Non-functioning keys

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by eatingabook, May 4, 2009.

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  1. eatingabook, May 4, 2009

    eatingabook macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    May 4, 2009
    #1
    I spilled coffee on my keyboard. Now, some of my keys don't work. Namely, my apostrophe key, the letter "p", my return key, and delete. Also both slashes. And my arrows, save for Mr. Right.

    My question is this: am I screwed? is there any chance I can restore function to these? I have a nice big bottle of isopropyl alcohol at my disposal and I can pretty much have my way with this thing. It's beyond warranty so, short of blowing it up, I'm not too worried about any minor damage I might do to it.

    Anyway, if anyone can throw out some advice, whether it's "this is how you fix it," or "toss it through a window," I would be endlessly grateful.

    Thanks much! :)
     
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  2. Makosuke, May 4, 2009

    Makosuke macrumors 603

    Joined:
    Aug 15, 2001
    Location:
    The Cool Part of CA, USA
    #2
    In theory, the spilled liquid could be shorting the membrane that registers those keyclicks, in which case completely dismantling it, cleaning it with something appropriately noncorrosive, thoroughly drying it, and reassembling it would fix it.

    That said, I had a coworker make the boneheaded move of deciding to wash his dirty keyboard, and doing the above didn't fix it. Either the membrane was damaged or the circuit board itself fried.

    Can't really hurt to try, though--you're only out time.

    Also, you didn't say if this was a desktop or laptop keyboard, though I'm assuming the former--the latter is harder to get into.
     
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  3. eatingabook, May 4, 2009

    eatingabook thread starter macrumors newbie

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    May 4, 2009
    #3
    It is the latter. I thought I mentioned that, but I guess not.
     
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