Easily Fixing a Faulty Logitech K120 Keyboard: A Step-by-Step Guide

Today, one of my workshop colleagues approached me with a defective Logitech K120 keyboard, requesting my assistance in diagnosing the issue. Upon plugging the keyboard into a USB port, I immediately noticed that it was completely unresponsive and the light was not illuminated. Clearly, there was a problem at hand. Based on previous experiences, this particular issue often arises due to wire malfunction.

Upon careful examination, I observed that two sections of the wire had been hot-pressed, resulting in an indentation. This usually indicates a breakage in the thin wire within the keyboard, leading to a loss of communication.

To address this, I decided to proceed with a simple test. I carefully cut off the hot-pressed sections in the middle of the data cable, leaving intact wires on both ends. Removing the black protective layer, I discovered four thin wires of different colors. Initially, I connected the wires of the same color at both ends and proceeded to test it. As anticipated, upon plugging it into the USB port of a computer, the keyboard's light illuminated and the keys began to function correctly.

With the successful test, I gathered the necessary tools for soldering, including iron chrome, solder, and heat shrinkable tubes. First, I cut the heat shrink tubing into small pieces and placed them onto the thin wires. Then, I soldered the thin wires with iron chrome and tin, ensuring a reliable connection. Afterward, using the iron chrome, I heated the heat shrinkable tubes to tightly secure them in place.

As it had been some time since I last soldered anything, I initially felt a bit rushed. However, after completing the first wire, I regained familiarity and was able to solder the remaining three wires more rapidly. Once all the wires were successfully soldered, I connected the keyboard to a computer for testing, confirming that everything was functioning properly. As a final step, I wrapped several layers of electrical tape around the soldered area to provide additional protection, thus completing the repair process.

It is worth noting that keyboards and mice often encounter similar issues, with wires being bitten by mice or getting pulled during regular usage, resulting in wire breakage. In such cases, attempting a self-repair by rewiring can be a relatively straightforward solution.

Repairing a faulty keyboard or mouse through wiring may seem daunting, but with the right tools and careful attention, it is a manageable task that can save time and money.