19 Ways to Fix Mechanical Keyboard Double Typing

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: carson-rutz
  • Sep 15, 2022

Keyboard double typing, also known as chattering, is when a single key press registers multiple times, causing unintentionally repeated characters. This issue is a common frustration for typists and gamers alike, disrupting smooth writing and gameplay. Fortunately, there are effective methods to address keyboard double typing from simple cleaning techniques to adjusting settings or replacing faulty components. Here are quick instructions for 19 ways to fix keyboard typing double letters:

Cause Solution Difficulty Level
Loose or unstable USB connection Re-plug the keyboard Easy
Low battery power (wireless keyboards) Ensure sufficient charge Easy
Minor software glitch Restart PC Easy
Dust or debris under keys Clean keyboard with compressed air or alcohol Medium
Incorrect language or input settings Check language settings Easy
Fast repeating key rate Adjust the repeating key rate Medium
Incorrect registry settings Adjust the registry for keyboard response Hard
Firmware incompatibility Update firmware Medium
Faulty keycaps Replace individual keycaps Easy
Malfunctioning switches Replace switches Medium
Outdated or faulty driver Update keyboard driver Easy
Unwanted key chatter Install keyboard-chattering software Medium
External device interference Run hardware and device troubleshooter Medium
Damaged or worn-out cables Replace cables Medium
Double typing persists across all keys Replace entire keyboard Hard

1. Re-plug your keyboard

Re-plugging the keyboard can help reset the connection and clear minor communication glitches that may cause keyboard double typing:

  • Step 1: Disconnect your keyboard from the computer and wait for a few seconds to allow any residual charge to dissipate.
  • Step 2: Check the USB port and cable end for dust or damage, ensuring a clean and secure connection.
  • Step 3: Reconnect the keyboard to the same or a different USB port, then test to see if double typing persists.
Re-plug your keyboard when keyboard duplicating letters
Re-plug your keyboard when keyboard duplicating letters

2. Ensure sufficient charge

Checking battery levels is essential for wireless keyboards, as low power can lead to missed keystrokes or keyboard double-typing:

  • Step 1: Check the battery level of your wireless keyboard.
  • Step 2: Replace or recharge batteries if they’re low as even a small dip in power can impact typing accuracy.
  • Step 3: Test the keyboard after replacing the batteries. If double typing persists, consider further troubleshooting to resolve any underlying issues.
Ensure sufficient charge for the keyboard battery on windows and mac
Ensure sufficient charge for the keyboard battery on windows and mac

For instance, in wireless models like Logitech G613, you can monitor this using the Logitech app, as even a 60% charge may affect performance.

You can monitor the battery level of the logitech g613 through the logitech app
You can monitor the battery level of the logitech g613 through the logitech app

3. Restart PC

Restarting your computer is often the quickest way to resolve minor system glitches that may cause keyboard double typing by refreshing system processes:

1- For Windows

Restarting Windows often clears temporary software issues impacting keyboard performance:

  • Step 1: Click Start, select Power, then choose Restart. This fully resets system functions.
  • Step 2: Alternatively, press Alt + F4, then select Restart in the options menu.
  • Step 3: After rebooting, open a text editor and test your keyboard to see if the issue is resolved.
Restart the pc on windows when the keyboard doubles click error
Restart the pc on windows when the keyboard doubles click error

2- For macOS

A reset of Mac’s SMC and NVRAM can clear any configurations causing the double typing problem, and resolve keyboard-related issues specific to macOS:

  • Step 1: Shut down your Mac. Then, press and hold Shift + Control + Option + Power for 10 seconds to reset the SMC. Restart and test the keyboard.
  • Step 2: If double typing continues, try resetting the NVRAM by restarting and holding Command + Option + P + R until you hear the startup chime twice.
Reset smc and nvram for mac and clear any configuration error
Reset smc and nvram for mac and clear any configuration error

4. Cleaning your keyboard

Dust and debris can often cause keyboard double typing issues, especially in older keyboards. Here are 2 effective ways to clean your keyboard, moving from simpler methods to more thorough approaches:

1- Use canned or compressed air

This quick method cleans without needing to remove your keycaps:

  • Step 1: Turn off your computer and disconnect the keyboard for safety.
  • Step 2: Remove keycaps on problem keys with a key puller if you’re using a mechanical keyboard.
  • Step 3: Hold the keyboard at an angle, then use short bursts to blow away dust, moving in a zigzag pattern.
  • Step 4: Wait a few minutes to ensure any remaining moisture evaporates before reconnecting.

Note:

  • For Mac: Hold the keyboard at a 60 - 75-degree angle for better dust removal beneath the keys.
  • For Laptops: Avoid direct airflow under keys to protect internal components.
Use canned or compressed air to clean the keyboard
Use canned or compressed air to clean the keyboard

Watch the video below for a visual guide on using compressed air effectively:

2- Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol

This method allows deeper cleaning by removing individual keycaps for thorough wiping of key switches:

  • Step 1: Power off and disconnect the keyboard. Use a key puller to remove keycaps, starting with the problematic keys.
  • Step 2: Use compressed air or a soft brush to clean any debris under the removed keycaps.
  • Step 3: Lightly dampen a cotton swab with 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently clean around the switch area to remove any buildup.
  • Step 4: Allow the keyboard to air dry overnight before reattaching the keycaps and test the keyboard for any remaining issues.

Note: Avoid directly spraying or using rubbing alcohol with lower purity like 50% or 70%, as it can contain impurities that may damage the electronics.

Use a key puller and 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the keyboard
Use a key puller and 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean the keyboard

Watch the video for a guide on removing keycaps and cleaning with isopropyl alcohol:

5. Tap the keys constantly

If it’s just some keys chatter, you can continuously tap them with a strong enough force. This is simple but quite effective. However, don’t exert using this method as it can make the problems more serious. A couple of tries will be enough to see whether it works and turn to other solutions.

Press the key constantly
Press the key constantly

6. Run keyboard troubleshooter

Running the keyboard troubleshooter can help detect and fix software issues causing keyboard double typing by scanning for and resolving system errors:

  • Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, then select Update & Security to access troubleshooting tools.
  • Step 2: Click on Troubleshoot in the left menu, and choose Keyboard under Find and fix other problems.
  • Step 3: Select Run the troubleshooter and follow any on-screen instructions to identify and fix detected issues.
Run keyboard troubleshooter to fix mechanical keyboard double typing
Run keyboard troubleshooter to fix mechanical keyboard double typing

7. Check language settings

Incorrect language settings can sometimes cause keyboard double typing by misinterpreting input. Adjusting these settings ensures correct keyboard functionality:

  • Step 1: Open Settings and select Time & Language.
  • Step 2: Choose Language from the left pane and go to Under Preferred Languages.
  • Step 3: In the Keyboard section, select your correct language under Override for default input method.
  • Step 4: Remove any unused language packs in Preferred languages to avoid potential conflicts.
Check language settings to sync with the correct language input
Check language settings to sync with the correct language input

8. Adjust the repeating key rate

Finding the right balance in the repeating key rate settings can help minimize double typing while ensuring that your keyboard responds appropriately to your typing speed.

1- Windows

Changing the key repeat settings in Windows helps control the speed and frequency of keystrokes:

  • Step 1: Open Control Panel and choose large icons or small icons in the View by drop-down list.
  • Step 2: Click on Keyboard to open the Keyboard Properties window.
  • Step 3: Move the Repeat delay slider toward Long and the Repeat rate to Slow.
  • Step 4: Click Apply or OK to save, then restart your computer and test the keyboard.

Note: This method applies only to Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.

Adjust the repeating key rate for windows
Adjust the repeating key rate for windows

2- Mac

Adjusting key repeat settings in macOS lets you fine-tune typing response for smoother, error-free input:

  • Step 1: Open System Preferences on the Apple menu and select Keyboard in the Keyboard tab.
  • Step 2: Set the Key Repeat slider to Off or Slow and increase Delay Until Repeat.
Adjust the repeating key rate settings in macos
Adjust the repeating key rate settings in macos

9. Adjust registry for keyboard response

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the operating system and various applications. Adjusting registry settings related to keyboard response can impact how the system interprets and processes keystrokes.

Issues like double typing may arise from settings such as a too-sensitive repeat rate, low debounce time, encountering "ghost typing", and incorrect registry editor.
You can change the keyboard response in the registry to fix double typing. However, registry modifications can significantly impact your computer. Thus, you should create a backup before proceeding to avoid something going wrong.

Now, you can modify the keyboard registry with these steps.

  • Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box.
  • Step 2: Type regedit and click OK.
  • Step 3: When the Registry Editor opens, open this folder by ‘HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Response
  • Step 4: Double-click the Auto-Repeat Delay to open the Edit String. Change Value data to 500, and click OK.
  • Step 5: Double-click the Auto-Repeat Rate to open the Edit String. Change to 50 in the Value data. Then, click Okay.
  • Step 6: Double-click the Bounce Time to open the Edit String. Change Value data to 50, and click OK.
  • Step 7: Restart your computer to check for problem resolution.
Adjust the registry for keyboard response and fix double-typing
Adjust the registry for keyboard response and fix double-typing

Note: This method applies only to Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.
Making registry changes requires care to avoid unintended consequences. If unsure, you should seek expert advice or explore alternative solutions through the control panel or device manager settings.

10. Run the Windows security

Running a Windows Security scan is essential to detect and remove any malware that could be causing keyboard double-typing issues:

  • Step 1: Open Windows Settings, navigate to Update & Security and select "Windows Security" from the left menu.
  • Step 2: Click on Virus & Threat Protection and select Quick Scan to initiate a basic scan.
  • Step 3: If any threats are found, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine them.
Run the windows security to resolve the double typing problem (source: make use of)
Run the windows security to resolve the double typing problem (source: make use of)

11. Enable filter keys

Filter Keys is an accessibility feature designed to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, which can reduce the likelihood of unintentional double typing. When Filter Keys is enabled, Windows will ignore brief or repeated keystrokes.

Yet, the process of enabling Filter Keys is quite different for each different Windows operating system.

1- Windows 7

In Windows 7, enabling Filter Keys helps filter out unintentionally repeated keystrokes:

  • Step 1: Open the Start menu and navigate to the Control Panel
  • Step 2: View by Small icons
  • Step 3: Click on Ease of Access Center, then select Make the keyboard easier to use
  • Step 4: Turn on Filter Keys and click OK
Enable filter keys in windows 7
Enable filter keys in windows 7

Watch the video tutorial below for guidance on enabling Filter Keys in Windows 7:

2- Windows 8/8.1

In Windows 8/8.1, enabling Filter Keys can help prevent repeated characters:

  • Step 1: Open Ease of Access Center. Press the shortcut keys, Windows + U
  • Step 2: Click Make the keyboard easier to use
  • Step 3: Turn on Filter Keys and click OK
Turn on filter keys on windows 8 to ignore repeated keystrokes
Turn on filter keys on windows 8 to ignore repeated keystrokes

Visit the video for step-by-step instructions on setting up Filter Keys in Windows 8/8.1:

3- Windows 10

Windows 10 users can enable Filter Keys to reduce the frequency of repeated keystrokes:

  • Step 1: Open the Start menu. Click Settings
  • Step 2: Select Ease of Access
  • Step 3: Select Keyboard
  • Step 4: Turn on Use Filter Keys and click OK
Turn on filter keys on windows 10 to reduce the frequency of repeated keystrokes
Turn on filter keys on windows 10 to reduce the frequency of repeated keystrokes

Check out the video tutorial below on enabling Filter Keys in Windows 10:

4- Windows 11

Activating Filter Keys in Windows 11 can prevent unwanted repeated keystrokes:

  • Step 1: Open the Start menu, then click Settings. (You can also press Window keys + R to open Run, then type 'control')
  • Step 2: Go to Accessibility, then select Keyboard
  • Step 3: Turn on Filter Keys and click OK
  • Step 4: Restart the system and test if any repeated letters occur
Enable filter keys for windows 11 to ignore repeated keystrokes
Enable filter keys for windows 11 to ignore repeated keystrokes

See the video for a quick guide on enabling Filter Keys in Windows 11:

12. Update keyboard driver

Updating the keyboard driver is essential to ensure proper communication between your keyboard and computer, helping prevent keyboard double typing:

  • Step 1: Open "Device Manager" on the ‘Start’ button.
  • Step 2: Expand the "Keyboards" category, right-click on your keyboard, and select "Update driver".
  • Step 3: Choose "Search automatically for drivers" to let Windows find and install the latest driver.
  • Step 4: Restart your computer when completing the driver installation to ensure the changes take effect.
Update the keyboard driver to avoid keyboard chattering
Update the keyboard driver to avoid keyboard chattering

Note:

  • If Windows doesn’t find an update, visit the keyboard manufacturer’s website or use third-party driver update software to simplify the process.
  • For Mac users, Mac keyboards don’t require driver updates. If you're experiencing persistent double-typing on a Mac, you may need to explore other solutions below or consult Apple support.

While updating drivers works for many users, some report that issues persist even after the update. For instance, some users still encounter the Corsair keyboard double typing even with the latest drivers. This may indicate a manufacturing flaw in certain models, contact the company to inquire about a refund if the keyboard is under warranty.

The corsair keyboard may double typing even with the latest drivers (rtings)
The corsair keyboard may double typing even with the latest drivers (rtings)

13. Download the keyboard chattering software

Keyboard chattering software helps filter out unintended duplicate keystrokes, reducing keyboard double typing effectively.

1- Windows:

Using Keyboard Chattering software on Windows allows for precise control over input timing:

  • Step 1: Download the Keyboard Chattering Software, unzip the package, and open the application.
  • Step 2: Go to Settings, enable the Chattering Filter, set the delay threshold to 90 milliseconds, then click Apply.
  • Step 3: Test your keyboard. Adjust the delay threshold if needed, increasing by 10 milliseconds until double typing stops.
Install and run the keyboard chattering fix software in the background
Install and run the keyboard chattering fix software in the background

Note: To auto-run the software at startup, open Run, type shell:startup and place the software’s file in the folder that opens.

2- Mac:

On macOS, Unshaky is a popular app that prevents double typing through delay adjustments:

  • Step 1: Download and install Unshaky software. Go to System Preferences, then click Security & Privacy, and choose Privacy to grant Accessibility and Input Monitoring permissions.
  • Step 2: Launch Unshaky, click the icon in the menu bar and select Configure. Set a delay start with 40ms and adjust until typing feels comfortable.
Download and set up unshaky software on macos reduce prevents double typing
Download and set up unshaky software on macos reduce prevents double typing

Note: If the issue continues, consider resetting the NVRAM or consulting Apple Support as it may be a hardware flaw.

14. Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter

Running the hardware troubleshooter can help detect and resolve underlying hardware issues causing keyboard double typing:

  • Step 1: Type cmd in the search bar, right-click Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator".
  • Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press Enter.
  • Step 3: Select Advanced, check Apply repairs automatically, and click Next to begin the scan.
  • Step 4: Follow any additional instructions to complete the diagnostic. Test your keyboard afterward to see if the issue is resolved.
Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter (source: make use of)
Run the hardware and devices troubleshooter (source: make use of)

Note: This method applies primarily to Windows 10 and 11. For recurring problems, consider updating or reinstalling device drivers as an additional troubleshooting measure.

15. Update firmware

The latest version of corsair icue monitoring and rgb lighting control software (source: corsair)
The latest version of corsair icue monitoring and rgb lighting control software (source: corsair)

Updating your keyboard’s firmware can resolve keyboard double typing by ensuring compatibility and fixing known issues. Here’s how to update the firmware on specific models, such as the CORSAIR K70:

  • Step 1: Download the iCUE software from CORSAIR’s official website under the “Downloads” section. Open the file to install iCUE on your computer.
  • Step 2: Plug in your K70 keyboard and double-click to open the K70 module. Then select “Device Settings” on the left side to open the settings.
  • Step 3: Click on “Check for Updates” and “Update Now”. Follow any on-screen instructions carefully to complete the update process.
Update firmware on corsair k70 with icue software
Update firmware on corsair k70 with icue software

Note: If the problem persists, consider reaching out to CORSAIR support for further assistance, as they can provide additional troubleshooting options tailored to your device.

16. Replace your cables

Addressing cable-related issues can be a straightforward solution to fix a mechanical keyboard from double typing. If your keyboard's USB cable is in trouble, it can send duplicate signals and lead to erratic behavior, including double typing.

To address potential cable-related problems, you should:

  • Step 1: Inspect the cable for any visible damage, kinks, or fraying, or experiencing connectivity issues.
  • Step 2: If you notice any issues, consider replacing the cable. If the double typing issue is resolved with a new cable, it means a problem with the original cable.
  • Step 3: If the issue persists, further troubleshooting may be needed to identify and resolve other potential causes.
An old keyboard's cable may lead to typing errors
An old keyboard's cable may lead to typing errors

17. Replace Keyboard Keys

If the double typing issue affects only a few keys, replacing those specific keys may resolve it. For hot-swappable keyboards, key replacement is straightforward:

  • Step 1: Unplug your keyboard and gently remove keycaps with your puller.
  • Step 2: Clean the keycaps and the keyboards, then reinstall the new keycaps.

However, with non-hot-swappable keyboards, you’ll need soldering skills, as the key switches must be desoldered and resoldered for replacement. Ensure you’re comfortable with this process or seek professional help if needed.

Replace hot-swappable keyboard keycaps
Replace hot-swappable keyboard keycaps

18. Replace the switches

A mechanical switch is a key component beneath the keycap, transmitting signals from your typing to your computer's processor. If not all keypresses perform double typing but just a few, those switches might be worn or damaged and need to be replaced.

Replace a new keyboard when the keyboard double typing on all keys
Replace a new keyboard when the keyboard double typing on all keys

If you own a hot-swappable keyboard, the process of replacing double-typing switches is straightforward. You just need to make sure you have the right switches for your keyboard.

Here's a quick guide:

  • Step 1: Use a keycap puller to remove keycaps from the switches you want to replace.
  • Step 2: Place the new switch into the socket, making sure it's properly aligned.
  • Step 3: Connect the keyboard to your computer and test the replaced switch. If you have multiple switches to replace, repeat the process.

Check out our detailed guide to the mechanical switch replacement process.

If your keyboard doesn’t have a hot-swappable feature, you’ll need to solder the mechanical keyboard switches. It’s a bit tricky, but you can refer to the following video for guidance:

On the other hand, it becomes easier if your keyboard has a hot-swappable feature. You can refer to the following video guide to learn how to replace your switches:

For example, if your Razer BlackWidow V4 or similar model is experiencing Razer keyboard double typing, you can replace mechanical keyboard switches to solve the problem. Some Razer BlackWidow keyboards use tactile switches, which can occasionally misfire due to slight misalignments in the switch mechanism. Swapping out the tactile switches for linear ones, or replacing faulty switches altogether, often eliminates repeated key registrations and improves typing precision.

The razer blackwidow v4 green switches
The razer blackwidow v4 green switches

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19. Replace Keyboard

If none of the above solutions show an improvement, it’s time to consider bringing your mechanical keyboard to the repairers or getting a new one. This should be based on your judgments on which ways bring more benefits, both functionally and financially.

Go for a new keyboard if those things are your situation. First, your keyboard warranty is still valid so there is a none-to-little charge. Second, the repair fees are higher than buying a new keyboard. Last, there is a high chance the keyboard double typing will reoccur.

For a good brand new keyboard, it’s best to gather the necessary information before bringing back any new one. Apart from a mechanical keyboard, an optical keyboard or a low-profile keyboard is also a good option for a nice typing experience. Furthermore, if you cannot bear the loud noise coming from pressing down the keys, a quiet keyboard will be your best friend.

Replace a new keyboard when the keyboard double typing on all keys
Replace a new keyboard when the keyboard double typing on all keys

What Cause Keyboard Double Typing?

Mac keyboard double typing issue (source: osx daily)
Mac keyboard double typing issue (source: osx daily)

There are several reasons behind a double-clicking mechanical keyboard. Getting to know the causes can be a remedy itself as you may think of solutions or know how to prevent it from happening.

Dust or other debris

Most of the time dust or ‘alien’ objects under the keycaps is the main criminal for your keyboard double typing. The keyswitches cannot run perfectly if there is a thick layer of dust or strange things get in their way. Dust and other debris also cause other problems to your keyboard and degrade your keyswitch longevity.

Defective switches

Cheap switches, old switches, or damaged switches may not allow your typing experiences to happen as normal. A problem within the springs or metal leaves inside a mechanical switch can make the keyboard chattering happen often.

Outdated keyboard drivers

Forgetting to update your keyboard driver can be one of the reasons. An outdated driver can not keep up with your computer and hence, bad communication between the keyboard and a processor happens, or a hole in the keyboard security is born.

Scan for keyboard driver update (source: free driver updater)
Scan for keyboard driver update (source: free driver updater)

Rough Usage

If you tend to go hard on your keyboard when typing or drop it several times, the issue of keyboard double typing is likely to happen. Rough handling can cause physical damage to the fragile components of your keyboard, especially if your keyboard is made with cheap and flimsy materials.

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Incorrect keyboard settings

The double typing problem can be due to your keyboard setting. Low-tech users may not aware of the hard-drive settings, so you may set or do not know it’s set wrongly. For example, setting a long repeat delay can make the keyboard produce more than one character with a single press.

Sometimes, you may want to remap your keyboard for the best personal customization. If that’s true, check out our article here on how to remap your keyboard.

High temperature

Not many people are aware of this reason since it is not a big factor. But, a too high temperature can result in the keyboard double typing, so it’s worth noticing.

Conclusion

Quite many factors result in the mechanical keyboard double typing problem, ranging from many layers of harmful dust to the wrong keyboard setting. The thing is, nothing can go right anymore when the typing goes wrong all the time.

The best things are investing in a good keyboard and taking good care of your delicate company. Some good practices are frequent cleaning, occasional hard-drive updating, and rough-using avoidance. However, soon or later problems like keyboard chattering will happen after a long using time. That is why we are here to help with 12+ ways to fix mechanical keyboard double typing. Thank you for reading and hope it helps you somehow.

FAQs

How to fix double typing on a mechanical keyboard?

There are some ways to fix the mechanical keyboard double typing issue.

  • Clean up the dust with compressed air.
  • Update your keyboard driver.
  • Modify the repeat delay in the keyboard setting or registry.
  • Use the keyboard chattering software
  • Simply get a new keyboard if it’s convenient.

What makes your keyboard chatter?

Here is a summary of the causes behind the keyboard double typing problem.

  • Dust or unwanted object under the keyboard.
  • Defective mechanical switches.
  • Dated hard drive.
  • Incorrect keyboard setting.

What to do if none of the 9 ways work?

You should decide on replacing your keyboard or bringing it repaired. Remember not to open the keyboard to fix it by yourself if you have no knowledge of the subject.

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