Controller susceptable to touch?

[Eszett]

Someone told me, that I have to use a strong magnet to bring my controller (Pegasus Hoof) into boot mode. One of my hairs fell on the controller, and I wanted to remove it. So I breathed upon my finger to maker it slightly humid and sticky, then I touched the controller, removed the hair. Guess what, about three seconds later the controller went into boot mode ... What on earth? Can someone explain this?

[Eszett]

Hm, the controller went again into boot mode when I shorted these two spots with a piece a metal (I used a keypuller).

400px-Pegasus_Hoof.JPG (21.05 KiB) Viewed 1681 times

[Eszett]

Hm, I guess the tip to use a magnet is meant for users who have their keyboard case covering the controller, so that there is no direct access to the controller. But you don’t need no magnet, when you can short these two spots.

[chzel]

You asked, you investigated, you solved! GJ!
Seriously though, if you use the board naked like that, you should cover the exposed contacts with some kind of lacquer (nail polish or sth) to avoid accidental shorts or ESD damage to the controller.

[Eszett]

Hi chzel! Thanks for affirmation. Shall I lacquer just the two contacts or all (30+)?

[chzel]

I would cover them all. Paperclips are evil.
Have in mind though that if you ever need to repair sth on those contacts you will have to remove the nail polish first (with acetone).
Grab a bottle of polish, unplug KBD, run the brush along the rows of contacts, let dry for 10 mins, re-apply a couple of layers.
Be carefull when around ABS plastic, acetone likes to eat it!

[Eszett]

Oh, then I think It is less risky when I put the keyboard top cover on again instead of lacquering. Thanks, chzel!