Mechanical Keyboards

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Is it normal that cheap mechanical keyboards break so easily? (self.mechanicalkeyboards)

submitted 2 days ago by Wispy2891 to c/[email protected]

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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?

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 2 days ago

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...?