Why keyboards are the next right‑to‑repair frontier
If you care about mechanical keyboard sustainability, 2026 is a watershed year. The EU’s Right‑to‑Repair Directive won final Council approval on May 30, 2024, obliging manufacturers to offer repairs on products deemed repairable under EU law and to provide accessible information and spare parts—plus a 12‑month guarantee extension after a repair. Member states have up to 24 months to transpose it (many targeting mid‑2026). (consilium.europa.eu)
In the United States, California’s SB‑244 (operative July 1, 2024) requires covered electronics and appliances to have parts, tools, and documentation available for 3 years (for $50–$99.99 products) or 7 years (for $100+), on fair and reasonable terms. That coverage window applies to models first manufactured on or after July 1, 2021, making repair support the norm rather than the exception. (ifixit.com)
Why this matters: the 2024 Global E‑waste Monitor reported a record 62 million tonnes of e‑waste generated in 2022, with only 22.3% formally collected and recycled; at current trends, that rate could fall to ~20% by 2030. Peripherals aren’t the biggest devices, but they’re numerous—and very replaceable—so extending a keyboard’s life even a few years meaningfully cuts e‑waste. (itu.int)
Industry momentum you can feel on your desk
OEMs are starting to move. In January 2025, Logitech expanded its iFixit partnership globally, offering OEM parts and repair guides for more than 20 devices—including mice, headsets, and select keyboards—across 62 countries via a dedicated Repair Hub. It’s a concrete example of the “spare parts hubs” model reaching peripherals. (news.logitech.com)
On the enthusiast side, open firmware has become mainstream. QMK remains a staple for wired boards, while ZMK (MIT‑licensed and “wireless‑first”) powers an increasing number of modern keyboards—evidence that open firmware can help devices outlive OEM software sunsets. (github.com)
The Repairability Score (2026 edition)
We designed a friendly, 100‑point rubric so our typing‑test site can rate any keyboard’s repair prospects and lifetime cost. The four pillars match what actually fails—and what owners can really fix.
1) Parts availability (0–40 pts)
- 35–40: Brand runs an official spare parts hub with model‑specific key assemblies, batteries (for wireless), feet, dongles, cables, and shells—shippable within 5–10 business days to major regions; clear pricing and repair guides. Third‑party cross‑compatibility (e.g., standard keycap sizes/stems) is documented.
- 20–34: Partial coverage (some spares or only certain regions), or third‑party vendors reliably stock critical parts.
- 1–19: Only generic accessories (no model‑specific spares) or uncertain availability.
- 0: No documented spares; disposable design.
Why it matters: Laws like SB‑244 make these hubs more likely—and keep repair costs predictable. Logitech’s 2025 program shows what “good” looks like for peripherals. (perkinscoie.com)
2) Hot‑swap design (0–25 pts)
- 20–25: Full hot‑swap PCB with industry‑standard MX 3‑/5‑pin compatibility; stabilizers are replaceable; sockets use well‑documented components (e.g., Kailh) and are rated for repeat cycles.
- 10–19: Partial hot‑swap (e.g., only certain rows) or unusual switch compatibility.
- 1–9: Soldered switches but with published guides and pads that survive rework.
- 0: Soldered and glued assemblies that resist rework.
Why it matters: Hot‑swap PCBs let you replace a failed switch in minutes, cutting both downtime and e‑waste. As a reference point, Kailh hot‑swap sockets are commonly rated around 100 insertion cycles—enough for years of occasional maintenance. (splitkb.com)
3) Firmware openness (0–20 pts)
- 16–20: Native QMK/ZMK support or fully open SDK; on‑device remapping; OS‑agnostic tools; long‑term flashability without proprietary servers.
- 8–15: VIA/Vial or partially open stack; routine firmware files downloadable.
- 1–7: Proprietary app required; no offline flashing.
- 0: Locked firmware; no remapping without cloud services.
Why it matters: Open firmware keeps keyboards useful after official apps stagnate, and the community can patch bugs or add layouts. (github.com)
4) Fastener standardization (0–15 pts)
- 12–15: Standard screws (Phillips/JIS/Torx) and reusable gaskets; adhesives minimized; disassembly documented.
- 6–11: Mixed screws and some adhesive (e.g., light tape) but still serviceable.
- 1–5: Hidden or tamper‑resistant screws; heavy adhesive use; risky reassembly.
- 0: Welded/fully glued closures.
Why it matters: Screws and gaskets beat glue for repeatable repairs; minimizing exotic fasteners avoids “tool gatekeeping.” (ifixit.com)
Score → Rating
- 85–100: Repair‑ready
- 70–84: Serviceable
- 50–69: Risky but fixable
- <50: Replace‑prone
We’ll publish a per‑model breakdown so you can see where points were earned or lost.
How to use this score when you shop
- Check for a spare parts hub before you buy. Search the brand’s site or iFixit for your exact model; confirm availability for feet, keycap sets, dongles, and batteries (if wireless). Logitech’s hub is a good benchmark for what to expect. (ifixit.com)
- Verify “hot‑swap PCB” really means standard MX compatibility (3‑/5‑pin) and not a proprietary socket. Brands like Keychron openly advertise hot‑swap support across many models—use that as a pattern to look for. (keychron.com)
- Prefer boards with QMK/ZMK or downloadable offline firmware tools; open projects stay alive longer than closed apps. (github.com)
- Peek under the case: product pages or teardown photos often reveal whether the board uses standard screws or glue. If you see standard fasteners and a documented open procedure, future repairs will be cheaper and safer. (ifixit.com)
Owner tips to extend lifespan (and shrink e‑waste 2024’s curve)
- Do seasonal maintenance: pull keycaps, brush stems, and blow out debris; re‑lube stabilizers annually. Replace individual switches on hot‑swap boards instead of replacing the whole keyboard. (splitkb.com)
- Standardize your spares: keep a small kit of compatible switches, extra stabilizers, and a few Kailh or Mill‑Max sockets if you tinker.
- Keep it open (figuratively): download the latest QMK/ZMK firmware and keep a known‑good .hex/.uf2 on hand; you’ll avoid software‑sunset surprises. (github.com)
- Choose durable consumables: double‑shot PBT keycaps and coiled/replaceable cables outlast cheaper plastics.
What this means for brands and retailers
With the EU’s directive maturing in 2026 and SB‑244 already operative in California, peripherals that document parts, publish guides, and avoid glue will earn trust—and sales. Launching or joining spare parts hubs, offering hot‑swap PCBs, embracing open firmware, and standardizing fasteners are the fastest paths to higher scores (and fewer returns). (consilium.europa.eu)
The bigger picture
Repairable keyboards are a small but scalable lever against a fast‑growing e‑waste stream—62 million tonnes in 2022 with only 22.3% properly recycled, and 82 million tonnes projected by 2030 if nothing changes. Designing and buying for repair nudges that curve the right way. We’ll begin publishing Repairability Scores for popular boards this year so you can factor longevity and repair cost into your next typing test. (itu.int)
