Repair a dead key on your keyboard

This article explains how to fix it when amechanical keyboardkey isnt working.

Dont attempt repairs on a mechanical keyboard or individual switches unless you’ve unplugged it or removed the batteries.

Heres how to fix unresponsive keyboard keys:

Unplug the keyboard and plug it back in.

If your keys start working after you plug the keyboard in, then youre done.

Try a different cable.

If youre usingBluetooth, try connecting with a cable to see if that fixes the problem.

If it does, then you might have a Bluetooth driver problem.

Try inserting a fresh pair of batteries, and see if that helps.

The keycaps of the unresponsive keys may be getting stuck on debris.

First, try blowing between the keycaps with canned air.

If that doesnt work, remove the keycaps, and blow off the keyboard with canned air.

Blow out the unresponsive switch.

Unplug your keyboard, remove the batteries, and take the keyboard to a well-ventilated area.

Remove the keycap, and insert the contact cleaner nozzle or straw into the stem of the key switch.

Then let the contact cleaner dry thoroughly before replacing the keycap and see if the key functions.

Depending on the contact cleaner you use, it may damage your other keycaps.

In that case, you may want to remove all of the keycaps before you attempt this procedure.

Only use a contact cleaner designed for this purpose.

Inspect the solder joints.

If your keyboard has soldered switches, then the solder joints may be broken on one of the switches.

If nothing else works, replacing the switch will usually solve the problem.

you’re gonna wanna desolder and remove soldered switches, and then solder in replacement.

If replacing the switch doesnt fix the problem, theres a more significant issue with the keyboard itself.

What to Do if My A Key won’t go?

The best way to fix it when one key isnt working is to focus on that key.

Pop off the keycap and look for debris.

If you see anything, clean it out with canned air.

How Do You Fix a Dead Key on a Mechanical Keyboard?

Each one has a mechanical switch under it, and you’re free to replace those switches individually.

If the key still doesn’t work after replacing a hot-swappable switch, the socket may be bad.

It isn’t common, but hot-swappable switch sockets can wear out.

If you arent comfortable with soldering, this repair is better left to the professionals.

If you have clicky switches, replace them with linear ones.

First, try cleaning the keyboard with alcohol and canned air.

If you’re still having problems, you might have to replace the key.

Mechanical keyboards are easier to repair and more customizable since it’s easy to switch out the keys.

Some people find mechanical keyboards more comfortable to use.