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?
It’s possible that both keyboards use the same PCB supplier. It would explain why they seem to fail in the same way, despite being two different “brands.”
I got a Tekware Phantom for $50usd, then upgraded the switches to Outemu Silent Whites. It’s been a great entry level keyboard, and no issues with shorts or swapping switches.
Perhaps you’re going too cheap…?
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.
Just buy a keychrone. They have some real good keyboards that are very reasonably priced. It is what I have and love it.
If you want cheap just get a Royal Kludge. Buying random brand creates random results.
ah, that’s a known brand? By pure chance, for myself i got a royal kludge RK932 (still from aliexpress, paid just a little over the other keyboards) and it looks fine, except the battery died after a few months of use and now lasts only 2-3 hours on wireless (using it wired and i’m ok with that)
That sounds about right. You can get a lot of bang for your buck, including swappable switches. But the battery is meh.
If it’s typing two keys it’s likely not the switch that’s the problem. Water could be to blame. Take it apart and see. It could also be physical damage too.
