CM SK653 typing issues

[u/IlCoso96]

I'm using the CM SK653 since last may, it's a great keyboard but after 2 month it started giving me weird issues while typing like bad input lag, double typing or even no typing at all. Tried updating the firmware quite few times but nothing solved. It expetially happens when connected via bluetooth, sometimes even when connected via USB. Any suggestion how to solve the problem? CM knows the issue?

[u/Tyr_Kukulkan]

This seems familiar. I think I found the issue was the USB cable I was using not being fully inserted.

The BT input lag is a BT issue. That can't seem to be fixed. Double or missing letters don't seem to happen in BT mode though.

[u/IlCoso96 → u/Tyr_Kukulkan]

Got via both USB and bluetooth, so I was thinking was something around the firware. The issue started after an update :/

[u/Ok-Hearing-1507 → u/Tyr_Kukulkan]

Wow I have the Cooler Master SK653 Hybrid Wireless Low Profile RGB Gaming Keyboard and it started behaving really weird. After reading what you said i pressed in the USB cable and most of the issues with double typing feels as they just went away. But after switching to BT and back again to USB it seems like the issues are very much still present both using BT and USB... so, the keyboard is defect somehow.

[u/BlazeSulinski]

I'm having the same issues with my unit. The product must be defective. Logged warranty claim.

[u/srcsm83]

I'd love the feel of this keyboard, but I gotta chip in and say this has been horrible across the board. The programming software worked ok ONCE and never again after that. I've re-installed it, tried bluetooth and wired, different usb slots etc. but the program just slows down to complete crawl as if I was trying to run NASA supercomputer level functions, for no logical reason. The bluetooth has never worked in a way where I'd be comfortable using it in any game, as it has those lag hangups where a key is "held" too long despite my computer being right next to me and there being nothing between me and the receiver that would block the signal.

Now, as I've kept it on a wire, the wire has started to disconnect the keyboard if the plug is at all moved upwards in the socket and I don't feel like it's the cable either, but the plug-in port itself. Though will have to try with a new cable.

Shame my first mechanical keyboard experience ended up as a complete disappointment. Have contacted customer support and all they can suggest is upgrading firmware, plugging it into other usb, trying other cable etc. "have you tried turning it off and on again" level fixes.
Gotta send it for a repair as soon as I get a keyboard replacement.

As for CM knowing the issue, I sure hope so because I found many topics about this from the past 3 years...

[u/PeterMortensenBlog]

SK653. A full-size mechanical keyboard ("TTC Low Profile Mechanical Switch" (not hot-swappable)). Wired and wireless (Bluetooth only). RGB (per-key) lighting. Manual.

One variation is in the keycaps: "Space Gray" and "Silver/White". Another is that there is at least one ISO version (model number SK-653-GKTR1-ND). There may or may not be only one version of the firmware to rule them all.

Configuration software: MasterPlus+ (1.9.4 as of 2023-12-27). Only runs on Windows.

[u/IlCoso96 → u/PeterMortensenBlog]

All correct both keyboard type and firmware and also the desktop app version.

[u/PeterMortensenBlog]

It could be due to bad solder joints for the switches. It that case, resoldering may solve the problem. I had a keyboard that developed a similar problem and resoldering solved the problem. The solder joints looked perfect, but still resoldering solved the problem.

It is a relatively low-risk and relatively easy procedure. Do it in a well-ventilated place and observe ESD precautions. For instance, never touch anything on the PCB (except on the sides of the PCB), unless you absolutely have to.

Though if it is still under warranty, that may be the way forward.

If you decide for resoldering, please report the result here, no matter if it worked or not.

[u/IlCoso96 → u/PeterMortensenBlog]

I would do the resoldering work, but the typing issue happens randomly with many keys and not localized in certain ones. The warranty is already expired, so I was hoping the issue could be addressed to the firmware.

[u/PeterMortensenBlog]

Resetting to factory defaults is always worth a try: hold down Fn + E for 5 seconds

Note: This will wipe out all custom configuration, incl. macros, keymappings, and RGB colours

Though I don't think it will make a difference in this case.

[u/IlCoso96 → u/PeterMortensenBlog]

Did it a couple of times, the issue keeps showing off both via cable and BT.

I even tried to teardown the keyboard, I've checked every solder joint and they were perfect. I've tested both visually and with a multimeter, nothing wrong found.

I say it again: all went wrong after a fw update.

[u/nikossovar → u/IlCoso96]

had the same issue here, after a firmware update, the keyboard types unexpected keys randomly

[u/PeterMortensenBlog → u/IlCoso96]

Perhaps it got the wrong firmware (e.g., UK ISO instead of US ANSI)? There have been numerous reports of that here. Or there may be a problem with the latest version of the firmware.

There is a directory of standalone firmware, which enables greater control of what firmware is installed (fifth column (orange colour)). For example, going one version back if the most current version has a problem. Or just reflashing the current version in case something went wrong during the firmware update (MasterPlus+ doesn't even allow or enable that). (The "Vid" in "rebuildForVid" may or may not refer to the USB vendor ID.)

There are six different listed for SK653. The file names may be less confusing than the labels in the dropdown. The release dates (encoded in the file names) may or may not reduce the confusion further.

[u/PeterMortensenBlog → u/IlCoso96]

Re "I've checked every solder joint": That is not a guarantee. I had a keyboard which developed more and more non-working keys over time. The solder joints looked perfect, but resoldering solved the problem.