A mechanical keyboard’s haptic feedback and long lifespan make it a favorite among computer users and gamers. Unfortunately, the keyboard’s functionality and aesthetics can be negatively impacted if dust, debris, and grime are allowed to collect between the keys over time.
Therefore, a mechanical keyboard must be cleaned regularly to keep it working properly and for as long as possible. Turning a mechanical keyboard upside down might help you eliminate any stray material that may have been collected while it was plugged into the computer.
To remove embedded debris, blow it away with compressed air or gently brush it away. Remove the keycaps with a keycap puller or other tiny tool for a more thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and warm water or a reliable keycap cleaning solution to clean the keycaps.
Microfiber or soft, lint-free cloths moistened with a diluted cleaning solution should be used to wipe off the keyboard. To prevent switch and circuit board failure, avoid using too much moisture. When everything is dry, you may reconnect the keycaps to the keyboard again. After that, reconnect the keyboard to power and check each key to ensure it works. It would help to clean your mechanical keyboard regularly to get the most out of your typing or gaming experience.
Top 7 Steps To Clean Mechanical Keyboard
Here are the detailed steps to clean the mechanical keyboard.
1- Unplug the Keyboards
Even though the instructions for this step are obvious, it bears repeating. You should disconnect your wired keyboard if you’re using a wireless one. It’s better to be cautious than sorry. Therefore, we will clean the keyboard off with some moist cloth later. Water and electronic devices need to get along better. Separate them.
2- Remove the Keycaps
Pinch the edges and lift to remove most keycaps from a mechanical keyboard. Very little work is needed. Using this method, you may reach the space beneath the normally inaccessible keycaps. A keycap puller is a tool that removes keycaps without the need to pry them off with your fingers. You may save time using a keycap puller to remove the keycaps.
3- Use Compressed Air
Underneath the keycaps, you can undoubtedly find a lot of crumbs, hair, and other bits of random trash. Using a can of compressed air, you may remove such particles from the air. After you have done this, look around where the switches are located. The edges of the switches may be sticking to even more junk.
4- Use Soft-Bristle Brush
A soft bristle toothbrush is useful for removing stubborn material from the cracks of a keyboard. Brush cautiously over sticky messes after wetting the bristles with water and soap. The bristles of a toothbrush are fine and soft enough to clean the area surrounding the switches without causing any damage.
5- Use a Damp Cloth
A moist towel can remove any residue from the keyboard. Never wipe your keyboard with a damp rag. It would help if you took great care to prevent water from seeping into the tiny openings of your expensive peripheral devices.
6- Soak The Keycaps In Warm Water
The keycaps only need to be soaked in warm soapy water to clean the entire keyboard thoroughly. But if you want to check every possible avenue, by all means. Over time and repeated usage, your keycaps may become greasy. It would help to wait until the keycaps are dry before replacing them on the keyboard.
7- Reassemble The Keyboard
Reinstall the keycaps now that the keyboard is clean. Removing and replacing the keycaps on a mechanical keyboard is the most time-consuming cleaning component. However, the remaining steps are a breeze.
How To Clean Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
Care and attention to detail are needed while cleaning mechanical keyboard switches. Follow these simple steps to clean the switches on your mechanical keyboard.
- To avoid any potential electrical damage or inadvertent keystrokes, you should turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard.
- Keycap removal may require a keycap puller or other tiny instrument, so be careful. Put the keycaps in a separate cleaning container.
- Clear the switches of dust and stray debris using a can of compressed air. Keep the can level and spray in brief bursts, taking care not to tilt it or use too much force.
- A cotton swab or soft bristles brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol can remove tenacious dirt and grime particles. The switch housing should be gently brushed or swabbed, specifically the region around the stem and within the switch.
- Carefully pry the top casing off the switch with a small tool or your fingernail if it has one. To clean the exposed parts, use an isopropyl alcohol–dampened cotton swab or a clean, lint–free cloth.
- Only reassemble the keyboard or reconnect the cord once the switches have dried.
- The keycaps should be removed, washed with mild soap or keyboard cleaning solution, and dried before reattaching.
How To Clean Mechanical Keyboard Without Removing Keys?
- Although it may be more difficult, you may still clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys. Cleaning a mechanical keyboard without taking the keys off is detailed below.
- To avoid accidental key presses or computer damage, turn off the computer and unplug the keyboard.
- If there is dust or debris stuck between the keys, you can remove it using a can of compressed air. You should keep the can upright and utilize brief bursts to protect the keyboard.
- Keycaps may be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth or cotton swab if they have any obvious stains or filth. Rub the afflicted areas gently to loosen the grime. Avoid getting liquid behind the keys by not using too much.
- A tiny, soft-bristled brush can gently sweep away dust and debris from tighter spaces.
- Please wait until the keyboard is dry before disconnecting or powering the computer after cleaning.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is concluded that keeping a mechanical keyboard clean is crucial for its continued efficiency and lifespan. Just follow these easy instructions to keep your keyboard looking and working like new. These steps will prove very fruitful to you and you will get rid of debris. Moreover, they will not damage your keyboard and they will work more efficiently. Before you begin cleaning your keyboard, remember to disconnect it so that no accidental key presses occur. So throw some tunes, roll up your sleeves, and maintain your mechanical keyboard for years of fun and delightful clickety-clacking.
FAQs
How can I clean the switches on my mechanical keyboard?
After removing the keycaps as indicated above, clean the area surrounding the switches with a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dust or dirt. Next, use a cotton swab or wet towel to carefully wipe up any liquid residue from the switches if any got in there. If the area is sticky, you may want to dampen the cloth or cotton swab with dish soap or rubbing alcohol before applying it.
How can I properly clean a mechanical keyboard?
Cleaning a mechanical keyboard is as simple as wiping it down with a microfiber cloth and some compressed air, just as you would do with a laptop keyboard. However, to thoroughly clean the keyboard, you must take it apart, wet the keycaps, wipe the plate, then brush and sweep around the switches.
Is There a Way to Remove Stickiness from a Mechanical Keyboard?
Use a moist microfiber cloth, ordinary cloth, or cleaning wipe to remove sticky residue from a mechanical keyboard. You should only use a small amount of cleaning product on any cloth and avoid using brands that include acid or bleach. If you don’t have any rubbing alcohol handy, a clean sponge will do the trick. Avoid using a paper towel since doing so may cause tiny particles of paper to become lodged between and beneath the keycaps.
Can I Use Water to Clean a Mechanical Keyboard?
You may wipe the keycaps and the outside of the keyboard base with a wet cloth to get rid of sticky residue and filth, but you shouldn’t do so since it could damage the exposed electrical parts within. Cleaning a keyboard with a dry approach, like an air cannon, vacuum cleaner, pipe cleaner, cloth, or cleaning gel, is the safest option, even if the keyboard is advertised as water-resistant or waterproof.
