'Q' getting stuck on my keyboard every time I press it gently

[MrRockliffe]

Like most, I don't use the letter much, but in the BF4 campaign it's quite handy, as it allows you to have your squad engage the other team, however I noticed that it gets stuck every time I press it, unless typing. When typing, I press keys harder, so it doesn't happen as much, but when I press it softly, it happens all the time.

Any ideas?

I've tried removing the key cap and having a look, but I can't really see anything, and it still gets stuck.

Forgot to add - it's a cherry MX blue switch keyboard.

[Bonebreaker777]

Sticky stuck? Or just plain plastic-on-plastic? A drop of oil at the end of a Q-tip perhaps?

[MrRockliffe]

Basically when I press it down it doesn't come up again - the actual switch gets stuck in there, and since its sealed, I can't get any oil in there.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Typical Q!

[KeyboardDemon]

MaddAussie has a technique for this kind of issue, iirc, hold the keyboard flat at about 4 to 6 inches above a table and then let go to release whatever it is that's making the key stick.

[MrRockliffe]

So basically drop it?

[KeyboardDemon]

So basically drop it?

I prefer the slighltly more technical version, but note that the advice comes with no warranty or guarantee. Talking of which does your keyboard still have a warranty? Is this the sort of thing you could claim for?

[MrRockliffe]

I believe so, as it was bought about a year ago, and I think it has a 2 year warranty with Scan (not looking forward to the RMA).

As it's a cherry keyboard, they should be rated for 50 million clicks, so to start going dodgy at what's probably more like a few thousand, since it's a key that's not used much at all, I should imagine it's covered. I may try and get hold of scan (wish me luck) and see what they recommend. Seems stupid just for one switch, but don't want to risk breaking it by dropping it (not that it should).

[KeyboardDemon]

I found this video which might help.

[MrRockliffe]

I may take a look when I'm home - thanks.

[MrRockliffe]

Had a look at the video, and the way she is explaining it (I think it's a she anyway) is that it happens from use of the key. I don't really ever use the key, so I highly doubt there's rubbish in it.

I'll give scan a ring in the morning, see what they say.

[KeyboardDemon]

How did you get on with Scan today?

[MrRockliffe]

Didn't have time to get hold of them. Was on the phone to Sony for an hour because they've still not fixed my Z1 (5 months now).

[Bonebreaker777]

You have no luck. Try to mail them if phone is inconvenient.

[MrRockliffe]

I'll have plenty of time tomorrow to ring them, so I'll try then and see what they recommend. I'll update this thread just in case someone else is ever in the same situation (well I'll try and remember to anyway)