Fix Crunchy Logitech Keyboard Keys

[DarkPrime]

This happens to every single logitech keyboard I have ever owned: with less than a year use on one of their keyboards, the keys begin to get "crunchy"; the keys no longer depress anywhere near as smoothly as a brand new keyboard. The keys are louder and feel like there's too much friction going on. I've popped some keys and there isn't any food in them, but there are some dust particles and an occasional hair.

On past keyboards, i've popped all the keys, soaked and scrubbed them, did the same for most of the remaining part of the keyboard, but nothing seems to help.

Does anyone know anything I can do to make the keys feel like new again? I'm sick and tired of buying a new keyboard every year.

 

[Peter]

That's rather common with the cheap (yes cheap!) silicone bump mat mechanisms found even in the not-so-cheap designer and 'ergo' keyboards. The mat loses its flexibility over time, and typing gets harder.

I have a well seasoned Microsoft Natural Keyboard here (the original one), and anything short of a small hammer won't move the keys anymore. (I'm exaggerating, but not by much.)

On the other hand, actually good keyboards with an actual mechanical switch under each key last forever, and wear makes them go lighter, if anything.

 

[DarkPrime]

I can understand what you're saying about the mat, but the mat seems to be ok in mine. Instead it seems like the keys are rubbing too hard against the plastic they slide through.

 

[Peter]

Ah, that's a different symptom then.

Lubrication might help that ... try good old vaseline, just be careful you don't get any onto the underside of the mat or onto the contact surfaces.

 

[Stg-Flame]

My old keyboard had the same problem. It turned my typing methods into a "pecker" because I could not fluently depress the keys at an angle. I had to press them directly down, otherwise, it would be as if the key was super-glued into position. I ended up getting rid of it. My newer keyboard (GE Brand with a mat) has lasted me over two years with no signs of "crunching," as you put it.