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6 free and safe ways to fix keyboard chatter
While mechanical keyboards come with many benefits that often make them the default option for PC enthusiasts, they also come with some drawbacks — like the potential to develop keyboard chatter. If your keyboard has started chattering — the phenomenon where a single press on a key registers multiple times — you've encountered one of the reasons mechanical keyboards aren't always the best option.
But don't fret, as there are some free and safe solutions you can use to fix the issue.
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Remove debris with compressed air
The quickest solution
One possible cause of keyboard chatter is debris that has accumulated under the keycaps, causing the keys to register extra input. You'll be surprised just how much debris can get between your keys and the top case or plate of your keyboard. When I took off my key caps after experiencing keyboard chatter, I found cat hair and dust had accumulated in just a few weeks.
One of the easiest ways to clean your mechanical keyboard is to use compressed air to remove debris. You'll have to remove all of your keycaps, but the compressed air can make quick work of removing pet hair and other debris from the top case of the keyboard.
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Clean the switches with isopropyl alcohol
A more thorough solution
If your keyboard is particularly dirty, or a quick clean doesn't do the job, you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean the switches and plate. You should ideally use a high percentage isopropyl alcohol, around 90% or more. You can apply a few drops to the key switch and leave it to dry.
This helps to remove residue that might be interfering with the switch. You can also use the alcohol with a microfiber cloth to wipe down the top cover. Isopropyl alcohol is usually recommended for cleaning electronics due to its low conductivity and quick evaporation. It's also great at removing residue.
However, this method may only be a temporary fix. When I used isopropyl alcohol to clean my switches, it did improve chatter for certain keys. But if the switch itself is faulty, you'll have to resort to other solutions.
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Swap out the switches with an older mechanical keyboard's switches
Repurpose old hardware
If you've got more than one mechanical keyboard lying around, you could always switch out the faulty switches that are causing chatter on your current keyboard. This isn't ideal, but it will help if you're strapped for cash and can't buy new switches.
This will only work if both your current and old keyboard are hot-swappable, and the switch pins are compatible. You'll also need a switch puller.
There are drawbacks to this method. While it will technically work even if you change out the switch type (such as swapping MX Browns for Reds), you will likely notice differences in the sound and tension of the different switches.
If your old keyboard has the same layout as your daily driver, and you don't need the old one anymore, you could always swap out all of the switches to create consistency in your typing experience.
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Swap the switches with unused keys on your keyboard
A surprisingly common fix
If you don't have a spare mechanical keyboard lying around and want a quick fix for keyboard chatter, there's another method you can use if your keyboard is hot-swappable. This works best with 100% keyboards or keyboards that have sections you don't really use, such as your Numpad.
It involves swapping the faulty switches with switches on your keyboard that you rarely use. For example, if your WASD keys are chattering and cleaning them doesn't help, you can swap out the switches with lesser-used ones. However, if you use a 60% or 75% keyboard, you will have fewer keys to choose from.
This, unfortunately, won't work if the key experiencing chatter has a unique shape. For example, chatter on my keyboard occurred the most with the Tab and Space buttons, so I didn't have unused keys that had the same shape.
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Get the keyboard repaired under warranty
Success will depend on the vendor
If you're looking for a quick fix, this isn't it. But if your keyboard is still relatively new, and you're encountering chatter on multiple keys, this is your best bet to get it fixed for free. When I encountered chatter on a keyboard I was reviewing; my online research showed that it was a common problem with the specific model. Even companies that make some of the best mechanical keyboards aren't immune from encountering these issues.
In this case, it's best to return your keyboard under warranty and either receive a replacement keyboard or have the switches replaced. This is also the most time-consuming method since you'll be on the company's shipping and repair timeline.
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Keyboard Unchatter
Software to help with keyboard chatter
If none of the other options have worked for you, or they aren't feasible, you can also go the software route. This involves downloading a program like Keyboard Unchatter and using it to adjust the input on your keyboard.
When the app is set to Active, it will track the keys that you press and whether any of them are displaying any chatter. You may occasionally get false positives, but it can definitely help you identify problematic keys. You can then adjust the Chatter Threshold delay. This will prevent the second press within a certain timeframe from being sent to the apps you're using.
However, the tool's creator doesn't recommend using Keyboard Unchatter while gaming since it essentially increases input lag. Another app drawback is that it only provides a global setting for your key-press delay — you can't set it to only delay input on a specific key. There is a max chatter threshold of 100ms, but at this level, you'll run into the issue of intentional key presses not showing up.
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Safely get keyboard chatter under control for free
Not all of us can afford to buy a whole set of new switches when we encounter keyboard chatter on our mechanical keyboards. Even if you do have the budget, you might run into availability issues. Luckily, you can fix chatter relatively easily with these fixes. Some are a bit more effective than others, but if the issue is widespread across your keys, getting it repaired under warranty may be your best bet.
