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-   -   'f' key doesn't work, except when keyboard is turned on, when it repeats infinitely (https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/linux-hardware-18/f-key-doesnt-work-except-when-keyboard-is-turned-on-when-it-repeats-infinitely-4175682069/)

RandomTroll 09-13-2020 07:56 PM

'f' key doesn't work, except when keyboard is turned on, when it repeats infinitely
 
The 'f' key no longer works. However, when I turn the keyboard on (it's a wireless with a power switch.), it sends an infinite number of 'f's until I press a key, at which point that stops and it works normally, except no 'f's. I assume it's just dirty and I have to take it apart. (I've already flooded it with contact cleaner and canned air and held it upside down with the vacuum cleaner on the 'f' key.) I'm curious about how to make sense of this behavio(u)r. Logitech K360.

scasey 09-13-2020 08:14 PM

I suspect the switches are sealed, so contact cleaner won’t do anything. If it’s a contact problem, best replace the keyboard. $30!
That’s the keyboard I use. I really like it. I “clean” it by powering it off and gently tapping it upside down.

But seriously, $30...get a new one.

frankbell 09-13-2020 08:21 PM

If scasey's guess is wrong and the keyboard is not sealed, try prying off the key cap. I've occasionally had a bit of debris get lodged beneath a key on my laptop too large to blow or shake out (like a tiny scrap of paper, for example) and have removed it in that way.

scasey 09-13-2020 08:25 PM

Good point, frankbell.
Another thought: if that only happens when you first turn it on, stop turning it off. I never turn mine off. Batteries last more than a year.

computersavvy 09-13-2020 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scasey (Post 6165522)
Good point, frankbell.
Another thought: if that only happens when you first turn it on, stop turning it off. I never turn mine off. Batteries last more than a year.

I agree since I also leave mine on almost 100% of the time. The reality with that suggestion is it doesn't fix his problem with that one key not working and simply ignores it. It also does not address other possible damage down the road as a result. The suggestions by @frankbell are possible solutions and do not leave the one key stuck and not functional.
I checked on line and that keyboard is shown at Staples and Best Buy for ~$20, or $30 at logitech.

scasey 09-13-2020 09:49 PM

Oh. I missed that the f stops working after another key is pressed.
Yup. Replace it.

RandomTroll 09-14-2020 12:35 AM

I bought it for $20 at the Mart of Wal; I didn't ask about how to avoid the expense of buying a new one but how to make sense of this failure mode. I first thought how nice it'd be to build a keyboard or write a keyboard driver that detects stuck keys so as to mask them out, but it'll go on forever until I press another key.

For fun, watch this guy disassemble and clean his K360 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxl_m94k9ZI

syg00 09-14-2020 02:19 AM

Are we to presume it isn't actually the "f" key that's playing up ?. Else how could you type this thread ... :p
So what key is it ?.

I can feel a Monty Python sketch coming on.

jefro 09-14-2020 03:53 PM

Try new batteries just in case?

Turn the keyboard over and smack it to dislodge cookie crumbs?

Test different keyboard?

RandomTroll 09-15-2020 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syg00 (Post 6165586)
Are we to presume it isn't actually the "f" key that's playing up ?. Else how could you type this thread ... :p

alt-102 I have a laptop. I use the wireless keyboard as a remote control. I listen to stuff on my computer while I'm cooking, eating, cleaning, doing chores...

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro (Post 6165826)
Try new batteries just in case?

Tried.


Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro (Post 6165826)
Turn the keyboard over and smack it to dislodge cookie crumbs?

Tried.


Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro (Post 6165826)
Test different keyboard?

The other 2 work.

You miss the point: I didn't ask for a solution but an explanation.

scasey 09-15-2020 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandomTroll (Post 6166024)
You miss the point: I didn't ask for a solution but an explanation.

It’s broke... ;)

RandomTroll 11-19-2020 11:42 PM

I had an idle hour so I took it apart, per the YouTube video. I didn't take all the keycaps out but got it clean enough to work.


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