'1' key not working
Hi! I've gone through all the steps in the troubleshooting, and it seems like the '1' key on my MX lily58 still isn't working. Any other thoughts?
7 Replies
Nice work going through the single-key steps already. Let’s narrow it down further.
First, confirm whether it’s only that key or a whole row/column:
- Test other keys in the same column as “1” (the ones directly below it) and the same row (keys to its right). Do they all work?
- If multiple keys in that line fail, follow Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working and use the pin map on Lily58 Wireless Troubleshooting & Pinouts to check/reflow the matching nice!nano pin(s) on both the nano and PCB sides.
If it’s truly only the “1” key:
- Re-seat and re-test with a known-good switch again to double-confirm.
- Reflow both sides of that key’s hotswap socket; add a small amount of fresh solder to each pad.
- With the plate off, gently lift the two gold leaves inside the socket a hair so they make firm contact with the switch pins.
- Inspect the nearby diode (same direction as neighbors, not cracked). Reflow each end.
- Continuity tests (power off):
- Switch pin to socket pad: should be continuous.
- Across the switch while pressed: should go from open to closed.
- Socket pad to the expected row/column path (per the pinout): should be continuous and not shorted to adjacent nets.
Optional sanity check: flash our default Lily58 firmware to rule out a mapping issue: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/firmware
If you can, send clear close-up photos of the “1” key area (front and back), the socket solder joints, its diode, and the corresponding nice!nano pins. I can review and point to the likely spot. Reply here or tag me so I get notified.
Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix row(s) or column(s) not working on your keyboard.
Troubleshooting & Pinouts | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're running into issues with your keyboard, check out our Troubleshooting page for common issues and solutions. If you're still having trouble, please reach out to use on Discord!
Firmware | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're not familiar, ZMK is a wireless-focused firmware, and it powers our Lily58 Wireless.
Re-flashed default firmware, issue persists. Tried several more switches to rule that out, diode looks good and in same orientation as the rest. Any tips on: "With the plate off, gently lift the two gold leaves inside the socket a hair so they make firm contact with the switch pins."? I'm not sure how I could "lift" the inside of the leaves
i should add, i also tried re-flowing the 4 solder pads in question
@TyperAI Re-flashed default firmware, issue persists. Tried several more switches to rule that out, diode looks good and in same orientation as the rest. Any tips on: "With the plate off, gently lift the two gold leaves inside the socket a hair so they make firm contact with the switch pins."? I'm not sure how I could "lift" the inside of the leaves. i should add, i also tried re-flowing the 4 solder pads in question
@TyperAI Re-flashed default firmware, issue persists. Tried several more switches to rule that out, diode looks good and in same orientation as the rest. Any tips on: "With the plate off, gently lift the two gold leaves inside the socket a hair so they make firm contact with the switch pins."? I'm not sure how I could "lift" the inside of the leaves. i should add, i also tried re-flowing the 4 solder pads in question
Great job narrowing it down. Here’s how to “lift” the hotswap contacts safely, plus next checks.
Adjusting the socket leaves (MX/Kailh style)
- Power off/unplug battery.
- Remove the keycap, switch, and plate so you can see the socket.
- From the switch side, you’ll see two tiny gold spring contacts inside the socket holes.
- Using a very small flat-head, sewing needle, or fine tweezers, gently nudge each gold contact a hair toward the center opening. Think “just enough to increase tension,” not a bend. Over-bending can crack the leaf.
- Reinstall the switch straight and test.
If no change, confirm the net isn’t open:
- With a multimeter (power off), check continuity from this key’s socket to a neighboring key in the same column and same row. If one side is open, you’ve likely got a broken trace/pad or a cold joint on that net.
- Use the Lily58 pin map to find which nice!nano pins correspond to that row/column and reflow those nano pins too: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/troubleshooting
- More detail on row/column diagnosis: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/rows-columns-not-working
If both nets have good continuity but the key still won’t register, the socket itself may be faulty:
- Replace the socket: add flux, heat one side and gently lift, then the other; clean pads, seat a new socket flat, solder each pad.
If you’d like, send close-up photos of the “1” key socket (front/back), its diode, and the related nice!nano pins, and I’ll mark exactly where to focus. If you need a replacement socket, email hello@typeractive.xyz with your order number and we’ll help. Reply here or tag me so I’m notified.
Troubleshooting & Pinouts | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're running into issues with your keyboard, check out our Troubleshooting page for common issues and solutions. If you're still having trouble, please reach out to use on Discord!
Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix row(s) or column(s) not working on your keyboard.
I replaced the socket with a known good one from another keyboard. Checking across the installed switch with a meter it toggles when pressed as expected. Diode reads ~0.6v. Reflowed the pins on the nano based on the build guide. Reflashed default firmware a second time to be extra sure it's not a firmware issue. Is there anything else that could cause a single switch not to register?
You’ve covered all the big suspects. If only that single key fails, the most likely remaining cause is a local open on either its row or its column trace (a hairline break or lifted pad), not firmware or the nice!nano pin.
Quick live test
- With power on, short the two “1” socket pads with metal tweezers. If it still doesn’t register, one side of that key isn’t actually connected to the matrix.
Find which side is open (power off for continuity tests)
1) Identify the “1” key’s row/column and the matching nice!nano pins on the pin map: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/troubleshooting
2) Column side: probe continuity from the “1” key’s column pad to the nearest other key’s column pad (typically the key right below it). It should beep.
3) Row side: probe from the “1” key’s row pad, through its diode, to the next key in the same row. It should beep (note diode is directional).
4) Also probe from each pad to the corresponding nice!nano pin (per the pin map). Any open indicates where the break is.
If you find an open
- Inspect under bright light for a cracked via or torn pad. Clean, flux, and re-tin the pad/via; re-test.
- If still open, add a small jumper wire:
- Column fix: from the “1” column pad to the nearest known-good pad on the same column (neighbor key) or a column via.
- Row fix: from the “1” row pad (or diode pad) to a known-good point on the same row.
- Keep the wire short, avoid crossing other nets, and secure with a dab of tape or epoxy.
Reference for matrix debugging: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/troubleshooting/rows-columns-not-working
If you share close, well-lit photos of the “1” area (front/back), its diode, and the related nice!nano pins, I can mark exactly where to probe or jumper. If you’d prefer repair/replacement options, email hello@typeractive.xyz with your order number and photos. Reply here or tag me so I’m notified.
Troubleshooting & Pinouts | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're running into issues with your keyboard, check out our Troubleshooting page for common issues and solutions. If you're still having trouble, please reach out to use on Discord!
Row(s) or Column(s) Not Working | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
Fix row(s) or column(s) not working on your keyboard.
How do i probe along the rows and columns since the pcb is coated?
@TyperAI see my last message
Great question—you don’t need to hit the covered traces. Probe only at exposed metal points.
Where to place your meter probes (power off):
- Switch/socket pads: The hotswap socket solder joints on the back are exposed—probe right on the solder fillet.
- Diode ends: Each diode has two exposed terminations; probe on the solder at each end.
- nice!nano pins: Use the soldered header joints for the specific row/column pins from the Lily58 pin map: https://docs.typeractive.xyz/build-guides/lily58-wireless/troubleshooting
- Vias/test pads: Look for small round copper rings (often uncovered). These are also valid probe points.
Tips if pads are tiny:
- Use sharp probes, or hold a sewing needle under the probe tip for precision contact.
- If you absolutely must, you can very lightly scrape a tiny spot of solder mask near a pad to expose copper, test, then seal with clear nail polish. Only as a last resort.
What to test:
- Identify the two socket pads for the “1” key. One goes to the diode (row side), the other is the column side. If unsure, just test both.
- Column continuity: “1” column pad -> column pad of the key below it AND -> the matching nice!nano column pin.
- Row continuity: “1” row pad (through its diode) -> the next key’s row diode pad AND -> the matching nice!nano row pin.
- Any open = likely hairline break/lifted pad. Jumper from that pad to the nearest known-good point on the same net (neighbor key pad/diode pad or directly to the nano pin).
If you share close, well-lit photos of the “1” area (front/back), its diode, and your nice!nano pins, I can mark exact probe points or jumper locations. If you need parts/help with a repair, email hello@typeractive.xyz with your order number. Reply here or tag me so I’m notified.
Troubleshooting & Pinouts | Typeractive.xyz Documentation
If you're running into issues with your keyboard, check out our Troubleshooting page for common issues and solutions. If you're still having trouble, please reach out to use on Discord!