Sticky Beamspring Switches

ChetManley

27 Sep 2023, 15:30

Has anyone else encountered beamspring switches that tend to stick? If the key is not pressed for a short time it will depress without a click. If I press hard it will click and then will be fine for a few minutes if it is repeatedly pressed. When left unpressed for a few minutes it returns to sticking.

I have taken them apart and cleaned to no avail. I don't see any damage in the switch or anything around the switch, i.e. foam or plate, that would be interfering with the action either. Do I need to pull apart and do a deep clean of the components in an ultrasonic cleaner? Appreciate any thoughts you guys might have on what is causing this.

Thanks!

Dick Harris

27 Sep 2023, 21:14

There may be residue on either the fly plate or the circuit board. This could be sticky or just moisture.

ChetManley

27 Sep 2023, 23:13

I had suspected that as well. Cleaned both with no luck.

Ellipse

19 Oct 2023, 02:31

I recommend taking out the module, removing the flipper and inspecting it. I have found that the distance apart of the ears of the metal part for the beam flipper should be the IBM-specified 1/2" or 12.7mm and no larger. I recommend slightly tightening it if there are issues. It is possible that your thin metal part for the beam barrel is failing or broken.

I put together a video on how to inspect the new beam spring modules for common issues and it may help you with your beam module (not sure if it is an original or a new one but it should apply to either). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqZCgUF ... =emb_title

jak123

19 Oct 2023, 18:19

This is a long shot, but if this is an IBM board, make sure the metal tab is fully inserted into the white stem, and make sure the O-ring hasn't slipped off the stem. An oversized or poorly seated O-ring might prevent the key from being fully depressed under normal pressure.

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