Double Tapping Repair Guide

Detailed report on what the issue is, how it happens, and how to prevent it from happening to your Sim Pad.

What is double tapping?

Some users of Sim Pad 2 have reported that their Sim Pads are registering multiple key inputs when pressing the key once. If an input signal is detected multiple times, it can result in double tapping.

The percentage of people experiencing this issue is less than 0.1% and is not considered a major issue or defect with the device.

Sim Pads are designed similarly to other hot-swappable mechanical keyboards and use the same materials and parts that are industry standard with other mechanical keyboards.

This is a comprehensive guide on why double tapping occurs and how to resolve the issue.

Causes of double-tapping issues

Switch related issue

Switches can cause double tapping or non-responsiveness either due to manufacturing defects or switch modifications. Switches are highly sensitive components and manufacturing defects can occur. Switch modifications like lubing and filming can introduce dust particles between the contacts and cause double-tapping.

It is more common for tactile switches to experience double tapping. We have some users report that tactile switches like the Boba U4T experiences double tapping after switch modification.

High number of hard presses can also adds wear to the internal components of the switch, causing it to register multiple times.

Switches that are not properly seated in the hot-swappable sockets can also cause double-tapping. If the contact pin on the bottom of the switch is worn out or disfigured, it can cause double tapping.

Solution: replace the switch with another switch to test if the switch is causing double-tapping. If so, try seating the switch again and see if the issue persist. Otherwise, a replacement switch is needed.

Widened gap inside the hot-swappable socket

The hot-swappable socket is highly sensitive and can be easily damaged by an improper switch swap. The hot-swappable socket is a two piece metal clamp that holds onto the contact pin on the bottom of the switch.

When replacing switches, it is highly likely that improper swaps and the use of excessive force can expand the metal clamps and cause damage to the sockets. If the switch pins are bent or warped, do NOT insert it into the socket. The pin can break the socket or even cause the socket to separate from the PCB, resulting in double-tapping or non-responsiveness.

The more switch swaps occur, the more wear and tear is introduced to the sockets. Kailh Gen. 1 and Gateron sockets are rated at 100 swaps before any issues arise. Kailh Gen. 2 swaps on the Tap Trio and Tap Duo are rated for 1000 swaps.

We believe this is the main cause for double tapping issues

Solution: Use a philips head screwdriver and remove the screws on the keypad. Examine the hot-swap socket from the bottom and use this video as reference to repair widened socket gap.

If this doesn't work, please contact us immediately if your keypad is within warranty period and we can see if a replacement PCB can be sent out to you for repair. If your keypad is outside of warranty period, we sell replacement PCBs on our store.

Dust in the hot-swappable sockets

Dust particles can cause issues with the sockets since the hot-swappable sockets are highly sensitive to disruptions.

Solution: in our testing, a blast of compressed air into the switch sockets can potentially help fix the double-tapping issue.

Conclusion

What we are doing about it

In order to perserve the lifespan of your keypad and prevent double-tapping, we recommend swapping switches with care and not use excessive force. Check if the pins are straight before inserting into the sockets.

Our latest product, Tap Trio and Tap Duo, has implemented some new manufacturing techniques like soldering reinforcements, thicker PCB materials, and Kailh Gen. 2 sockets to make it more durable. We think this solved double-tapping issues as we have not gotten any reports of double-tapping issues from Tap Trios/Duos. Due to design limitations, we cannot add these enhancements to the Sim Pad line.

We recommend purchasing our latest products, the Tap Trio and Tap Duo to get the most durable device.

This report was conducted and written by the Momokai Team with the help of mechanical keyboard and engineers from Kailh.