The Basics
- Restart your Computer: It's troubleshooting 101. Restarting your device is one of the easiest ways to resolve any temporary issues that may be causing your problem.
- Test with Another Keyboard: You can rule out keyboard failure by connecting a different external keyboard to your device. If the issue does not repeat with the test keyboard, then the issue is with the original keyboard.
- Determine if the issue is physical or digital: If your keyboard repeatedly types the same key, it could be due to a physical issue or an issue with your computer’s keyboard settings.
- Physical: Test your keys for any odd physical behavior. This includes the keys being difficult to press, physically stuck, or not returning to their normal position.
- Software Issue (Settings): If the keys feel normal, it may be an issue with your keyboard settings. This may be accompanied by other issues, such as unexpected capital letters, symbols, or "Sticky Keys" being enabled.
- Perform a Basic Cleaning of Your Keyboard: Sometimes, a basic cleaning can restore your keyboard's keys to working order. Use a can of compressed air, or other alternative, to remove crumbs. Then, use a microfiber cloth and 90% isopropyl alcohol to wipe everything down.
Keyboard Setting Issues
Solution: Disable Sticky Keys and Adjust Key Repeat Settings
Sticky Keys, an accessibility feature, aids users with limited dexterity or those who use assistive technologies by enabling them to hold down multiple keys simultaneously. However, this feature will affect how the keyboard functions.
Windows
- Open the Settings app by pressing Windows + I from your Windows Start menu, or open it directly from the Start menu.
- Click Accessibility in the left pane, and select Keyboard.
- Make sure that Sticky Keys is set to Off.
- Click the Sticky Keys category, and turn off the Keyboard shortcut to prevent it from being turned on accidentally. In Windows 10, you may need to look under Use Sticky Keys, and ensure Press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts is turned off.
- Uncheck Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys to deactivate the Shift key shortcut.
MacOS
- Go to System Settings, and click on Accessibility from the left-hand menu.
- In the Accessibility menu, click Keyboard.
- Once in the Keyboard section, make sure that the Sticky Keys option is toggled off.
Keyboard Internals are Dirty
Solution: Perform a Deeper Cleaning
Debris and grime can build up underneath the keys of your keyboard over time, causing your keys to stick. In instances where a basic cleaning hasn't done the trick, you'll need to do a deep clean of your keyboard.
- Clean each key individually: iFixit does feature a comprehensive guide for cleaning your keyboard and a guide for cleaning your laptop's keyboard for low-profile keyboards, along with a Mechanical Keyboard Servicing Kit with an exclusive iFixit Keycap.
The keyboard is damaged
Solution: Inspect each key for deformation or damage
If your keyboard is heavily used or has been subjected to too many rage-inducing games, then there is a likelihood that its internal components have become worn or damaged.
- Inspect each keycap for damage: Damaged keys can prevent your keyboard from functioning normally. If the key cap is damaged or the mechanism is damaged, then you'll need to replace it.
- Replace components if necessary: If damage is found, replace the damaged part. Typically, keycaps can be easily replaced with a keycap puller, and some keyboard manufacturers offer customization options. The switches themselves can be replaced, depending on your specific keyboard model, and will be specific to your keyboard.
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