Keys get stuck while playing games

For reference, the keys don't physically get stuck, just that the key press is still registered after I've let go of they key. This also only happens while playing a video game.

So, I've tried looking this up with little luck (found solutions that would work if they applied), but here's what happens:

I'll be playing any video game (it's happened in Borderlands 2, TF2, and Blade and Soul so far) and any key I've pressed for more than a few seconds (such as the W key for forward) will register as pressed even after I've depressed the key. This was not happening on windows 7, but when I "upgraded" to windows 10, it started happening.

I found this solution for it http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-2432230/keyboard-keys-stuck-games.html
the problem with that is, my laptop keyboard is shown as a ps/2 keyboard and therefor doesn't have the options listed in that post for the solution.

I did plug in an USB keyboard I had lying around, and it seemed to work fine for borderlands 2, but that's inconvenient for me (especially with having so few ports).

Hardware Specs: Clevo P650SA (Sager NP8650)
Windows 10 Pro version 1511 build 10586.164

 

All laptop keyboards are listed as "PS/2" keyboards in Device Manager, so you're technically okay there.

Have you checked your Windows keyboard settings for the repeat delay and repeat rate? If they're both turned down, that can cause this issue, although that may not apply if your USB keyboard works fine. It might, instead, be an issue with the keyboard or keyboard controller.

 

here's my settings for that.

I tested it outside of gaming, and it's not doing anything like this, so I really doubt it's these, especially if it's repeating AFTER I LET GO of the key. Also, unless these settings were changed when I upgraded to windows 10, it wasn't doing this in 7 and I've never touched these settings before.

If it's an issue with anything hardware related, I'm going to be a little bit annoyed (and confused, considering it wasn't doing this on windows 7, after I got it back) because it just ran out of warranty.

I wonder if it has anything to do with flexikey or any of the other softwares that clevo packages with their system (anything related to the keyboard at least)

 

You can delete flexikey to see if it fixes, but beware, I do believe you will no longer be able to adjust your keyboard backlight brightness/colors until you reinstall flexikey

 

No reports of that currently, but anything is possible.

What BIOS and EC firmware version are you currently running?

 

Mine (Clevo P650SG) has the same problem. But only for W key. I believe the keyboard itself is faulty so I ordered a new one but haven't receive it yet. I noticed after playing games for a while, the top left part of keyboard gets hot and only after that, the problem starts to show up. So I did an experiment. I played for a while until the problem appeared. Then I exited the game and opened a notepad. And pressed and hold the W key. After 2 seconds I released it and noticed even after releasing the key, it still keeps typing wwwwww for a few seconds. I continued the experiment and found out, the cooler the keyboard gets the less the problem appears. Then I opened the keyboard and there appears to be a small crack right behind the w key but I'm not sure about that. Anyway after I receive my new keyboard I'll post the results here.

 

Interesting. Have you monitored your temps (the CPU temp, in particular)?

 

Not yet. But I will do it tonight and post the result here. As you can see in the below image, the W key is kinda on top of CPU part of mainboard. If I see any abnormal temp I'm going to repaste the cpu as well.

 

It should not impact a normal keyboard, however if yours had an issue it may highlight it.

 

I hope so. Because if it can impact a good keyboard, then the new one which I ordered, will be going the same route The thing is I have this laptop for more than a year now and it didn't have any keyboard issue until a month ago which this issue appeared (except for misregister of space key from time to time). So I think that the CPU heat actually affects the keyboard and damages it gradually.

 

Alright. Just now I played CS:GO for about an hour and according to realtemp my max core temperatures was 97-94-90-87. Seems too high. Isn't it?

 

You mentioned a small crack in the keyboard near the affected W key; maybe yours really did have an issue from day one and the heat only exacerbated it. This isn't something we get calls about frequently - or ever, really - so I think you will be safe with a replacement keyboard (as long as it doesn't have any defects right out of the box!).

94 and 97 is definitely on the high side. Definitely consider that repaste.

 

Sure. Just now I ordered Cooler Master X1 Extreme Fusion paste and I'll repaste as soon as I receive it.
Thanks for the replies.

 

Let us know how that paste treats you (I'm always interested in how a compound fares, especially ones I haven't dealt with).

And you're welcome.

 

Hello, I have the same exact problem !

My CPU is max 91°C with an average of 83°C.
My GPU max 89°C.

I do not think it comes from here because in idle, if I press W on wordpad for some time i can see the lag...and the CPU is @45°C.

I'm a little late on my IC7 repaste (each 6 month), but those temps are far from hazardous IMO, I saw worse, i do not have throttling, and the average temps are correct.

So yes maybe the heat did damage the keyboard because the w key is right above the CPU. But it does happen in idle with low temps. Try it again on wordpad press www for some time, release the key and it will continue alone wwwing...^^.

Only the Z key is lagging, i don't feel like paying 60 Euros for one key, it's annoying, and Nvidia pascal is going to be anounced friday...(I hope we'll see some good laptop cards not just desktop)

The keyboard is faulty, but when a get a new keyboard i will surely repaste /clean the fans.

 

That makes sense. For a gaming laptop I think it is quite understandable for the W key (or Z for French) to be the first victim to the violence, and being on top of the CPU at that, poor thing

 

yeah but first time I see this, a damaged W key on a gaming laptop...I mean it's like a plane that can't fly...it's a GAMING laptop, i need my W key ffs.

It's not physically damaged (no cracks etc.), but I don't know what happened, the heat must have irremediably damaged the key...

But again, it only happens in some softwares : Borderlands, battlefront (how much time i was killed because of my autowalk function...), wordpad etc.

 

Yeah understandable but not acceptable anyway, did you try to pull the key up and check the part inside ? With some luck it might just stick some where inside, not damaged.

 

Keyboards are mechanical things, sometimes you will just get something not quite right that leads to it breaking, hopefully the replacement sorts it for you.

 

I don't think it's mechanical : I don't have this issue in some softwares..

 

Run a benchmark thingy while trying out the non-affected software, something that makes the system's load and temperature max out.

 

Alright I received my keyboard and thermal compound. I installed them and the keyboard didn't work
properly. Some keys type wrong characters. For example when I press p it shows 5 and when I press 5 it shows p. I'm going to send it back and refund. As for repaste, I helped a little. Now the top left part of keyboard doesn't get as hot as before. But the W key still get stuck but for shorter time. Games are more playable now. I also did some benchmark using OCCT both before and after repaste with Cooler Master X1 Extreme Fusion. Here is the results for those who are interested.
Before repaste:


After repaste:

 

Nice, results .

Keep in mind that your thermal compound need some times before it reaches its optimal shape/viscosity.


I ordered a keyboard, because I have the same problem as you, my temps max out @90°C for the CPU and 89°C for the GPU, those are not abnormalities, but when I'll get the new keyboard I'll repaste everything.

 

Thanks. I'll repeat my test in a few days again. I hope to see a better result

Alright. I managed to fix the W key somehow. Here is how I did it. I took off the W key using my fingernail by gently pulling it off from top edge of it. Beneath the key there is small springy plastic which is glued to surface using a soft glue. I just pinched and pulled it off too. Using a syringe I put a little drop of glass cleaner on the connector. Enough to cover the whole surface of connector. After that I used one of those compressed air dust cleaner (image below) to blow the liquid around so that it gets in between two surface of pcb films.Then I gently massaged the area with a cotton bud and after that blow again with dust cleaner to make the liquid dry. I put the springy plastic back on top of connector and put the key back by gently pressing it into its place. Tested and wallah. I played at least for 12 hours now and didn't notice any issue so far at all. I hope it stays like this otherwise I have to go through the buy keyboard thing again.

 

For me it's not related to the key actually being sticky, if that was the case it wouldn't happen only in game after a certain amount of time. But glad to see it's fixed for you !

 

Mine was exactly like that. The W key got stuck only in games specially CS:GO, Borderlands 2, GTA V after a few minutes of playing. Anyway let us know if the new keyboard turn out to be good and the shop you ordered it from if possible. Thank you

 

It may be those were the games stressing the system to the point where the temperature was aggravating some issue inside.

 

Ok I cleaned my W key, still nothing...
I have my theory : the keyboard is faulty in a way where heat causes it to have latency, when you repasted, your issue disappeared, but i doubt it has something to do with cleaning, more with decreasing temps.

When I'll receive the new keyboard, I'll do a fan cleaning + Diamond repaste.

 

Sounds good. Don't forget about the heatsinks! They may need blown out also.

 

Ok got the new keyboard had only noctua NH1 thermal paste so repasted, cleaned etc.


No more key input lags .


So it was definitely related to the keyboard, maybe the excessive heat damaged it ? I hope it won't be damaged again ^^, i need this one to last.

 

Unlikely caused by heat alone.

 

Awesome! I hear good things about the Noctua paste too, so that should treat you well.

 

It's not from the heat (my opinion), I have the same Clevo laptop for 18 months now. I like playing with lower quality to keep the laptop cooler. With the old keyboard W key stoped working at all (my guess is that the key remains permanently in "stuck" mode) and after a few weeks more keys stopped working in the same area.
I've already replaced the keyboard after 1 year of use. I think that this keyboard is bad for games, there must be some design/firmware issue. The new keyboard is already starting to have the W key stuck in games after only 6 months of use. Now I play with an external keyboard and everything works great.

 

It is NOT a mechanical problem I tested everything in that area, it's not a contamination problem (dust on the printed pcb etc.) : So for me, it was continuous heat that damaged the pcb or something like that.

This keyboard is NOT really made for gaming, and you should be cautious to always clean/repaste, each few months at least, if you want to minimize keyboard issues.

 

hot point just above the model number because of constant pressure of W key

cut out teflon spacer to avoid contact of keyboard to chassis in that area

probably the screw insert was transfering a lot of heat because it sits directly below the W key...


hopefully it works now. Notepad is behaving normally. Currently testing with game.
wish me luck, try it youself.

 

I'm still having problems from time to time. I hope it works for you. Please let us know the results.

 

When i first got my NP8651 long ago some keys like W and D have this issue not releasing right after you left of your finger. Thats was like 3 months old when I noticed it in games. I tested it in dos to ensure aint software or os problem and its indeed the keyboard. So my reseller sent me a new replacement keyboad and the problem was gone. Since then I didn't use the laptop keyboard anymore our of fear getting the problem again so I used external usb keyboard.

But just few weeks ago I had to repaste the cpu/gpu and cleanup. I put it back together and tested some games and this time I decided to just use the laptop keyboard. Guess what "W" key getting stuck again and not releasing instantly right after you pull off my finger, takes extra 1~2 seconds.

I really somewhat feel bad about clevo/sager on this kind of quality on their keyboard. I didn't have keyboard problems on all my old previous laptops. Maybe fixable as few suggest but considering I barely used this keyboard since replacement its hard to think its already faulty.

 

I'm experiencing the exact same problem in Borderlands 2 and Diablo 3.

In BL2 it is the 'w' key and Diablo it is the '1' key (bound to continuous use skill like strafe/ww).

This is with the 8651 and it happens after playing awhile.

I can't help but agree with the other posters that it is mechanical/heat related due to their relative positions and duration of playing.

 

I was just browsing and I happened across this thread. The same thing happened to my computer. When you let the W key up, the key physically moves up, but can you hear a little click a few seconds later when it actually stops registering as pressed? I believe the problem is the little rubber cup that is the actual key contact. It heats up and sticks. I pulled mine off and cleaned it with alcohol and a Qtip. It's glued down but will stay in place without glue. Clean both the circuit board contact and the underside of the rubber cup. That has helped quite a bit but I've done it twice now, it comes back when the cup gets hot for long periods. I've also pulled a rubber cup off a less used key, the / on the number pad and put that under the W key. Not sure which one really fixed the problem since I did both at once.

 

Hi Guys,

I FOUND THE SOLUTION/FIX for this issue, and here it is:

What's the Issue itself:
When playing heavy games (GTA V, Battlefield 1 and even CS GO) and while -we- gamers press and hold the W key for a long period (usually more than 10 seconds) but when I lift my finger off the W key the player keeps running forward (and the laptop keeps registering the W key) for a few seconds (up to 5 seconds sometimes).

Investigating the Issue's origin:
After a long week of investigating the issue's origin, I did everything that I could do (software-wise), I even reset my Windows 10 and installed everything from scratch, but nothing solved it.
After that I started worrying about hardware issues (keyboard problem), I googled my problem and unfortunately no solutions were found, until I checked this forum and found some reasonable talks about the problem.

The issue is indeed a hardware problem:
This issue is due to the heat generated by the Processor (which lies under the upper part of the keyboard and exactly where the W key is located). The heat (over long periods of usage) can damage the rubber 'suction cup' membrane of the W key, thus creating some wrong contacts with the PCB when the laptop gets hot (playing heavy games).
PS: That's why when you guys test the keyboard from a fresh start (cold laptop) the keyboard behaves normally.


Solving the Issue:
Thanks to 'chuckazul' who actually brought this idea to my mind.

What you'll need:

• Screw drivers to open the laptop apart (so easy to do).
• Thin plastic piece: which can hold up against high heat (you can test it using a hairdryer and blowing it with high temperature for say 5 minutes and see if it doesn't produce any smoke or gets burned)
• Rubbing Alcohol to clean the key's PCB contacts. (and a Cloth or Cotton of course)
• Thermal Paste (optional): only if you're willing to replace the thermal paste already.
• Tape (optional): should also withstand high temps
• Hairdryer (optional): to clean the laptop from dust as well as heat-test the plastic piece.
• Brush (optional): to help brushing away dust while using the hairdryer.
• 1-2 hours of free dedicated time.

My Laptop is a Clevo/Sager P651 RE (which is similar to many of yours already).

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

1. Start by removing the Keyboard (you can follow this easy tutorial HERE for Clevo/Sager and similar laptops)

(You can find your laptop's keyboard removing tutorial anywhere, just Google it)

2. After removing the keyboard and removing the keyboard's ribbon cables put the computer apart, because we need the keyboard only for now.

3. Remove the W key by gently pulling it up with your fingers. You'll find 2 white plastic parts which you can remove easily if you pull them off from the metal brackets ( they are flexible you can gently flex them so they can get out of the metal brackets)

(You can Google 'how to remove keyboard keys' and you'll find some decent amount of tutorials showing the above step).

4. Now you are left with the white 'suction cup' membrane lying on the PCB. It is glued using some soft glue. To remove it, bring up the Hairdryer and blow it with heat for a few seconds (making the glue easy to remove). Now with a pair of tweezers or your fingers pull the membrane up gently removing it from the PCB.

5. Dump a soft Cloth in rubber alcohol and gently rub the PCB part where the key were.


6. Take off any other key that you don't use so much, the same way you took off the W button (I took off the '%'). Because we are going to swap the membrane as well as the plastic parts of the W key and the other key.


7. Now swap the 2 key's membranes as well as the plastic parts and put back both keys.

(If you find it hard to put back the white plastic parts you can Google 'how to remove keyboard keys')


NOW FOR THE MAGIC PART

1. Cut a Thin plastic piece which can withstand heat.

2. Wrap it in heat duct tape (Optional).

3. Place it under the keyboard where the W key lies.

PS: Make sure to make holes where the screws or other components are.

For reference you can check the below post by chuckazul . Except my plastic piece was wider and longer and covered a slightly bigger area.


OPTIONAL PART

Clean your processor's fan from dust and replace the thermal paste if it exceeded say 6 Months or so. (The thermal paste I used and always use is MX4 Silver and it is amazing).

That's all guys, I tested it with gaming for a few hours and seems to behave normally (at least for now).
This is the best solution/fix for this issue, because buying a new keyboard 1. Costs Money and 2. It will have the same problem again after some time.

 

Great, thank you. I'll have to give this a try sometimes.

The glue that you removed from the membrane, did you have to replace it with something else or just put the swapped membrane back in place without gluing anything?

 

I didn't place any glue, the membrane won't move if the key is placed on top of it.
Just place it in its place and place the key on top, that's it.

It's working fine until now !

 

Mine (P650SG) has been having the same problem. Did the above solution and it is still doing it so time for a new keyboard. I'll keep the spacer under the W key when I replace it.

Anyone have a known good seller that they used? I would love to get a replacement where the WASD keys were a different light color (like blue) and had a small bump on them for the tactile aspect.

This is the best price I could find ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-for-Cle...791250?hash=item25afd57292:g:BMEAAOSwIBBUa2il). Other sites were much more expensive. I would prefer a US store in case I need to send it back.

Edit: I ordered it for $58. Its kinda annoying our keyboard is twice as much as others when its known to break eventually.

thanks

 

P650SG owner, and same stuck 'W' issue... was looking for much discussion on this back last year, and nothing. Just found this now and wanted to thank everyone for the creative attempts/solutions to fix this problem - can't wait to give chuckazul's suggestion a try and get back to a fully-functional WASD Cheers, everyone!

 

I put in my new keyboard and its working fine again. Took about 2 weeks to come in from China to the US.

 

Any updates on this? Is it still working fine after a few months?

 

Woah that is expensive. I just got the same keyboard from Taobao.

https://world.taobao.com/item/536731927677.htm?fromSite=main&spm=a1z09.2.0.0.QrTrrW&_u=t2mjg9fee85a

 

i got solution
watch this video:

 

Feedback on my situation -- tried Chuckazul's method, and was a fail - tried being careful, but nearly destroyed the white plunger under the key in the process, and problem remained anyhow. Finally realized it'd be far easier just to buy a replacement board off Taobao for ~$10 usd like exercutor5 did I'd recommend this to anyone here suffering the same problem. Cheap and fast solution.

 

How has the new keyboard been holding up? I just started having this issue too. Also did you have any problems buying from Taobao?