Pinebook 14" keyboard misses keypresses UPDATE

[MarkHaysHarris777]

See Post #4 for key module pics & analysis.

The 14" Pinebook keyboard misses keypresses if you're a very fast typist. 

This issue is a mechanical problem, not apparently electrical and occurs because fast keypresses will from time to time 'hit' on the corners of the keys. If the keys are pressed distinctly in the center of the key the misses are not apparent.

Also, hunt&peck typists will likely not have this issue either;  for the reason stated above.

The Pinebook prototype does not have this issue because the mechanism under the keytop is slightly larger;  the keybutton has a 'further' key-travel just by a tiny bit;  just enough that full key travel occurs regardless of where the key is pressed (center or corner) !

The downside of the prototype keyboard is that there is a noticeable 'gap' around the key;  and the keyboard is NOT sealed.  Consequently, dust can get into the keyboard and gum it up.  The newer keyboard was designed for less key-travel (and less dust) but which unfortunately resulted in missing keypresses. 

I was planning initially (for the purposes of electrical testing) of swapping out the lower case assembly (containing the prototype keyboard and trackpad) with the lower case on my pre release Pinebook.  This has shown to be not practical. The prototype keyboard is plastic riveted into the lower case, and the lower case is quite a bit larger than the 14" lower case mold-- significantly.  The lower prototype case is 349.25mm wide, and 231.78mm deep. The trackpad is white and is significantly larger too; 74.6mm x 103.19mm.  The only practical way to test the prototype keyboard with my 14" pre release Pinebook is to run an FFC cable extension assembly (with connectors) across the table to the running Pinebook.  

This test is probably better suited to the laboratory, frankly, but I am game for trying it if I can find the right adapter and extension;  will keep you posted on that !

The only other difference I can 'see' is that the prototype keyboard has the unimportant dreaded Microsoft Windows logo on the menu key (third from the left, bottom row). All things being equal, I can see why the hardware developers chose the present keyboard over the 'Microsoft' keyboard with dust openings!  Unfortunately, the released keyboard & case did not undergo sufficient pre release product testing.

Notes:   user's list:
sample case 1