Pinephone keyboard poor pogo pin connection

[neil_swann80]

My Pinephone keyboard isn't connecting to the pogo pins well.  I've tried the shim method, but this only seems to raise the plastic edge of the connector section, rather than the connectors themselves, so didn't correct the issue.  Unless the shim can pass directly under the the connectors (which doesn't seem possible) I can't see how this method would help.  I've tried various shim materials, card, plastic, aluminium drinks can etc.  Experimented with multiple layers of shim etc.

Currently the keyboard only functions for me (with or without a shim) if I apply a little pressure on the rear of the case over the area of the pins.

I'm certain the phone and case are connected correctly, everything has clicked into place.  I could not apply any more pressure to the phone when seating it without risking cracking the display.

Is there an alternate workaround to this issue?

[jurop88]

Unless the shim can pass directly under the the connectors (which doesn't seem possible)

I take no responsibility for that but... i'd say it is possible. I tried different shims cut off from plastic boxes recycled from plastic littery (some biscuits container, an olive container, yogurt box and so on...)
A 0.7mm thick shim made the back bulgy, a 0.15mm was too thin. In the end I cut a plastic rectangle of approx 16x10mm 0.37mm thick and managed to entirely slide it between the contacts and the back of the case using some 'plastic case openers' (the blue triangles from iFixit set). It is totally invisible and in my case it made the contacts fully reliable.

[neil_swann80]

Unless the shim can pass directly under the the connectors (which doesn't seem possible)

I take no responsibility for that but... i'd say it is possible. I tried different shims cut off from plastic boxes recycled from plastic littery (some biscuits container, an olive container, yogurt box and so on...)
A 0.7mm thick shim made the back bulgy, a 0.15mm was too thin. In the end I cut a plastic rectangle of approx 16x10mm 0.37mm thick and managed to entirely slide it between the contacts and the back of the case using some 'plastic case openers' (the blue triangles from iFixit set). It is totally invisible and in my case it made the contacts fully reliable.

Amazing... thanks for replying.  You gave me the confidence to proceed. Using a spudger (plastic case opener) I was able to carefully lift the clips on the pogo connector section, then pass a blade under the section to break the adhesive.  A shim would then pass all the way under the contacts.  Two layers of aluminium drinks can worked for me.

I now have working keyboard.  Next job... add the 3D printed spacers to the number row!