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Repairing a Computer Keyboard

Repairing a Computer Keyboard
This instructable will guide you through diagnosing and possibly repairing of a USB keyboard.

In today's throw away society, we tend to run out and buy a cheap $15 keyboard to replace our previous high quality keyboard. This is fine as a temporary solution, but eventually we're going to want that quality feel and function back.

Most of the time, quality keyboards die because of abuse. Not necessarily intentional, but abuse nonetheless. A few drops of any beverage with acid it in will surely cause an eventual failure. This would include almost any juice (most are "vitamin fortified" which included citric acid) or soda.
 
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Step 1Supplies

Supplies
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  • Keyboard - 55.jpg
  • Keyboard - 56.jpg
  • Keyboard - 15.jpg
  • Keyboard - 37.jpg
We're going to need drivers for our specific keyboard. Most need only a small Phillips screwdriver. Some, such as this one, may also need a tiny Allen or Torx driver. I have a kit that has about every tiny driver one would ever need... It's handy to have.

We'll also need an Ohm Meter or Multimeter and a computer. I'm using a Mac here, but any Computer will do. We'll also need an On-Screen Keyboard for testing.

Lastly, we'll need about 6-8 inches of 30 guage insulated wire, commonly called wire-wrap wire and a conductive pen (available from Radio Shack).
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15 comments
Oct 2, 2011. 5:13 AMtackphoton says:
Wow! Very detailed and helpful tutorial. My keyboard is misbehaving at the moment and since the warranty's expired im gonna give it a shot at repairing myself.
Thanks!
Jun 12, 2007. 6:31 PMlemonie says:
Yeah, I did this, but the thing failed again shortly afterwards. Then I bought a new cheap keyboard. L (it was beer wot did it)
Mar 1, 2009. 3:41 AMadamvan2000 says:
the worst ones are the ones where the user doesn't know to turn off the keyboard and clean immediately, thus hopefully sparing some shorted/dissolved traces. I've cleaned a few like that, and unfortunately, the traces are usually too close to repair. ~adamvan2000
Mar 1, 2009. 11:36 AMlemonie says:
Yes the traces don't repair well, I've tried that too. (Did you notice that my comment was over 20 months old?) L
Mar 3, 2009. 11:28 PMadamvan2000 says:
to be truthful, I keep forgetting to look at the dates on the comments, and the instructables themselves. Oh well. Maybe if they put them in big, flashing neon letters for clueless people like myself. hehe ~adamvan2000
Mar 4, 2009. 12:46 AMlemonie says:
Still got a reply though. Thanks L
Dec 15, 2007. 5:59 PMinvert360 says:
thank you
Oct 30, 2007. 3:35 PMinvert360 says:
my keyboard buttons stick is there any way to fix that? I don't know if this is relevant but the keyboard is a dell.
Dec 3, 2007. 8:42 PMYerboogieman says:
i washed mine but taking off the front with the keys, although my keyboard had a key protector that kept the keys in place, then hand washing it cause i dont have a dishwasher although when i did i just stuck the entire keyboard in the dishwasher...
Dec 3, 2007. 8:40 PMYerboogieman says:
lol, any multimeter is better than none, i have this crappy analog one that only goes up to 6 volts
Jun 26, 2007. 8:37 PMiman says:
The same keys died on my apple keyboard too, thats kinda weird.
Jun 26, 2007. 9:28 PMiman says:
but what about the minus key.
Jun 12, 2007. 1:07 PMjosh92176 says:
Wow, very thorough and useful guide. Now I know what to do if my keyboard ever breaks.

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