Got a mechanical keyboard that’s not working correctly? Whether it’s sticky, unresponsive, or just plain broken, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the most common mechanical keyboard issues and how to fix them.
Mechanical keyboards are built to last, but even the best can run into issues. Maybe a key isn’t registering, feels weird when pressed, or has just stopped working altogether. Don’t panic! Most of these problems have simple fixes, from cleaning and lubrication to replacing a faulty switch.
Dirt and Debris – The Silent Key Killers
Over time, dust, crumbs, gamer sweat, and general grime can build up under your keycaps, making keys feel sticky or unresponsive. The fix? A good clean. WAIT! Before you go and chuck your £300 mechanical gaming keyboard into the dishwasher, there is a better way to clean your keyboard.
You wouldn’t think it, but our keyboards get a battering. From working all day to gaming all night, they see a lot of action and grubby fingers.
To get started, remove your keycaps with a keycap puller, blast out debris with compressed air, and give everything a gentle wipe with isopropyl alcohol. For deep cleaning, a soft brush or cotton swab works wonders. You can also clean your keycaps with warm, soapy water so long as you ensure they’re fully dry before attempting to reassemble.
Keys Feeling Scratchy? It Might Need Lubrication
Sometimes, when things are a bit tight, you just need a little lube. If your keys feel rough or scratchy when pressed, the switch likely needs lubrication applying. This is a slightly more involved process than cleaning your keyboard, but don’t worry! We’ve put together an entire article on how to lube your switches.
Yes, you heard us right… Puns and innuendos aside, a crucial step in building your own mechanical keyboard is lubricating your key switches.
Broken Switch? Time for a Replacement
The light inside is broken, but I still work – Vending machine. Sometimes the best fix is simply a replacement. The good news is most mechanical gaming keyboards allow you to replace individual switches rather than having to replace the whole keyboard! For hot-swappable keyboards, replacing it is easy; just pull out the broken switch with a switch puller and pop in a new one.
When it comes to selecting the perfect key switch, there is a multitude of different options for you to choose from. To make this process easier for you, here at Overclockers UK we’ve compiled all of our expert knowledge about mechanical key switches into one article.
Cherry Xtrfy Kailh Yellow Jellyfish Clicky Switches
KB-026-XT
£39.99 GBP £ 30.95 GBP
-22.61%(incl. VAT)
FREE SHIPPING
in stock
ADD TO BASKETHave You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?
Yes, we know this sounds stupid. But seriously, turning off your keyboard, replacing the USB cable, or even trying a different USB slot on your PC can sometimes fix problems. Worst case scenario, it doesn’t work, best case, you’ve just saved yourself some pain and suffering… well I mean, the eternal suffering of the human condition is still gonna be there, but you get what I mean.
It’s Not Me It’s You… I Have Standards
Sometimes it’s better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. Plus, there are plenty more fish in the Overclockers UK sea.
Ducky One 3 Classic 65 USB RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Cherry Red – Black UK Layout
KB-2AP-DK
£86.99 GBP £ 69.68 GBP
-19.9%(incl. VAT)
FREE SHIPPING
in stock
ADD TO BASKET
Glorious GMMK Pro 75% USB Gaming Keyboard Fox Switch White Keycaps Black Frame Pre-Built UK Layout
KB-042-GR
£79.99 GBP
(incl. VAT)
FREE SHIPPING
in stock
ADD TO BASKET
CORSAIR K70 CORE RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Red Switch
PER-CRS-00927
£89.99 GBP
(incl. VAT)
FREE SHIPPING
Pre order
ADD TO BASKETStill Not Working?
Hey, don’t worry. If none of these steps have worked for you, feel free to comment down below, and we’ll do our best to help.
- 4 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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