How to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard

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Mechanical keyboards can quickly become dirty and grimy with daily use, but fear not – giving your beloved keyboard a thorough cleaning doesn’t have to be a laborious chore! In fact, it’s a breeze once you know the right techniques. So, let’s dive in and discover how to bring back the cleanliness and smoothness of your mechanical keyboard in just a few simple steps.

First, before you begin, make sure to unplug your keyboard from your computer to avoid any accidental key presses. Safety first! Next, grab a keycap puller, easily available online or at a local computer store. Gently pull the keycaps off one by one, being careful not to lose any or apply excessive force.

Once the keycaps are removed, it’s time to tackle the accumulated debris and dirt. Grab a can of compressed air, and with short bursts, blow away any loose particles hiding beneath the keys. For more stubborn grime, use a soft brush to gently scrub the surface of the keys.

Now that we’ve dealt with the surface, it’s time to clean those keycaps! Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Immerse the keycaps in the soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. Then, simply scrub them with a soft brush to remove any remaining dirt.

Once your keycaps are sparkling clean, rinse them with clean water and dry thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel. Meanwhile, take a slightly damp cloth and gently wipe the exposed keyboard surface, ensuring that no liquid drips into the mechanisms.

Congratulations! With the keycaps and surface taken care of, it’s time to reassemble your freshly cleaned mechanical keyboard. Align the keycaps properly, pressing each one down firmly until you hear a satisfying click. Finally, plug your keyboard back in, and enjoy the satisfyingly crisp and snappy typing experience on your pristine mechanical keyboard!

Dos

  • Use a keycap puller to remove the keycaps gently.
  • Clean the keycaps with a mild soap solution or isopropyl alcohol.
  • Use a compressed air duster to remove dust and debris from the keyboard switches.
  • Wipe the keyboard case with a microfiber cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution.
  • Allow the keyboard to air dry completely before reassembling.

Donts

  • Do not immerse the keyboard in water or any liquid.
  • Avoid using abrasive cleaning agents or scrubbing the keycaps.
  • Do not spray cleaning solutions directly onto the keyboard.
  • Avoid using excessive force when removing the keycaps.
  • Do not use a hairdryer or any heat source to dry the keyboard.

Step 1

Disconnect the keyboard from the computer and remove any keycaps.

Step 2

Use compressed air or a vacuum cleaner to remove any loose particles from the keyboard.

Step 3

Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the keyswitches and keycaps.

Step 4

Let the keycaps and keyswitches dry completely before reassembling the keyboard.

Step 5

Reattach the keycaps and connect the keyboard back to the computer.

Final thoughts 💭

Keeping your mechanical keyboard clean is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Regularly removing and cleaning the keycaps, using compressed air to remove dust and debris from the switches, and wiping down the keyboard with a damp cloth can go a long way in keeping it in top shape. Remember to disconnect it from the computer and let it dry thoroughly before reassembling and reconnecting. Taking these simple steps will ensure that your mechanical keyboard stays clean and functional for years to come.

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