How to Clean and Maintain Your Mechanical Keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is a popular choice for many gamers and typists because of its tactile feel and durability. However, just like any other keyboard, it is essential to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard, as well as some important safety precautions to follow.

Tools Needed

Before we get started with the cleaning process, it is essential to gather the right tools. Here is a list of items you will need:

Compressed Air: Compressed air is an essential tool for cleaning a mechanical keyboard as it can help dislodge dirt and debris from hard-to-reach areas of your keyboard.

Cleaning Solution: A cleaning solution is a liquid cleaning agent that can help remove dirt and grime from the surface of your keyboard. It is important to use a cleaning solution that is safe for your keyboard and won’t cause any damage.

Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: A soft cloth or microfiber towel is needed to wipe down the surface of your keyboard after cleaning. It is important to use a soft cloth to prevent scratching or damaging the surface of your keyboard.

Keyboard Keycap Puller: A keyboard keycap puller is a tool used to remove the keycaps from your keyboard. This tool is essential for deep cleaning your keyboard as it allows you to remove the keycaps and access the switches beneath.

Brush: A brush is needed to dislodge dirt and debris from your keyboard. A small brush can be used to reach tight spaces and corners on your keyboard.

Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs are useful for cleaning small and hard-to-reach areas of your keyboard, such as the gaps between keycaps.

By having these tools on hand, you will be well-equipped to clean and maintain your mechanical keyboard, ensuring that it performs optimally and lasts for years to come.

Preparing Your Keyboard

Before you start cleaning your mechanical keyboard, unplug it from your computer to avoid any electrical damage. Next, remove the keycaps from your keyboard. This will make it easier to clean the keyboard plate and keycaps. Use a keycap puller to gently lift the keycaps off the keyboard.

Shake out any debris or dust that may have accumulated between the keys. Be careful not to shake the keyboard too hard as this could damage the switches.

Cleaning the Keyboard Plate

The keyboard plate is where the switches and circuit board are located. To clean the keyboard plate, start by using compressed air to blow out any dust or debris. Hold the can upright and spray the air in short bursts to avoid damaging the switches.

Next, use a brush to remove any remaining debris. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching the surface of the keyboard plate. Use a cotton swab dipped in a cleaning solution to remove any dirt or grime that may be stuck to the surface.

Cleaning the Keycaps

To clean your keycaps, you will need to soak them in a cleaning solution. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the keycaps in the solution and let them soak for a few minutes.

After the keycaps have soaked, use a brush to gently scrub them, making sure to get in between the ridges and grooves. Rinse the keycaps with warm water and dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth or a microfiber towel.

Reassembling Your Keyboard

Once you have finished cleaning the keyboard plate and keycaps, it’s time to reassemble your keyboard. Start by replacing the keycaps back onto the keyboard. Make sure they are aligned correctly and snap them into place.

Plug your keyboard back into your computer and test the keys to make sure they are functioning correctly. It’s important to test every key to ensure they are all working correctly.

Deep Cleaning Your Keyboard

If your mechanical keyboard has been neglected for a while, you may need to do a deep cleaning. To do this, you will need to remove the circuit board from the keyboard. This process can be a little more complicated, so if you are not confident in your ability to do this, seek professional help.

To remove the circuit board, start by unscrewing the back plate of the keyboard. Carefully remove the circuit board and place it on a soft surface. Use a brush and cleaning solution to clean the circuit board, taking care not to damage any of the components.

Once you have cleaned the circuit board, reassemble the keyboard in the reverse order that you took it apart. Test the keyboard to make sure all the keys are functioning correctly.

Maintaining Your Keyboard

Accidents happen, and spills can be disastrous for your mechanical keyboard. Protect your keyboard by using a keyboard cover or by being mindful of the drinks around your keyboard.

Regular cleaning can prevent the buildup of dirt and grime on your keyboard. Make sure to clean your keyboard at least once a month, and more frequently if you use it daily.

When you’re not using your keyboard, keep it covered to prevent dust from settling on it.

Troubleshooting

If your keys feel sticky, it may be due to dirt or grime buildup. Clean your keyboard as described in this article, paying extra attention to the affected keys.

If some of your keys aren’t working, it could be due to a loose or disconnected wire or a broken switch. If you’re comfortable with it, you can try disassembling your keyboard and checking for any loose connections or broken parts. Alternatively, you can contact the manufacturer for support.

If your keys are making noise, it could be due to a dirty switch. Try cleaning the affected switch with compressed air or a brush.

Safety Precautions

Always unplug your keyboard before cleaning it or performing any maintenance. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia on your keyboard, as they can damage the plastic and metal components.

Also, make sure your workspace is safe and free from any hazards that could damage your keyboard.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been informative and helpful for you in maintaining your mechanical keyboard. With the proper tools and techniques, cleaning and maintaining your keyboard can be a simple and rewarding task.

If you haven’t cleaned your mechanical keyboard recently, now is a great time to start! Use the tools and techniques described in this article to keep your keyboard in top shape and enjoy a superior typing experience for years to come.