# Understanding the Apple IIe keyboard mechanism 2023-05-28 It took me a while to understand the key mechanism because it was different from the one shown in the [first video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhXmUHXh4yc) I watched about this topic. Anyway, after several tests and with the help of [[vladcampos.com/Blog/2023-06-16 • Generations|my son Fernando]] (yes, he's helping 👏), we figured it out how to fix thie #keyboard NOTE TO SELF: If I had watched this [other video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaWu76Fn4W4), I would have understood it in minutes. But what's the fun in that? 😄 ### How it works 1. The small square (1) inside the key is actually made of two metal pieces sandwiched together. 2. When a key is pressed, key holder (3) moves down and pushes the center of the metal piece that looks like a Y (2) against the center of the square (1). That's what closes the circuit and registers the key press. 3. There's also a spring (not shown in the picture) that brings the key holder up again after the press. ![[vladcampos.com/_files/2023-05-28-key-mechanism-01.png|Four disassembled parts of a mechanical switch are laid out on a green cutting mat, with labels indicating where a spring should be placed.]] To disassemble it, you have to gently pull outwards the two mechanisms that connect the key to the PCB, and the flat plastic tabs that look like a fat T. But be careful, this is old material that easily breaks. ![[vladcampos.com/_files/2023-05-28-key-mechanism-03.gif|A mechanical keyboard switch is placed on a green cutting mat with a grid pattern.]] ### Fixing In most cases, the solution is simply to bend the Y-shaped metal (2) piece back to its original shape. I think it gets flatter and flatter over time, and the key holder ends up not being able to press it with enough force agains the piece (1). ![[vladcampos.com/_files/2023-05-28-key-mechanism-02.png|A small black switch with metal contacts is placed on a green cutting mat with grid lines.]] <button>[[vladcampos.com/Maker/Apple IIe/The Apple IIe Project|The Apple IIe Project]]</button> ![[vladcampos.com/_embedded/After Post]]