username checks out

Only you can decide what is endgame for you.

That sucks, hopefully the new PCB works out!

I don't think this is the cause of the ESD issue. While interesting, the PE sheet has to touch the PCB no matter what. Once the ESD is discharged, the sheet should remain discharged, no?

Okay, so I did a bit of research and this keeb does indeed have ESD protection.

Here is a shot of the PCb where the protection IC is located: https://i.ibb.co/7KQQ7gZ/IMG-5526.jpg

In that shot, you can see the JST connector and to it's right, a small IC labeled UL26. That IC is the ESD protection. Here is it's datasheet: https://www.st.com/resource/en/datasheet/usblc6-2.pdf

Here is a shot of the daughterboard: https://i.ibb.co/2vnQqjJ/IMG-5516.jpg

As you can see, there is no UL26 located on the daughterboard. There is a part labeled A7 that appears to be grounded (?) to the case via the db's screwhole. I also speculate that the USB hole in the case is too tight and perhaps the USB connector is hitting the case and that's how the ESD is making it through. The main PCB should be well isolated with the gaskets in use as well as the thin isolation sheet in the case.

Perhaps the fault is with the data lines? Doesn't seem to be much if any protection on those lines and maybe that's how ESD is affecting these boards... but I honestly don't know enough about this and I am just hoping that what I provided can offer some insight into the situation.

Let me know if it works to resolve the issue or not. Based on your other comment, it sounds more like the firmware on it became corrupted instead of killing the board. Good chance a reflash can resolve at least the keys not working.

Afaik, it was designed with it. There's MANY others that apparently don't have this issue, like myself. I have 2 PCBs from them. It's cold af where I am right now. Dry air, carpeted room. ESD heaven. No issues so far. I'm not saying ESD didn't kill theirs, but there's no widespread issue. Defective parts happen.

Pretty sure this board has some kind of ESD protection built in, it uses an ARM processor.

Did you use the very bottom thin insulation sheet? How quality is that cable you are using? The cable could possibly be the cause, if it's not grounded properly.

You could try reflashing the firmware (White caps LED: VIA version, VIAL Version, Red caps LED: VIA Version, VIAL Version) too, if the board is responding at all (which it seems it very well may be), this could recover it.

However, even with the money I spent on this board and others, I always buy at least 1 spare PCB.

Nope. I have my Link65 sittingon a shelf now because I am really enjoying my new Space65r3 a bit more, I had to swap the caps out from it sadly. I will have new caps coming soon, though.

If from T-Mobile, they should be unlocked regardless. All of my iPhone's with them have been.

Highly unlikely.