One key doesn't work when pressing another key
This is a bit strange but I will try my best to explain. On my right half the middle button in the first collumn is my M key and the first thumb button is my shift key. When I press the m key it works fine and when I quickly press my shift key and then the M key it also works fine. However, if I hold the shift key and then press the M key then nothing happens. Every other key works fine and capitalizes normally, but just that one key does not. What could be causing this, and how could I fix it?
1 Reply
Thanks for the clear explanation — that helps a lot!
This specific issue almost always comes down to a hardware problem on the column or row level, not firmware. Since both keys work individually, but one fails when held together, it suggests there’s likely a problem with either: 1. A bad solder joint on the column/row pin tied to your
- When multiple keys in the same matrix intersection are pressed, poor soldering or a partial connection can prevent a proper signal.
- Reflow (reheat) the solder joints for both the
- If the socket’s leaf contacts aren’t firmly touching the switch pins, it can cause strange behavior under chorded presses.
- You can try removing the switch, checking the pins are straight, and gently bending the socket contacts to improve contact. 3. Diode orientation or bad joint.
- Each switch has a small diode. If the one for
Here are the steps I recommend:
- Remove and reseat the
- Reflow solder for the
- Check the diode direction matches the others in the same row.
- If possible, test continuity with a multimeter between the switch pins, socket pads, and the diode.
This is covered in the Single Key Not Working guide.
👉 Since other combos work fine, fixing that one joint/diode should solve your issue.
Would you like me to also point you to the pinout for your right half so you can check exactly which nice!nano pin that column/row corresponds to for testing?
This specific issue almost always comes down to a hardware problem on the column or row level, not firmware. Since both keys work individually, but one fails when held together, it suggests there’s likely a problem with either: 1. A bad solder joint on the column/row pin tied to your
M key or Shift key.- When multiple keys in the same matrix intersection are pressed, poor soldering or a partial connection can prevent a proper signal.
- Reflow (reheat) the solder joints for both the
M key switch, its diode, and the nearby socket pins for the nice!nano.
2. A short or weak contact in the hotswap socket.- If the socket’s leaf contacts aren’t firmly touching the switch pins, it can cause strange behavior under chorded presses.
- You can try removing the switch, checking the pins are straight, and gently bending the socket contacts to improve contact. 3. Diode orientation or bad joint.
- Each switch has a small diode. If the one for
M is poorly soldered or cracked, it will often work individually but fail when pressed with modifiers like Shift.Here are the steps I recommend:
- Remove and reseat the
M switch, inspect for bent pins.- Reflow solder for the
M switch socket and its diode.- Check the diode direction matches the others in the same row.
- If possible, test continuity with a multimeter between the switch pins, socket pads, and the diode.
This is covered in the Single Key Not Working guide.
👉 Since other combos work fine, fixing that one joint/diode should solve your issue.
Would you like me to also point you to the pinout for your right half so you can check exactly which nice!nano pin that column/row corresponds to for testing?