Need to Repair My Mechanical Keyboard, Please Help

iridiumstem on 13/09/2015 - 07:48

Well, while I was removing the keycap, I've accidentally broke the stem of the switch.
EB Games is refusing help me on the basis of it being my fault (which I don't think is unreasonable, but I was expecting an option where I pay all the related fees for RMA).

So if that is the case, is there anyway to fix the keyboard?
I've been looking for a solution, but I seem to not find any options for repairing it other than doing it DIY.
My question is, is there no way to fix it other than going DIY?

Thanks.

Computing

Comments

  • Google Chrome on 13/09/2015 - 09:58

    You will have to open the keyboard and replace the keyswitch, you can purchase single keyswitches online/ amazon. The hardest part would be the disassembly because you risk breaking more components. If EB doesn't help you, then file a rma yourself with whoever the company is.

    edit: There are also other methods that will get them to fix it for you, but they are not very ethical.

    • iridiumstem on 13/09/2015 - 10:11

      I am trying to get Coolmaster to do the RMA, but they haven't returned my email yet. Also, I am getting the feeling that they might charge me far more (since mechanical keyboards are heavy and shipping would be massive).

      • Google Chrome on 13/09/2015 - 10:43

        All the times I've done rma, the shipping label has been free (even when it was my fault), as long as you explain to them how expensive shipping is, that you would prefer to use their labels etc…etc.

        • iridiumstem on 13/09/2015 - 12:17

          Hopefully I can do that. Thanks :D

  • Checkboy on 16/09/2015 - 23:49
    +1

    Yeh unless you can super glue the little bit that broke off, you're gonna have to take it apart and replace the switch.

    What keyboard do you have?
    Also, where in Australia are you?

    edit : just realised this was a couple of days ago.

    • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 08:23

      In Canberra, I have received emails from the Coolmaster (the manufacturer) that they cannot help me with it.
      They also mentioned that I'd need to replace the switch using soldering station…
      It's sad since I don't know how much I need to spend on it, (if it goes over $70, I might consider getting a new mechanical keyboard).

      • Checkboy on 17/09/2015 - 12:32
        +1

        Damn unlucky. Yeh the costs to repair it will definitely not be worth it if it's a one time thing. Only worth it if you're gonna be soldering more often. I mean you could do it for less than $70, but as you say, it's probably worth just getting a new board with a few more bucks.
        You would need :
        - the key switch
        - soldering station
        - soldering wire

        It's unfortunate that you're in Canberra, as I could have offered my help (Sydney).

        • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 12:42
          +1

          :'(

          I've found the key switches at few bucks, so I am hoping to grab a soldering station and soldering wire…
          I might buy one for the future usage as well (fixing headphones and stuff). :(

        • Checkboy on 17/09/2015 - 13:28
          +1

          @Oversimplified: Well if you can find future use for the soldering station, then I guess it's okay. :)

        • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 14:04

          @Giteau: Do you have any recommendations on soldering stations and the soldering wires btw?

        • Checkboy on 17/09/2015 - 17:35
          +2

          @Oversimplified: honestly I'm just using a cheapo Chinese soldering station from yihua - I think it's the 936c. I got it because it's like a cheap clone of a Hakko unit, so I can have easier access to different tips.

          As for the wire, maybe like 1mm thick wire. recently been using 0.5mm because I had none left, and it's ok - good for LEDs though.

          Alternatively, you can sell the board to me and buy a new one.

        • iridiumstem on 17/09/2015 - 22:22

          @Giteau: Thanks for the offer, but I think the shipping would be half the price (I bought mine for $70, shipping probably would go $20 knowing Auspost). I may as well grab a soldering station.

        • Checkboy on 18/09/2015 - 00:35
          +1

          @Oversimplified: Best of luck, lemme know how it goes :)

          oh also, you'll need a desoldering pump. Like 3 bucks on ebay (aus stock) or 7 bucks from Bunnings. It's the same thing, all it does is suck up the solder that you want to get rid of.

        • iridiumstem on 18/09/2015 - 13:39

          @Giteau: :) Time for me to grab a soldering station :) grabbed a desolering pump today from eBay.

          Damn, you are using the hobbyking one, I wish I were there when they had the deal and had the soldering station in AU warehouse… :(

        • Checkboy on 18/09/2015 - 20:45
          +1

          @Oversimplified: yeh, shipping absolutely kills it right now, since it isn't in the au warehouse. I think it's like 35 bucks on eBay Aus stock. There are other models, but I really have no idea. This was the most popular cheap one lol.

        • iridiumstem on 18/09/2015 - 21:53

          @Giteau: Bought Yihua 936C, I think, from eBay. Costed me 35 bucks. If it isn't too much to ask, what's kind of wire do you recommend?

        • Checkboy on 18/09/2015 - 23:29
          +1

          @Oversimplified: I would recommend 1mm thick soldering wire. You can get a bit thinner for more versatility, but of course you will have to feed more of it through to fill up the space. The standard 60/40 or 63/47 whatever mix is fine.

          You can get it from eBay with aus stock. You won't need much at all, so 2m long should be fine. You can always buy more for future projects in a larger spool.

          An example :
          http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-Metres-1-02mm-63-37-Rosin-Core-…

        • iridiumstem on 18/09/2015 - 23:31
          +1

          @Giteau: And bought :) Thank you so much for helping me :)

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