How To Clean Mechanical Keyboard? (Guide)
The norm for any serious player is a mechanical keyboard.
A mechanical keyboard should be cleaned lightly, regularly, and thoroughly a few times a year to maintain its quality and functioning.
Here, in this article, we’ll discuss how to clean mechanical keyboard properly.
The durability of a keyboard is increased by routine cleaning, which decreases filth, grease, and dust accumulation.
The cleaning procedure is rather straightforward but can be a little overwhelming if you have never done it before.
To protect the aesthetic appeal of your costly mechanical keyboard, make sure to follow all the cleaning/maintenance procedures step-by-step.
Please Note: To prevent inadvertent key presses and placing the cable, among other things, it is advised that you detach the keyboard every time you are preparing to undertake any kind of cleaning.
Steps To Clean Mechanical Keyboard Properly (Explained)
1. Basic Cleaning
To simply clean a keyboard, you need to remove any dust, food particles, hairs, or other material that collects on the surface and under the keycaps.
Use a straightforward air blower to clear the material that may have settled or to blow off the particles.
The loose particles will also come off the surface of the keyboard if you give it a gentle shake after flipping it over.
You can use a cleaning brush to get rid of any debris lodged in hard-to-reach places or behind keycaps.
Use a clean, moist cloth to wipe away sweat, scuff marks, and stains from the keyboard, especially those that have landed on the keys or wrist rest.
2. Advance Cleaning
Following the simple cleaning procedure, clean the dirt from the keycaps. Think about using an ultrasonic cleaner which is also great for household chores.
Two denture tablets should be dropped into the cleaner along with half of your keycaps and run for six to ten minutes.
Be sure to adhere to any additional instructions that your machine may have, such as a minimum fill line. Assure that each keycap is contacted to the ultrasonic sensors by stirring at intervals of 2 minutes.
3. Addressing Spills
To get rid of any surplus liquid that has not drained out, pick up your keyboard, flip it sideways over a sink, and gently shake it.
Remove the keycaps in a bowl of warm water with some denture cleaning tablets or soapy water.
And let it soak for about 5-6 hours. Then make sure to air dry the caps thoroughly. It’s better to keep them away for two days.
Once the keyboard and caps are dried off by wiping them with a microfibre towel, check the computer for any defaults.
When the cleaning is done, you can check whether your keyboard is working properly by using a keyboard tester.
Conclusion
You should be ready to use it after completing the above methods.
To resume typing, just re-plug your keyboard or, if it is a wireless keyboard, just type away by switching it on.
If you have any queries or need more direction, visit the official website of your keyboard manufacturer before washing for more comprehensive cleaning recommendations.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Ques 1: When should I clean my mechanical keyboard?
Ans: Often or once a week, the keyboard needs maintenance.
Ques 2: Are mechanical keyboards easy to clean?
Ans: As the mechanical keycaps are removable, it is quite easy to clean the keyboard.
Ques 3: Is it safe to vacuum the keyboard?
Ans: Yes, it is safe to vacuum or suck out the dust/dirt particles from your keyboard.
Ques 4: Does dust affect mechanical keyboards?
Ans: Before a keyboard’s switches or circuitry starts to malfunction, dust and filth will take control of it.
Contaminants may be controlled through cleaning, which is the most crucial keyboard maintenance duty.
Ques 5: Are alcohol wipes safe for keyboards?
Ans: Yes, you can clean your keyboard with rubbing alcohol.
