Today I will show you the best way to quickly clean a mechanical keyboard. I just got used to how mine looks, and it’s not like I notice the difference from day to day, but then I popped off one of the keys and…gross. Mac, your hair is all over the place.
This will take a little work, but it’s very straightforward and will make your keyboard look great again, so let’s get to it.
Clean a Mechanical Keyboard Proper Guide
Mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers, programmers, and writers alike, as they offer tactile feedback, improved durability, and enhanced typing speed. However, like any other type of keyboard, mechanical keyboards can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris over time, leading to a less-than-optimal typing experience. To ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your mechanical keyboard, it is essential to clean it regularly.
Cleaning a mechanical keyboard may seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward and rewarding process with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on cleaning a mechanical keyboard, including removing keycaps, cleaning the switches, and dealing with stubborn stains.
We will also discuss some dos and don’ts of mechanical keyboard cleaning and tips for maintaining your keyboard’s cleanliness over time. With the help of this guide, you can keep your mechanical keyboard in top condition and enjoy a comfortable, efficient typing experience for years to come.
Unplug your Keyboard
The first thing you will want to do is unplug your mechanical keyboard. You will be removing the keys and using different methods for cleaning, so you don’t want it plugged in. I have this video broken down into chapters for you, and you watch it all the way through before you begin and then go back to each chapter as needed.
Take a picture of your mechanical keyboard
Now you’ll want to take a picture of your keyboard – and we’re doing this for two reasons. First, you want to make sure that you remember what key goes where. Sure, you know where most go, but is the multiply on the number pad to the right or left of the divide? Don’t cheat, do you know? What about the print screen, scroll lock and pause/break? Anyways, it’s a good idea to have this as a reference.
The second reason is that you’ll want to see how your board looks better once you’re done.
Remove the keys
Now comes the fun part – removing the keys. Use a keycap puller, start at one end, and then work across to the other. I like to use a plastic filter to hold the keys because it helps with the next step. Take your time, there’s no rush, and you don’t want to do anything to damage the keys. Get a good grip on the key and pull straight up.
Some keyboards come with a keycap puller, but in case you don’t have one, here are a couple of great options:
Today I’m cleaning my corsair k70 mk ii, so none of the keys is stabilized with metal stabilizers, but if your large keys do have that feature, slide out one end and then the other.
Now with all the key caps removed, I can see just how bad the keyboard looks, and hopefully, I don’t let it get this bad again.
Rinse the keys
Next, head over to the sink and rinse the keys under warm water. I like doing this first to remove as much debris as possible before the next step. This is why i like to have them in a filter, and much of the stuff rinses away.
Soak the keys
The next step is to take a bowl, add some dish soap, and then fill it with warm water. Make sure not to use boiling water so that you don’t damage the keys.
Drop the keys in the bowl and gently mix them around. The dish soap will act as a degreaser, and you’ll want to let it soak for about 15-20 minutes to do its job.
Soak the keys
The next step is to take a bowl, add some dish soap, and then fill it with warm water. Make sure not to use boiling water so that you don’t damage the keys.
Drop the keys in the bowl and gently mix them around. The dish soap will act as a degreaser, and you’ll want to let it soak for about 15-20 minutes to do its job.
Next, get a couple of microfiber towels. Place one down and then use another one to clean and dry off each key. I’m using microfiber rather than a paper towel because paper towels can leave small white particles.
You should now see the keycaps looking great, and once you’re finished with each keycap, you’ll also want to tap it against the towel to get as much of the water off the key. No need to go nuts here, but the more water you remove now, the less you have to wait for the keys to dry – and you want to ensure they are dry before reseating them. It will take a couple of hours for them to dry off, so let’s use that time to clean the board itself.
Clean the board
Some people use a vacuum, but i suggest a brush if you don’t have an anti-static attachment. You can use a paintbrush, a hard bristle brush or even the brush attachment of your vacuum. Brush around the switches to remove as much loose stuff as possible.
I ensure that whatever brush i use doesn’t press down the switches because i don’t want this stuff to make its way into the board.
Next, we will do a deep clean with some q tips. You can use water or isopropyl alcohol, which is recommended on the corsair website.
Either way, you don’t need too much; get the q tip damp and work around the entire board.
If you’ve ever splashed your drink on your board and it left a residue, this should take care of it. There’s no need to press too hard or forceful – take your time and work your way around.
At this point, the board should look great, and you can give it a final wipe with a microfiber towel – again, we don’t want to use a paper towel because it can leave white particles on the board.
Once you’re done, place your board upside down while you wait for the keycaps to dry.
Reseat the keys
Now comes the most rewarding part, reseating the keys. Double-check that each key is dry – centre it over the switch and press it all the way down until you hear a satisfying click. Use your initial photo as a reference; you should be done in a few minutes.
That’s all there’s to it, your keyboard should look great, and you now know that it’s not that big a deal to clean – which will keep it working for longer.
How to clean a laptop keyboard?
Cleaning your keyboard in a germ-free manner can help let you convert your keyboard into a brand-new look. A few key parameters can help achieve the best results in cleaning a laptop keyboard such as a surface.
The right way you can opt for how to clean a laptop keyboard can include.
Step 1: turn it off
Before you begin working on the keyboard, make sure that you turn off your laptop. That way, you would reduce the risk of short circuits due to moisture or other issues. Also, make sure you are getting everything backed up.
Step 2: remove the crumbs and other debris
Turn the laptop upside down and allow the crumbs to fall out. You can use the cleaning slime to remove the debris from the crevices and other areas. If this does not solve the issue, consider giving it a vacuum. You can use a small attachment and the lowest possible power setting. Using the handheld vacuum for this purpose may be a good idea. You can even use compressed air to clean your laptop keyboard.
Step 3: clean the keyboard surface
Cleaning the keyboard’s surface of the things such as germs, grime, smudges, and stains can be one of the best options to help you achieve the best possible standards. You can use disinfectant to clean up the surface of the keyboard. Wipe the keycaps one by one. Ensure you do not spray water or any other liquid to clean the keyboard.
Conclusion
Well, cleaning a mechanical keyboard and the mechanical switches assume a lot of importance and essence. The tips shared here should help you find the best options for cleaning up the keyboard or the key switches.
Faqs
How do you clean dirty keyboard switches?
To clean dirty keyboard switches, you can use a switch puller to remove the keycap and then use a cleaning solution and a small brush or compressed air to clean the switch. Alternatively, you can use a cleaning putty to remove dirt and debris.
How do you clean between mechanical keyboard switches?
To clean between mechanical keyboard switches, you can use a small brush or compressed air to remove any accumulated debris or dust. You can also use a cleaning putty or a soft toothbrush to get between the switches and remove dirt or grime.
Is it safe to wash keyboard switches?
No, washing keyboard switches with water or any liquid solution are unsafe as it can damage the switch’s electrical components and cause them to malfunction. Using a dry cleaning method, such as cleaning putty or compressed air.
How do you clean a keyboard switch without removing it?
To clean a keyboard switch without removing it, you can use a cleaning putty or a soft-bristled brush to remove any dust or debris on and around the switch. Compressed air can also remove any loose dirt or debris from the switch.
Can I wash my switches?
No, washing your switches with water or any liquid solution can damage the switch’s electrical components and cause them to malfunction. It is best to use a dry cleaning method, such as cleaning putty or compressed air, to clean your switches.
How can I clean my switch?
You can use a cleaning putty or compressed air to clean your switch to remove any dirt or debris. Alternatively, gently wipe the switch with a small brush or a soft cloth. Please avoid using any liquid solutions as they can damage the switch.
