Every day, we use our computer keyboards almost as much as we use our phones. However, over time, keyboards can get dirty—whether it’s dust settling from the air or from using it with greasy fingers after eating. Whatever the reason, this can make the keyboard look unsightly and even breed bacteria, so you’ll need to clean it. But if you’re using a mechanical keyboard, cleaning it might be a bit more complicated. Unlike traditional keyboards, the printed circuit board inside a mechanical keyboard is a key component for its function, and if water remains inside during cleaning, it may cause the keyboard to malfunction afterward. So, how do you properly clean a mechanical keyboard? This article will provide you with the most comprehensive guide, whether you’re looking to do a simple surface cleaning or a thorough cleaning of the keycaps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Surface Cleaning
The simplest and most effective cleaning method is using a hairdryer. Set the hairdryer to its highest power and angle it at 45° toward the keyboard gaps, rather than blowing directly at the keyboard. This can easily remove dust from the keyboard surface and particles from the gaps. Be sure not to use hot air, as this could damage the internal circuitry of the mechanical keyboard, leading to malfunctions.
A brush and vacuum cleaner are also good choices, working similarly to a hairdryer, so there’s no need to elaborate further. Additionally, a tool that might be overlooked is keyboard cleaning gel. Some people may not be familiar with it; it’s similar to the playdough we used as kids but softer, almost like slime. You can find it on Amazon, and it’s quite affordable, usually under $10, and reusable. It’s not only suitable for cleaning keyboards but also other similar areas that need cleaning. It’s easy to use: simply cover the keyboard with the cleaning gel, leave it for a while, and then remove it. The dirt will come off with the gel, even in the gaps between the keys.
If your keyboard isn’t dirty enough to require disassembly for cleaning, or you’re just doing regular maintenance, you can stop here. If you need to remove the keycaps from your mechanical keyboard for a deep clean, keep reading.
Step 2: Prepare Tools
- Keycap puller
- Screwdriver or tweezers
- Cleaning solution
- Basin
- Cotton swabs
- Alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
Step 3: Record the Key Positions
A full-sized mechanical keyboard has 104 keys, and if you can’t remember the position of each key, it may lead to confusion. Although you can find key layouts online, it’s recommended to take a picture of your keyboard’s original state before disassembly. This will save you time and reduce errors when reassembling.
Step 4: Disconnect the Power
Before disassembling your mechanical keyboard for cleaning, make sure to disconnect the power. Unplug all cables to ensure that the keyboard is completely powered off during the process. For Bluetooth wireless keyboard users, turn off the power or remove the batteries to ensure safety.
Step 5: Remove All Keycaps
When removing the keycaps, be sure to operate carefully and avoid using excessive force, especially when dealing with larger keys. Most mechanical keyboards have stabilizers or satellite switches under the larger keys, and uneven force during removal may affect the keyboard’s feel. To make this step smoother, it’s recommended to use a keycap puller. This small tool typically costs less than $2 but is very useful. There are two common types on the market: one with a short plastic ring design and the other with a long metal wire puller (as shown in the image). Based on actual usage, the metal wire type works better.
Step 6: Clean the Keycaps
This is very simple, just like cleaning anything else. Prepare a basin, pour in a suitable amount of warm water and cleaning solution, and stir until it foams, then soak the keycaps in the water. At this point, you don’t need to wait—you can start cleaning the keyboard body and come back to the keycaps once you’re done.
Step 7: Disassemble and Clean the Frame
Due to design differences among different brands and models, be extra careful when disassembling the keyboard frame. To avoid damaging the keyboard, it’s recommended to consult the official customer service or search for a disassembly guide for your specific model online. If you’re unsure how to proceed, you can opt to simply wipe down the internal dust and reinstall the keycaps.
If your mechanical keyboard frame uses a magnetic design, the process will be relatively simple. The specific steps are as follows:
- Use the prepared screwdriver or tweezers to gently insert into the frame gap.
- With your other hand, grab the outer hook part and lift it upward.
- Insert the tweezers into the open space at the top and sides, and slide them with force.
- Follow the same method for the bottom, and the frame will come off automatically.
- The removed frame can be gently wiped with alcohol and a towel.
Step 8: Disassemble and Clean the PCB
The PCB inside the mechanical keyboard is usually secured with screws. First, locate all the screw holes and use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Be careful, as the screws are very small, so avoid losing any and place them in a prepared box.
Once all screws are removed, the PCB and bottom shell will naturally separate. If you’ve never cleaned the keyboard before, you may find a lot of dust and grime accumulated on the bottom shell. Rinse the bottom shell with clean water, wipe it dry, and let it air dry.
If your mechanical keyboard supports hot-swapping, you can also easily remove the switches for cleaning. If not, use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of alcohol to gently wipe the PCB and switches. Be careful with the amount of alcohol to avoid damaging the circuit board. Finally, let it air dry or use the cold air setting on a hairdryer to dry it, ensuring no moisture remains to avoid damaging the keyboard.
Step 9: Reassemble
Now that your mechanical keyboard is thoroughly cleaned, you just need to reinstall the keycaps. First, take the keycaps soaked in water, rinse off the cleaning solution with clean water, and dry them with a towel. To ensure no moisture remains, you can use the cold air setting on a hairdryer for further drying. If time allows, it’s recommended to let the keycaps sit for one to two hours to ensure they’re completely dry.
Finally, reinstall the keycaps one by one according to the photo you took earlier, and your keyboard will look as good as new.
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