deskthority

I am a proud new owner of a 5251 beamspring keyboard.

Unfortunately, the key e doesn't register, and 5,6, t,y, g,h and b,n only register if pressed at the same time (5 and 6 together that is). I checked the capsense utility and the levels only change when the keys are pressed two at a time.

Is this likely a foam issue (the edges looked brown and stiff) or does this call for other repairs? I don't want to disassemble the switches if it's not absolutely necessary.

What's the best foam option if that needs replacing? I'm based in the EU.

First of all congrats

About two weeks ago I restored my 5251 and I used this foam: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B002W2 ... UTF8&psc=1

It's very similar to "Moosgummi" imo, if not identical.

Also, it's highly recommended to replace the original foam + the rubber insulation sheet at the bottom of the assembly no matter what. They're going to damage and corrode the metal and the switch housings in their degradation process. My foam looked like it was still intact and holding up well, but it quickly fell apart at the slightest touch. If your switches are in good condition and very clean, you do not necessarily have to disassemble them. As long as you clean the switch tops from the remains of the foam, you should be good. And your best friend against that disgusting foamy mess will be a bottle of Isopropyl alcohol, trust me .

Maybe it's a problem with your voltage threshold and can be fixed by simply recalibrating the controller?
Unfortunately, I use a qmk version of the Xwhatsit controller and I do not know how to change the threshold on that one. But recently my spacebar started to act up, so I need to check on that.

I checked the "util" (using the one that came with my new F77 qmk firmware) and they do not change if I press a key individually.

Isopropyl alcohol I already have for my various model Ms. Thanks for the foam link. I will need a 15mm stamp, right?

Whoops. Im removing this because TNT already suggested the same thing

That's a good idea, I'll get my hands on that and try that out. Yes exactly, get a 15 mm "Henkellocheisen". Ideally in red, so you can blend in with all the other german and austrian beamspring owners

My foam of choice is: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00L6Y ... UTF8&psc=1
It is already the right width - just need to cut it at the right length. It also has adhesive on one side, which makes it much simpler.

For the hole puncher: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B07B4D ... UTF8&psc=1

Your problem looks like grounding to me also. Cleaning and restoring on those keyboards is something you should consider. They feel a world better after .... in my experience at least.

darkcruix wrote: ↑

25 Jun 2021, 23:55

Cleaning and restoring on those keyboards is something you should consider.

Is there a stupid easy mistake (like spacebar stabilizers with F XTs) that I'd likely make as a first time beamspring cleaner?

marfrit wrote: ↑

26 Jun 2021, 09:47

darkcruix wrote: ↑

25 Jun 2021, 23:55

Cleaning and restoring on those keyboards is something you should consider.

Is there a stupid easy mistake (like spacebar stabilizers with F XTs) that I'd likely make as a first time beamspring cleaner?

Check out my restoration post. I think it is pretty much straight forward, but needs some prep work and ... time:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=19775

You can use 14x2mm o-rings too if you don't want to mess with foam. That's what's on my displaywriter.

soyuz wrote: ↑

26 Jun 2021, 12:16

You can use 14x2mm o-rings too if you don't want to mess with foam. That's what's on my displaywriter.

Original ? or a mod. How do they compare ?

Never used foam, previous owner did it - no key wobble to speak of, feels nice, would rate rather highly tbh

rpl wrote: ↑

26 Jun 2021, 15:18

soyuz wrote: ↑

26 Jun 2021, 12:16

You can use 14x2mm o-rings too if you don't want to mess with foam. That's what's on my displaywriter.

Original ? or a mod. How do they compare ?

It's a mod, I've done this before. It's a good alternative. There's a how to thread somewhere on the site.

Thanks guys ; I'm in between desktops, so might be a couple years, but I'll probably pick up a small F (if I don't just keep the M) just to pamper myself.