My sister wanted to get a mechanical keyboard. I bought her the cheapest from aliexpress, a “Philips” one with “blue” switches.
After 6 months she comes again, “you need to buy me a new one, the numpad is weird”
When pressing 9, it types “9+”, press 6, and it types “6+”, press 0 and it types “0.”
I take apart the keyboard, i test the solder points under the switch and i see that somehow there’s a short on + when i press 9
Switches are soldered, can’t be easily swapped, i order another keyboard (different brand, with “brown” switches, still ultracheap nobrand).
After six months, the same, when pressing “right arrow” it types “right arrow 0”
Is that possible? Coincidence that is always in the same spot? Those are so shitty that break so easily? I noticed that my sister always has a water bottle nearby the numpad, might it be that she’s accidentally pouring water and then blame “low quality” for this?
Also: I saw the the RGB LED under the faulty switches are dead or dimmed. It might cause the issue?
Yeah you’re running a big risk with random keyboards from AliExpress. It’s better to spend a little more and buy a known budget brand like RoyalKludge.
And then once you’re truly hooked you can spend half your next paycheque on a premium brand keyboard. 😉
AliExpress has some great value budget stuff. But when buying electronics the very cheapest option is guaranteed hot garbage. Always spend a little above the minimum.