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.
How did I come to find that? My "g" key… See More
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.
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
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: www.ilovefreesoftware.com/21/windows/k…
Download link: www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Mi…
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...
#gtribers #cherrymx #mechanical #keyboard Logitech G #cherry #hardware #warning #switch #chattering
Being a bit late to the party, I can confirm that the problem Ivan describes is affecting all Cherry mechanical switches, being it MX Blue, Black, Brown, Red or Clear - and probably their clones from Kailh as well.
By design of the key housing and the stem, any debris (and there is a lot if you're typing without gloves outside a cleanroom environment, as the average human literally sheds 1'000s of dead skin cells and there are organic fibres, dust particles floating around in the air) can make its… See More
way into the delicate key contact springs. And that debris eventually wedges in between the two mating surfaces of the contact.
A little correction here: All mechanical keys (and Cherry's MY series with the FTSC mebrane switches are no exception) chatter to a certain degree. Hence it is necessary to use some sort of dechattering algorithm, either in hardware (with a capacitor etc.) or in software, typically in the controller's firmware. Cherry of course knows this and tailors dechattering time to the characteristics of a new(!) MX switch. You do not want gamers or fast typers to complain about "lost" keypresses after all.
However, "old" MX switches, especially dirty ones expose a different characteristic in terms of chattering. Sometimes the keypress is not registered at all, the dirty key is dead. Or it sends a 2nd, 3rd actuation signal, long after the controllers dechatter time is expired. So the "ghost" keypress is registered and sent to the PC.
Installing some software to add a longer dechatter time ontop of what is originally there might help (for some short time), it might also get on your nerves. Indeed what you want (and need) to do is to either clean the innards of the key (which is not that hard to do) or replace the entire key by a new one.
All Cherry MX are more or less the same, their behaviour is defined by the strength of the spring and the shape of the stem. You could even retrofit a bridge wire or a diode, buy off the shelf MX Blue, Black, Brown or Red and then create all sorts of Cherry MX "Frankensteins" in case you do not have your exact key module at hand. But that way exceeds the scope of this post. Look for further information the keymodder scene if necessary.
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I can confirm - the "few drops of alcohol" method is a permanent fix.
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I am facing chatter issue with my cherry mx blue keyboard. The keyboard is less than one year old. So is it normal?
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I signed up for an account just so I could thank you for this! My year-old Das Keyboard (with MX Cherry Brown switches) started repeating on the 'o' key yesterday. It doesn't happen every time, so it was making me think that I had forgotten how to type. I then ordered a replacement switch from Amazon, but wasn't looking forward to doing the replacement since it involves completely disassembling the keyboard and desoldering the switch.
I tried the alcohol trick and it worked - instantly! I pulled the… See More
keycap off, and took a small screwdriver to depress the switch. Then I used a q-tip to get a few drops of 91% isopropyl alcohol (bought from my local Walgreens) into the switch. I put the keycap back on, depressed the key a few times, and the problem hasn't reoccurred. This is definitely recommended as a first step.
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It seems that a few drops of Alcohol and working the key (switch) out then leaving it overnight SOLVED the problem for me. I don't know if it's temporary or permanent, but it makes me happy.
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Nice find and surprising that it happens, means that the manufacturers should do something to fix it... or make it easier to replace them
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Wonder if Logitech's ROMER-G switches are effected?
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Good to know, altough my MX Blue´s are quite easy to maintain
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