A malfunctioning keyboard can be a nuisance, especially when a single key becomes unresponsive. It ruins the flow whether you are playing a game or typing an important document. Fear not, For I have the solution to your keyboard woes.
What do you do when the key is being stubborn? You try gently tapping it with a hammer or maybe try yelling at it, and it might start working. Easy, right?
So, grab a screwdriver, sit back and get ready to fix your unresponsive keys or it might turn into a key apocalypse. Sit tight; time to get down to business.
How to Fix an Unresponsive Keyboard Key Tip 1: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting, or what you may refer to as identifying the problems, is an important step in our quest to fix the unresponsive key. You can’t find a solution if you don’t know the problem.
There are many reasons which might cause the key to be unresponsive. I will list them for you.
1. Common reason a keyboard key stop working include dirt or debris getting stuck under the key.
2. The switch under the keycap might be stuck, or it might be broken.
3. The key may be malfunctioning due to a hardware issue.
4. The keyboard driver may need to be updated or corrected.
5. The key may have been disabled in the operating system’s settings or through software.
6. There could be a software issue behind the malfunction.
How to Fix an Unresponsive Keyboard Key Tip 2: Clean the Debris
If the cause behind the problem is dirt or debris, then the solution is simple. Take a flathead screwdriver and remove the keycap. Gently remove the dirt with the help of a cotton stick.
If the dirt is stubborn and won’t budge, spray a can of compressed air over the keyboard key. Remember to keep the can at a little distance from the keyboard; otherwise, the keycaps could be harmed.
After that, put the keycap back on and test the keyboard to see if the key is working. If the problem is solved, you should clean the whole keyboard before it’s too late. And remember not to use any liquid to clean the keyboard if you don’t want to buy a new one.
How to Fix an Unresponsive Keyboard Key Tip 3: Update Your Drivers
Sometimes simply restarting your computer can solve the issue. Unplug your keyboard and shut down your computer. Wait a few minutes, and then restart your computer. Plug your keyboard back in and see if the key is working.
If the unresponsive key is still not working, you must try updating the drivers. Go to the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest drivers for your keyboard and download them.
How to Fix an Unresponsive Keyboard Key Tip 4: Try Replacing the Switch
If all the methods mentioned above do not work, then we might have a serious issue on our hands. The switch of the unresponsive key in question could be stuck, or it might even be broken internally.
If your keyboard is Hot-swappable, you need to remove the switches and replace the unresponsive one with a new one. For those whose keyboards aren’t Hot-swappable, you guys need to desolder and remove the soldered switches and solder the new ones.
If none of these tips work, I am sorry to say this, but it’s time to say adios to your keyboard and get a new one.
Conclusion
Fixing an unresponsive keyboard key may seem challenging, but with a little patience and some troubleshooting techniques, it’s not that big of a deal. Don’t get too frustrated if the first solution does not work; sometimes, it takes a little bit of pecking around to find the right fix. So, keep calm and keep typing.
If you liked this, check out “How to Clean Under a Laptop Keyboard.”
