger]

Solution clean your keyboard once a year (or less even)

[Rorgash]

well, seeing as its moving parts with access to air aswell as a spring, it will get worn out, so far non of my keyboards have had any such issues and dust have always been a problem for me since i have my bed in the same room and i tend to curl up with my cover and pillows infront of my pc adding even more dust to the area.

 

It wont last forever and if you are unlucky enough that dust or crap manages to somehow get under the cap and into the keyswitch then, to bad, you just had some really shitty luck

[191x7]

the problem is people being dirty pigs and not taking care of their shit

Inform yourself before makin accusations.

 

Solution clean your keyboard once a year (or less even)

Doing it more often. And not eating, drinking etc nowhere near the keyboard/pc.

 

 

well, seeing as its moving parts with access to air aswell as a spring, it will get worn out, so far non of my keyboards have had any such issues and dust have always been a problem for me since i have my bed in the same room and i tend to curl up with my cover and pillows infront of my pc adding even more dust to the area.

 

It wont last forever and if you are unlucky enough that dust or crap manages to somehow get under the cap and into the keyswitch then, to bad, you just had some really shitty luck

It's 2.5 years old (purchased late july 2013). And it wasn't used from the 6th of June 2014 to the middle of September 2014.

Wasn't even heavily used. I have really bad bad luck.

[Enderman]

Inform yourself before makin accusations.

take care of a product before criticizing the product

[191x7]

take care of a product before criticizing the product

And what do you want to say by that? That I don't clean my keyboard?

I do not know why you think that SINCE I NEWER WROTE that I'm not caring for "the product" as you call it.

I don't want to start offending you and calling you names, so please stop.

[flibberdipper]

Just sounds like people not taking care of their shit and having stuff get into the switch to me.

[191x7]

Might sound like that, but it happens even in a "sterile" enviroment. The plastic material dust from using the switch can cause it.