# The keys are getting harder to press

**URL:** <https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [April 3, 2025, 9:11pm UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444 "2025-04-03T21:11:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Stammer9222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Stammer9222](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/Stammer9222)\
**Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 9:11pm UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/1 "2025-04-03T21:11:37Z")

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I am finding the keys on my onlykey are getting more difficult to press.  
Also the long press no longer works properly.  
I am at the latest version of the firmware.  
What could be causes this problem?  
Are my fingers too cold?  
Could I use a stylus instead of my fingers?  
Can I clean the buttons?

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**Author:** ![Stammer9222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Stammer9222](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/Stammer9222)\
**Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 11:10pm UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/2 "2025-04-03T23:10:38Z")

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I found that using a stylus helps.  
I was not able to create a backup by long pressing button 1 with my fingers.  
So I used a stylus I had in the house and I was able to get it to work.

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**Author:** ![denis.beurive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@denis.beurive](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/denis.beurive)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2025, 8:11am UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/3 "2025-04-04T08:11:19Z")

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That’s quite unusual.

How long have you been using this device?

The OnlyKey keypad operates without mechanical switches; instead, each key is actuated by detecting an electrical current. This design ensures exceptional durability—there should be no wear over time.

Also, applying force to a key has no impact whatsoever. As mentioned, this keypad doesn’t rely on mechanical actuation—just a light touch is sufficient to register an input.

Perhaps the issue stems from the USB interface.

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**Author:** ![Stammer9222](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Stammer9222](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/Stammer9222)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2025, 10:59am UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/4 "2025-04-04T10:59:27Z")

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I had my device since 2022

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**Author:** ![Henri\_GEIST](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/47e85d/32.png) [@Henri\_GEIST](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/Henri_GEIST)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2025, 11:25am UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/5 "2025-04-04T11:25:55Z")

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It is effectively electric contact between the finger and the pad and not the force which trigger the button but more force create a better contact.  
One thing which impact strongly the effectivity of the contact for me is the grounding of my computer.  
When my laptop is on battery or connect to a power supply connected to the ground the touch work flawlessly.  
But when my laptop is connected to a class 2 power supply isolated from the ground the touch on the OnlyKey button effectivity is random.

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**Author:** ![denis.beurive](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@denis.beurive](https://onlykey.discourse.group/u/denis.beurive)\
**Post date:** [April 4, 2025, 12:13pm UTC](https://onlykey.discourse.group/t/the-keys-are-getting-harder-to-press/1444/6 "2025-04-04T12:13:25Z")

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That makes sense.

Please note that all 2FA keys rely on the same principle.