Microsoft keyboard sticking keys

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[skwire]

Might be easier just to get/buy a new keyboard.

[Ath]

Might be easier just to get/buy a new keyboard.

+1
Just buy a good quality keyboard, or get a cheap model and replace that every 1 or 2 year...

Would graphite powder be advisable?

Nope, it's going to get worse with that, as the carbon will short-circuit the leads in the switches...

[Stoic Joker]

(any) Lubrication == Bad.

This thread seems appropriate: Why did it never occur to me.. You can wash a keyboard in water.

[pilgrim]

This thread seems appropriate: Why did it never occur to me.. You can wash a keyboard in water.

That link provided me with one of the most interesting reads I've had in a long time.

My original PC is a Packard Bell which came with one of their own branded multimedia keyboards, it's about twice the thickness and over twice the weight of the one I bought when I built my new PC and apart from some of the letters on the keys getting faint it works perfectly.
I have tried cleaning it without actually getting it wet, different types of wipes etc. but never successfully.
It wasn't helped a few years ago when I went into hospital and the landlady had various workmen in, including an electrician who drilled a hole in the wall above the computer without covering it up.
When I got home I turned the keyboard and the monitor upside down and got two piles of brick dust.

I only use it about once a month to keep the PC updated so after I use it next I'll have a go at it.

[Tinman57]

  I use silicone spray on mine to keep them from binding.  Has worked for me for years without a problem.  But you really should wash it first.  It it's the type of keyboard that can't be separated from the electronic board, then use electronic cleaner to clean it first.

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[Tinman57]

How about dielectric grease? A thin smear on the sides of the rectangular plunger of each key to make it go more smoothly? The keyboard was balky from day one.

By the way, why don't they build them out of Teflon, or Teflon-S? Anyways, what about the dielectric grease? Or do you really like silicon spray better?

  Teflon would increase the cost, pure and simple...

  I've never tried dielectric grease on a keyboard.  You just have to remember that anything that doesn't dry to a lubricant coating (film), like grease or oil, will attract dust and other nasties that find it's way into your keyboard.

[40hz]

If the keyboard was balky from day one it's probably more because the keycaps and/or key posts are slightly bent, out of spec, or misaligned. That or the wells which they pass through are deformed or improperly manufactured. Lubrication won't fix that, and could possibly seep into things and cause additional problems down the line.

Whatever you use, just be sure it doesn't dissolve whatever they're using for the membrane or other contacts in the keyboard. The problem with that, however, is it usually won't happen right away. Some solvents and lubricants can take weeks or months before you experience a problem from them eating into or softening/hardening something enough to cause a failure.

For cleaning sticky contacts and keys, you could try a non-residue foaming contact cleaner available at Radio shack or an electronics supply store. But I'd be careful even with that.

When in doubt, compressed air  - or a 1-hour soak in distilled water, followed by a careful "blow out" with some compressed air, followed by a three or four day air dry - is still your safest and best bet. If that doesn't fix it, I'd suggest (as others have) you cut your losses and get a new keyboard if at all possible.

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[jf3000]

Gday bit, Where abouts are you in the world, I can send you a keyboard basic for free from my business. Just shoot me an address leave the rest to me.

[pilgrim]

I was going to wash my old PB keyboard last weekend, until I took it apart.

The base is held on by 7 screws and when I removed that I was faced with a metal plate about 1/8" thick that covers everything to within 1/2" of the outer edge (which explains why it is so heavy), that is held in by 23 screws, at which point I put it back together.

I'm trying to think of a way to hold it upside down or at a sharp enough angle so that if I wash the keys using a wet brush any water will not get right inside.
(I should never have sacked the housekeeper.) 

[Tinman57]

I was going to wash my old PB keyboard last weekend, until I took it apart.

The base is held on by 7 screws and when I removed that I was faced with a metal plate about 1/8" thick that covers everything to within 1/2" of the outer edge (which explains why it is so heavy), that is held in by 23 screws, at which point I put it back together.

I'm trying to think of a way to hold it upside down or at a sharp enough angle so that if I wash the keys using a wet brush any water will not get right inside.
(I should never have sacked the housekeeper.)   

Don't let those 23 screws scare you, they unscrew just like the other 7 did.    My old HP keyboard was a heavy one too, with the metal back-panel like you described.  The reason for so many screws is to make even pressure around the rubber key mat.  As long as you don't over-torque them when re-installing you should be OK.  Also, tighten the middle screws first and work your way outward to prevent buckling of the metal plate and/or key mat.  If you buckle it, some keys will refuse to work because they can't make contact with the circuit board.

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[jf3000]

No worries.

[pilgrim]

Thanks for the comments. It's not that I am scared of the other 23 screws but how long it would take to undo them and then later do them up, it took 20 minutes for the first 7!
It would have been alright when I could still use my right hand but I can't do that any more and I don't have a left-handed screwdriver.

[x16wda]

It's also extremely useful to use a screwdriver with a slightly magnetic tip, and don't work over a deep carpet.

Also try to convince resident cats or kittens that their assistance with the small pieces is not required.

[pilgrim]

Also try to convince resident cats or kittens that their assistance with the small pieces is not required.

I know somebody who had that trouble.
I suggested he should paws every now and then.

[Tinman57]

Thanks for the comments. It's not that I am scared of the other 23 screws but how long it would take to undo them and then later do them up, it took 20 minutes for the first 7!
It would have been alright when I could still use my right hand but I can't do that any more and I don't have a left-handed screwdriver.

  Yeah, all my screwdrivers are right-handed as well. 

[barney]

  Yeah, all my screwdrivers are right-handed as well. 

Funny, most of mine are ambisextrous ... they'll screw up (non-directional) regardless which hand I use.

[pilgrim]

Funny, most of mine are ambisextrous ... they'll screw up (non-directional) regardless which hand I use.

Sounds confusing, how can you tell if you're coming or going?

[Tinman57]

Funny, most of mine are ambisextrous ... they'll screw up (non-directional) regardless which hand I use.

Sounds confusing, how can you tell if you're coming or going?

By the volume of your voice when yelling "OH GOD"?