800XL Keyboard Fix?

[+Larry]

I have one 800XL that has a left shift key that is quite "firm" to the touch. It has a "Stackpole" sticker on it, IIRC with a solid metal back plate. Works very well, except the left shift key is so hard to press that I frequently get "D;" instead of "D:". This isn't any kind of sticking -- just a pressure issue, and it's very different from all my other XL keyboards.

 

I've never had an 800XL keyboard apart -- is there a reasonably easy fix that I can apply such as replacing a keyboard return spring or "clipping" part of the spring to reduce the compression required?

 

BTW, Do 600XL's use the same keyboards as 800XL's -- e.g. interchangeable? (I've never had a 600XL.)

 

-Larry

[Rybags]

My key is similar but it's not a pressure issue, more of a "need to press it in the centre" issue, if you don't it just binds up.

 

Metal backed keyboard with "flat" layout, not stepped, inverse printing, not outlined on the special keys.

 

As for the mix/match of keyboards, I think it's something like 5 or so different keyboards among the XLs, there was a thread about it a few years back.

 

The feel/quality of the keyboards does vary, my 600XL has the stepped keyboard but it's the lower quality variant where my first one had the better quality one.

 

My 800XL has the flat keyboard, better feel than my 600XL but as mentioned the movement of some keys isn't exactly the best.

 

No idea if there's any fixes around for such issues. The left SHIFT is the biggest key aside from SPACE, really they should have made that key with 2 spring supports or at least using the metal swing arm like modern kbs use on bigger keys.

[+orpheuswaking]

That keyboard is prone to that... and it definately needs to be hit dead center to avoid it.

[+Larry]

Do the keys "pop off" from the top? If nothing else, I possibly could use some silicone dry lube to get an easier press (assuming there is something that slides). (?) I've got a dead one, so I can experiment with impunity.

-Larry

 

 

That keyboard is prone to that... and it definately needs to be hit dead center to avoid it.

[+orpheuswaking]

The keycaps pop off and there should be a plunger assenbly underneath, careful some of them are more fragile than others.

 

 

[+bob1200xl]

Look like this?

 

 

Twist two flat-blade screwdrivers as shown to gently remove the keycap.

 

 

Lube the little white stem with viscous silicone lube - just a little.

 

 

Not much better? This is the permanent fix...

 

Bob

 

 

Do the keys "pop off" from the top? If nothing else, I possibly could use some silicone dry lube to get an easier press (assuming there is something that slides). (?) I've got a dead one, so I can experiment with impunity.

-Larry

 

 

That keyboard is prone to that... and it definately needs to be hit dead center to avoid it.

[flashjazzcat]

Not much better? This is the permanent fix...

Amazing!

[+Larry]

Hi Bob-

 

Thanks for the nice pics. And I like your droll humor!

 

I've got several good 800XL's and this is the only one with the "bad" keyboard. I see exactly what others are talking about. This one does have the "center post" design on that key. All other KB's are virtually unaffected by where (laterally) they are pressed.

 

All good info. Thanks to all.

 

-Larry

 

Look like this?

 

Twist two flat-blade screwdrivers as shown to gently remove the keycap.

 

Lube the little white stem with viscous silicone lube - just a little.

 

Not much better? This is the permanent fix...

 

Bob

 

[+Larry]

There is no real "fix" that I can see.

 

Took the key cap off, but instead of disassembling the computer, I slipped a couple of pieces of strong string under the edges of the key and slid them toward the center post. Pulled them up (one hand for each string) and the key cap popped right off. ever-so-lightly lubed the (sliding) sides of the switch. Put the key cap back on and it is slightly better -- I think. If pressed at the right edge, it still tends to bind.

 

I think a better solution might be to put a small "dot" of glue or plastic in the center of the key, so that ones finger can easily find the correct "sweet spot." Quite analogous to the "dot" on the "5" key of some calculators or "F" and "J" on some keyboards.

 

Guess I'll live with it.

 

-Larry