Cleaning Slow IIe Key Switch

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Last seen: 1 day 14 hours ago
Joined: Jun 6 2020 - 10:50
Posts: 451
Cleaning Slow IIe Key Switch

I recently acquired an Apple IIe. Everything is in good shape except the caps lock liked to stick down, and one of the arrow keys doesn't like to pop all the way up/is slow to pop up. It doesn't constantly actuate, so it's usable. But kind of annoying.

 

 

I flooded both with QD electrical cleaner down the stems while working them up and down. It seemed to have helped the caps lock. It now promptly pops up when you disengage it. But the arrow key is being stubborn.

 

 

I don't know if the spring is just really weak, or something is binding in the switch. I want to try and disassemble it and see if I can give it a better cleaning to free it up. I can find info on how to replace the switch (desolder two pins, compress sides on top and lift). But can't find any guide on how to actually tear down the switch. It must be possible though, I see someone designed a 3D printed shaft. So these must be semi serviceable.

 

 

I could just give it's go at opening it. But hoping to get some pointers or advice on opening and reassembling before doing so. these appear to be the all black long stem SMK switches.

 

 

Thanks!

 

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Last seen: 1 day 14 hours ago
Joined: Jun 6 2020 - 10:50
Posts: 451
I got brave after dinner and

I got brave after dinner and just took a crack at it. It comes apart fairly easily. Just pry out the clips you had to squeeze to remove the key from the keyboard, and slide the bottom down. I gave the upper housing and the actuator a bath in some simple green, slid it back together, and it pops right up now. 

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