Embedded Files
Fix for the sticky, stiff, noisy spacebar problems with Microsoft's natural ergonomic keyboard 4000
(2016) Here is a solution for the problem many have experienced for years with the spacebar of Microsoft's favorite natural ergonomic keyboard 4000. The spacebar of this keyboard is hard to press evenly and smoothly, and it makes annoying clicking noises, unlike all other smooth and quiet keys. I recently bought a new one despite these problems, replacing a Logitech Wave that was causing wrist pain. But using the keyboard out of the box as is, is not an option.
I opened up the new keyboard by removing the ALT, B and N keys, followed by the spacebar, using a pointy knife with a stiff blade and popping them up from underneath. The spacebar can be removed from the bottom in the center. I used an old ergonomic keyboard to analyse what was causing the problem and to test out the solution — and it works!!
Remove the spacebar with a thin stiff blade. Remove both ALT keys next to the spacebar also, as well as the B and N keys. They easily pop up by prying underneath, without damaging other parts of the keyboard.
Use a 6 mm (1/4") wide rubber band and cut 2 pieces of about 10 mm (3/8") long.
Glue the two small pieces of rubber band with super glue onto the 2 outer hollow posts or "stoppers" on the keyboard. This is what causes MOST of the noisy tapping!! See next image.
(Bogdan Bujdea found the rubber band solution too complicated and used nerf foam. He also posted a nice video with sounds before and after, so I suggest you have a look at his solution too.)
A solution suggested by others: add padding at the top edges.
I used double-sided 3M foam tape of about 2 mm (1/16") thick, but any padding of about that size should work. Remove one side of the protective strip to glue it down!
Cut a 2 x 5 cm (25/32" x 2") strip out of a 5 x 5 cm (2" x 2") sticky note or similar paper.
Roll the strip into a tiny roll. I wrapped it around a toothpick. A sticky note has the right thickness but other paper should work too.
Place the tiny roll into the center stud of the spacebar.
It will stick out about 2 mm (1/16") so the spacebar better activates the contact inside at the bottom of the post. Now, put the spacebar back in place. See next.
Keep the bar tilted forward and make sure that the two "arms" of the "coathanger" (as Microsoft seems to call it) are directed backwards and rest in front of the L-shaped plastic brackets. The arms will slide underneath the brackets when you click the spacebar back in place, but first make sure that the stud with the roll of paper rests in the receiving post. Press the spacebar down until it clicks in place.
Put back the other keys. Pay attention to the N-key which has a small coathanger as well. The arms need to slide under their plastic brackets too.
THAT'S IT! Type away. I have been using it for two years now, without any complaints whatsoever.
You'll be surprised!!
Page updated
Report abuse