If your keyboard keys are sticking or you’re not happy with the way your mechanical keyboard looks, cleaning it may be a good idea. You can try to clean it with simple methods, but if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to take it for a more thorough deep clean.
The first thing you should do is shake the mechanical keyboard to dislodge any grit that’s stuck on it. You can also use compressed air to blow dust out.
1. Remove the Keycaps
One of the most effective ways to clean a mechanical keyboard is to remove the keycaps and wipe them down. This not only makes the keys easier to clean, but also helps you get a better visual picture of how dirty the board is.
The keycap sits on a switch, which is a mechanical device made from plastic, a metal spring, and metal electrical connectors. When you press down the switch, the electrical connectors touch, and form an electrical circuit that lets your computer know a keycap was pressed.
When you want to remove a keycap from a switch, you need to first create enough space around the cap by prying up with something that can slide between the gaps. You can use your fingers, a paperclip, or even a flathead screwdriver, but you should be careful not to scratch or damage the keycaps themselves or the switch.
Once you have enough room, you can use a keycap puller to gently remove the keycaps from the switch. There are several different kinds of keycap pullers, including wire and plastic ones, so it’s important to make sure you find a good one that suits your needs.
A good keycap puller should have a good grip on the bottom of the keycap and will pop it out with little effort. Some wire keycap pullers have an extra-wide grip area, which can be beneficial in certain cases, while others have narrower grips that are better for removing smaller keys.
2. Wipe Down
A lot of mechanical keyboard users put off cleaning their boards because they’re too busy with work or play, but it’s important to clean your board a few times a year to preserve the quality and longevity of the keys you press every day. Regular light cleaning helps to reduce grime, oil, and dust buildup that can damage the switches and impede your ability to type.
It also gives you the opportunity to inspect your boards and see if any switches need replacement. Some boards have hot-swappable switches, which allow you to replace a switch without removing the board and desoldering and soldering new ones.
Before you do any cleaning, though, it’s a good idea to take a close look at the keyboard itself and make sure that everything is clean and in working order. You’ll probably find crumbs, hair, and other debris clinging to the key caps and switches, so you’ll want to use a can of compressed air to blast them away.
After that, you can use a cloth or brush to wipe down the keyboard. This is especially important for the area around the key caps and the switches, as they can accumulate a lot of dirt and grit if you’re not careful.+
Once you’ve completed these steps, your board should be as good as new, and ready for another round of gaming or work. It’s also a great time to check for any small issues or problems you may have, so you can fix them before they have a chance to get out of hand.
3. Dry
When your keyboard starts to look like a dusty mess, it’s time to clean it. Fortunately, it’s easier than you think to get your mechanical keyboard looking brand new again.
Most people don’t realize how dirty their keyboards get until they buy a brand new one, and it can be a shock to see the grime and dust that accumulates over time. That’s why it’s important to give your keyboard a good cleaning when needed, to keep it working as well as possible for as long as possible.
Keyboards have a lot of moving parts, and each of those parts can get gunked up with dirt, grime, and other things that can make it tough to type. That’s why it’s so important to clean them often and thoroughly, to prevent any of these nasty bits from getting inside the switches.
First of all, you’ll want to use a dry cloth or paper towel to wipe down your keyboard. This will remove all the loose dust particles that might have gotten into the switch, and it will also leave your keyboard clean and shiny again.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner to blow out the dust and dirt that might have settled around the keys. This works great for most keyboards, but you’ll need to take special care not to get the vacuum cleaner too close to the switches.
Another good option is to use a specialized tool called a “keycap puller.” These are typically available in the online electronics stores, and they’re easy to use. They’re also inexpensive and very effective at getting the job done.
Once the keycaps are completely dry, you can put them back on your keyboard. This should only take a few minutes, but it’s a good idea to double check that they’re properly aligned and seated in the switch. That way, you can be sure that your keys will function correctly when you’re playing.
4. Reassemble
After spending a few days or weeks typing on your new mechanical keyboard, you might notice that it has become dusty and dirty. That’s no good, and it’s time to clean your keyboard so that it will function properly for years to come.
Once you’ve removed the keycaps, it’s time to wipe down the switches and their surrounds. This will help you ensure that they’re clean and that there are no traces of grease or dust left behind.
Before you begin, be sure to unplug the keyboard. This will help prevent any accidental inputs or power surges that can damage your keyboard and its internal circuitry.
Next, shake the keyboard vigorously to loosen up the dirt and debris that may be stuck between the keys. You can also use compressed air to blow away any small debris or crumbs that have formed.
When you’re finished with this step, dry the keyboard off thoroughly. It’s important to do this before you plug the keyboard back into your computer, as moisture can cause problems with electrical components and void warranties.
Once you’ve finished cleaning your mechanical keyboard, it’s time to reassemble it. This should be an easy task for any experienced computer user. If you’re unsure about how to do this, you can always call a local computer repair shop or buy a new keyboard for your own peace of mind.