A clean mechanical keyboard is an important maintenance chore contributing to maximum performance and lifespan. Dust, crumbs, and other debris may collect between the keys over time, affecting the keyboard’s performance. A mechanical keyboard may be cleaned in a few easy steps.
To begin, disconnect the keyboard or switch off the computer to avoid accidental input during cleaning. Next, carefully remove any material from the keyboard with a can of pressurized air or a small vacuum cleaner, paying specific attention to the areas between the keys.
To remove more persistent dirt or filth, use a keycap puller or a small instrument like a toothpick to remove the keycaps, allowing for deeper cleaning. Before reattaching the keycaps to the keyboard, immerse them in warm soapy water, rinse them completely, and dry them properly.
Finally, wipe the exposed switches and the keyboard’s surface with a soft cloth or cotton swab bathed in isopropyl alcohol. Following these methods will successfully clean a mechanical keyboard and keep it functioning and clean for extended usage.
How to Clean Mechanical Keyboard 7 Steps
1. Plug out your keyboard (if you have a wired keyboard).
Even though this step is quite obvious, it must be emphasized nevertheless. If you use a wired keyboard, you must unhook it to continue. Since we will clean the keyboard with a moist cloth later on, it is preferable to take precautions rather than risk being sick. Electronics and water are not exactly BFFs (best friends forever). Keep the two separate.
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2. Take off the keycaps.
Pinch the edges of the keycap and lift it to remove it from the mechanical keyboard. This works for most of the keycaps. In all honesty, it needs very little work. By following these instructions, you may now access the difficult-to-reach locations under the keycaps. You can always pick up a keycap puller if you’d rather not use your fingers. This is a tool that pops off the keycaps for you. Suppose you’d rather not use your fingers. A keycap puller makes removing keycaps from the keyboard considerably quicker.
3. Blow away loose particles using pressurized air.
If you look closely behind the keycaps, you’ll undoubtedly find a lot of crumbs, hair, and other kinds of loose dirt. Using a can of compressed air, you may quickly remove such particles from the area. When you have finished with this procedure, go back and carefully inspect the regions that are close to the switches. You could notice particularly tenacious trash adhering to the edges of the switches.
4. To remove inflexible particles, use a soft bristle toothbrush.
If you find stubborn debris in the crevices of your keyboard, remove it with a soft bristle toothbrush. Wet the bristles with water and soap for stickier messes, and brush carefully. Toothbrush bristles are small and gentle enough for the delicate job of cleaning around the switches.
5. Wipe down the keyboard with a wet towel.
Any residue left behind by sticky fingers may be removed from the keyboard by cleaning it with a moist cloth. Never, ever touch your keyboard with a rag that is completely drenched in water. It would be best to take every precaution to prevent moisture from seeping into your priceless peripheral’s many nooks and crannies.
6. Clean the keycaps with warm water and soap (if you want).
It is unnecessary to soak the keycaps in warm soapy water unless you want to give every keyboard component a comprehensive cleaning. If, on the other hand, you’d prefer not to leave any stone unturned, then by all means, proceed. Because they are used so often, the keycaps on your keyboard may get greasy over time. Before you replace the keycaps on your keyboard, check to see that they are fully dry to the touch.
7. Put the keyboard back together.
You can rebuild the keycaps whenever you’re ready now that the debris has been removed from your keyboard (try saying that five times quickly). The keycaps’ removal and reassembly phase will be cleaning a mechanical keyboard that will need the most time. The remaining steps are child’s play.
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Frequently Asked Question
When it comes to a mechanical keyboard, is it okay to clean it?
Even if giving your mechanical keyboard a quick wipe down occasionally might help keep it free of germs and at least somewhat clean, you should still thoroughly clean it at least once every year. To do this, you must remove the keycaps, wash them, and then use cotton swabs to clean them between the keyboard switches.
How often should I clean the mechanical keyboard that I use?
How often should you clean your computer keyboard, then? In an ideal world, you should wipe the top of your keyboard fairly regularly. Use a wipe that contains disinfectant once a week to clean the keyboard. Doing a thorough clean every four to six weeks is advisable to clear anything accumulating in the spaces between the keycaps.
Is it possible to use water to clean my mechanical keyboard?
You may clean the areas around the keys and crevices with your microfiber cloth or cotton swabs. It would be best to moisten them since you don’t want water leaking into your keyboard. After dipping your cloth or swab in water, let it dry a little before giving it another go at cleaning.
Is a keyboard destroyed if it gets wet?
The majority of keyboards are constructed with a thin membrane covering that serves the purpose of shielding the printed circuit board. If the area is not dried thoroughly, water penetrating the material might result in long-term damage. If you can keyboard and remove the liquid without any deeper-level seepage, your keyboard may be able to avoid any damage as a residue trident.
How much time should I let my keyboard completely dry?
Make sure that you get as much moisture out from between the keys as you possibly can. At a minimum of 24 hours, invert the keyboard so that it can air dry. Check the keyboard after the spill has dried to see whether it is sticky. If you spilled something other than water, you would likely find some of your keys stuck in their positions.
Final Words On Clean Mechanical Keyboard
In conclusion, cleaning your mechanical keyboard regularly is essential if you want to keep its performance at a high level and increase its longevity. You may prevent dirt, grime, and buildup on your keyboard by following the methods indicated in this tutorial, which include removing debris, cleaning keycaps, and using isopropyl alcohol.
If you do this, you can keep your keyboard clean. During cleaning, you should take special care to handle the keyboard and all its components. You may enjoy the benefits of a clean and dependable mechanical keyboard for many years if you put in a little work and time to maintain it properly. This will allow you to continue to have a pleasurable experience while typing.
