How to Fix Unresponsive Key on Mechanical Keyboard

Though mechanical keyboards are famous for their highly responsive keys, it sometimes happens that a key decides to stop working. In such cases, many people don’t know how to fix an unresponsive key on a mechanical keyboard.

Some keyboards come with a warranty from the company that the company would be responsible for any technical issue in the keyboard. However, returning a keyboard to the company for a dysfunctional key is not a good deal if you can fix it yourself.

Check if the issue is debris or a faulty connection to fix the unresponsive key. Clean the debris from the keycap with canned air or a contact cleaner. For the connectivity issue, renew the batteries, and replug the keyboard. If it’s not working, then change the key.

Reasons Behind The Unresponsiveness Of A Key

Why a mechanical keyboard would stop working is not that complex. There might be any of the below-given issues which can be eradicated by the further below given techniques.

• Connectivity Problem (wireless keyboard)
• Driver Problem
• Cable Issue
• Debris under the keycap
• Broken switch

Sometimes, a single key doesn’t respond; sometimes, the whole keyboard gets stuck. A single dysfunctional key might have debris stuck in the keycap, or the switch is broken internally. However, a fully unresponsive keyboard means there is some connectivity issue.

How To Fix The Unresponsive Key – Fixing Methods

There isn’t a particular answer to the question, “How to fix unresponsive keys on a keyboard?” It is because we can’t cure a disease unless we diagnose it. So, first, check the issue or the factors that are responsible for the unresponsive keys.

Follow the below-given techniques to fix the unresponsive keys of your keyboard. In case. You are left with only two options if these techniques don’t work. Either return the keyboard to the company if it has a warranty, or go and buy a new one.

Ensure that you disconnect the keyboard from the computer, so you don’t get an electric shock in case of an accident.

Unplug/Replug The Keyboard

Unplug your keyboard from the computer and replug it back. Though this technique often works when the whole keyboard is not responding. This technique is often useless for single key issues. However, it only takes a few seconds, so just do it.

If you use a wireless keyboard, disconnect the Bluetooth and reconnect it. If it doesn’t work, check the connectivity drivers of your computer. Install new drivers if needed and if it still remains unresponsive, check the batteries.

Try A New Cable

For an unresponsive mechanical keyboard, try some other cable. Change the connectivity ports at the back of the CPU. You get a new cable for your keyboard if it’s the cable’s issue. If you use a wireless keyboard, try connecting it through a cable.

Replace Batteries

Though wired mechanical keyboards don’t have batteries, most wireless ones come with batteries. Sometimes, the connection is unstable due to weak batteries, which causes hindrances in the keyboard’s performance. Try a new pair of batteries in such a situation.

Clean The Keyboard With Canned Air

See if there is debris under the keycaps. The debris causes the keys to get stuck. To remove the debris, try to blow it with a blower. If it doesn’t work, remove the keycap and invert the keyboard upside down. Now clean it with canned air.

Clean The Key With A Contact Cleaner

If the canned air technique does not work, use a contact cleaner. However, be cautious while using the contact cleaner as it may damage the other keys surrounding the target key. Some contact cleaners, such as CRC QD contact cleaners, are designed for this purpose.

Once you have the right contact cleaner, remove the keycap and insert the nozzle onto the spray. Now, push the nozzle into the stem and give it two squirts. Sometimes one squirt is also enough—however, don’t squirt more than two times.

Now, move the stem sideways to distribute the spray evenly. Usually, it works with the first attempt. However, you may try it two to three times unless the debris is cleared. Before replacing the keycap, ensure that the contact cleaner has dried completely.

Replace The Switch

If cleaning the switch also does not work, the button is broken internally. If such is the case, replace the switch with a new one. You may find a new switch for ten cents at a computer hardware store.

If you have some experience with electrical appliances, you should also check the solder joints. Sometimes, the solder joint gets loose or removed from the circuit board. In such a case, you may repair the solder joint yourself or get it to a professional.

Replace The Keyboard

If any of these methods do not work, you have the last option of replacing the keyboard with a new one. Mechanical keyboards are often available at low costs. However, you may also find an expensive one.

What To Do With A Broken Mechanical Keyboard?

Broken keyboard buyers are readily available on eBay. If your keyboard is out of warranty, you may sell it to a computer hardware store or someone on eBay or Craigslist. They remove the keys to sell them separately.

You may also sell your keyboard to those who design their own mechanical keyboards. Some people don’t bother if a single key is not working as they think they won’t need it or have an alternative. So, instead of throwing the keyboard away, try to sell it to get some free bucks.

Conclusion

Fixing an unresponsive key on a mechanical keyboard can be technical, but it’s not complex. With the techniques mentioned above, you can fix almost any mechanical keyboard at your home or office.

So, this was all about how to fix an unresponsive key on a mechanical keyboard. We hope that you can now fix any type of faulty mechanical keyboard. Just follow the techniques while keeping the precautions in mind, and you will be surprised to see life on a dead keyboard.