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How do I deal with a stuck/sticky switch? (programming.dev)

submitted 2 weeks ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Ages upon ages ago I spilled something on this keyboard. I don't really remember the details. The control key is sticky. It takes about twice as much force to push down and it really annoys me. I suppose I thought over the years it would get better, but it seems like it has gotten worse. How do I clean it or fix it? This keyboard does not have removable switches. The switch is MX Brown.

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

~~I myself haven't seen Cherry MX keys with non-removable keycaps...~~

I just reread and realised it was the switches that were non-removable and not the caps. But then what seems to be the difficulty?
Is it perhaps that the liquid that you spilt, got inside the switch? - IDK how that would have happened, but in that case you will just have to disassemble the switch (yes, open the single switch) to clean it. It should be doable without getting its bottom off the PCB, just a little harder.

I was originally expecting the stick to be happening duo to the keycap and the surrounding stuff, but if it is the switch itself, then the previously given solution won't work and you are better off using IPA and a Q-Tip inside the switch.

Maybe try one of these:

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 weeks ago

Yeah it's definitely affecting the switch mechanism, not the cap. If I remove the cap it still is sticky. I'll check the links later. Thanks!