T41 space key suddenly unreliable - fix?

[feklee]

Since some days, when I hit the space key off center, it sometimes doesn't register a key press. I already cleaned mechanics with isopropanol, and it looks like new, but the issue persists.

What could be the cause? Perhaps the little blue rubber dome underneath the key is somehow worn out? Is there a fix?

[rkawakami]

Basically the fix is to replace the entire keyboard. If you are sure that there's no foreign matter underneath the space bar, nor is there anything impeding the smooth operation of the pantographs (i.e., the scissor-like assembly), then that leaves improper contact on the switch as the cause of the problem. This assumes that none of the other keys are showing any difficulty. It's not too practical to attempt a repair by removing/replacing the conductive dome (I believe that they're glued in place) but I suppose if you're careful and you can swap the space dome with another key that's not used that much (Pause/Break ?) then give it a go. You might want to clean the contact traces under the dome while they're exposed. A little isopropyl on a cotton swab should be okay as long as you don't leave any cotton fibers behind. The only problem is to figure out what kind of glue to use to keep the dome in place.

[feklee]

Thanks for the suggestions, rkawakami!

I indeed use space a lot, as I am hooked to TouchCursor, a piece of software that allows me to keep my fingers near the home row at all times.