If you are experienced PC player, you have probably came across a broken or malfunctioning mouse. We are going to look at the unwanted double-click problem and provide detailed guide with many macro photos and video how to fix it regardless of mouse model. Without any soldering and with just basic tools you can bring back to life your older or aging, but once expensive, gaming mouse.
The Problem
Double-clicking in single click, inability to create continuous line in paint application, difficulty to move camera in RTS, iron sights not sticking in FPS - these are all symptoms of a broken mouse button. Culprit in majority of cases is a component called miniature snap-action switch, or micro switch. This switch contains three leads and a metal with little spring. This metal is jumping between two contacts thanks to the spring and bridging connection between contacts.
This spring can become tired so it isn't providing pressure necessary to maintain connection. With combination of dirt (dust) and oxidation on the contact areas, it is a perfect recipe for unstable connection and unwanted double clicks.
Fig. 1 - types of micro switches |
You will need:
1. screw driver (type depends on your mouse model, Phillips and flat head should be enough
2.tweezers
3.safety pin, nail scissors or something pointy
4.contacts cleaner or rubbing alcohol
5.any type of glue
6.camera (cellphone will suffice)
7.little bit of time
Tips:
1.Make several photos of each step, it will help you tremendously in reassembly.
2.Don't use much force, there can be hidden screws or latches and you will break something if you are not careful.
3.Disconnect your mouse from computer and pull out batteries first.
4.Take your time, you do not have be finished in ten minutes.
5.Every photo in this guide is in high resolution, visit gallery for additional details.
6.And as usual, PCGamingWiki is not responsible for any damages caused by following this guide.
1. Mouse disassemble
This step is unfortunately rather vague, because of each mouse having vastly different design. Be extra careful and look for hidden latches and screws when pulling parts apart.
First of all you have to find screws on your mouse. Usual places are under rubber feet, in battery compartment and under stickers. Consult Google with a name of your mouse and word "disassemble".
Fig. 2 - possible screw locations |
Fig. 3 - Logitech MX700 without cover |
For example in figure 3, Logitech MX700 is very complicated mouse with three layers of PCB's, two of which has soldered hard connection (4 pins directly above scroll wheel and on the left of D-3 component) and soldered flat cable between two other (upper right corner, white cable). There are five fixable switches on this mouse and three unfixable.
Vast majority of manufacturers are using Omron type switches for main buttons (see figure 1 and 4). There is a possibility of finding smaller, four pin surface mounted switches, that cannot be opened and repaired without soldering. These can be also found in Xbox 360 controller.
Fig. 4 - Omron type micro switch |
So you have located faulty switch and ensured enough access to it. Opening it is fairly straight forward. There are usually two latches, that has to be lifted separately (figure 5). Some manufacturers has these latches on the long sides of the switch (figure 1).
Fig. 5 - location of latches on the Omron micro switch |
Fig. 6 - one latch unlocked and cover slightly lifted |
Fig. 7 - both latches unlocked and both sides of cover slightly lifted |
Fig. 8 - uncovered switch and detail of the white pin |
You can see insides of the switch. The part, that needs fixing, is the long metal with spring in the middle and It needs to come of the rest of the switch. This is another not very difficult task, lay the switch flat, as shown on figure 8, hold the part without the spring with two fingers and twist the metal to the side. It should go fairly easily and you'll end up with bare metal with spring (upper left side of figure 9).
Fig. 9 - Metal with spring and prying spring |
Now for the tricky part: you have to put it back together. See figure 10 in full resolution for more details. There are two grooves on the two metal pins on the base of the switch (numbered 1 and 2 on the figure 10). These grooves are corresponding with cutouts on the metal, also numbered 1 and 2. The hammer needs to go between two most right pins.
Fig. 10 - grooves on contacts and metal spring detail |
Fig. 11 - reassembling metal with spring on the switch base |
Fig. 12 - properly seated metal spring on the switch base |
4. Testing and Reassembly
Close the switch and make sure, you are putting the cover the right way. White pin should not be directly above the spring. Consult your photos for proper orientation. Unfortunately you have to fully reassemble your mouse to do proper testing. Screws are putting the right amount of pressure on the micro switches and without them you could get another faulty clicks.
Sometimes sound of the click and force needed to achieve button press can change slightly depending of force used on prying the spring. Try to open it again if you are not satisfied with results.
The best way to test success of the fix is in any paint application. Create a blank document, pick any color and create any random shape with the button, you've just fixed. You should get continuous line if the fix is successful. Glue back the rubber feet and enjoy your fixed mouse.
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