There has been a rise in demand for mechanical keyboards across a variety of industries, including gaming, programming, and writing. Mechanical keyboards, as opposed to traditional keyboards, feature individual mechanical switches under each keycap. These switches provide tactile feedback and are both durable and long-lasting. However, because of the way they are constructed, mechanical keyboards call for significantly more upkeep than their membrane-based counterparts. In this piece, we will go over the best ways to clean a mechanical keyboard so that you can keep it in working order for as long as possible.

1: Collect the Necessary Cleaning Supplies

It is essential to collect all of the necessary cleaning materials before beginning the process of cleaning, which comes first. A keycap puller, a small brush, a compressed air canister, a microfiber cloth, isopropyl alcohol, and a bowl of warm water are the items that make up this kit. These items are available at your neighborhood computer store as well as on the internet.

2: Take Off the Keycaps

Taking off the keycaps is the first thing you need to do when cleaning a mechanical keyboard. To carefully remove each keycap, use a tool called a keycap puller. To avoid breaking or otherwise damaging the keys, be careful and take your time. Once all of the keycaps have been removed, put them in a bowl of warm water with a very small amount of dish soap and set the bowl aside. Allow them to sit in the liquid for approximately 10–15 minutes.

3: Clean the Keyboard Plate

While the keycaps are soaking, clean the keyboard plate by removing any debris or dust with a small brush or a compressed air canister. Make sure that you give the spaces in between the switches a heightened level of focus. If there is any dirt or dust that has accumulated, you can remove it by blowing it out with a can of compressed air.

4. Wipe the Tops of the Keycaps

After putting the keycaps through the soaking process, you should clean them with a cloth made of microfiber. Make sure that both sides of the keycaps are thoroughly cleaned before using them. You can also clean any areas that are difficult to access by using a toothbrush. After they have been cleaned, the keycaps should be wiped down with clean water and then allowed to air dry on a towel or a piece of paper towel.

5. Conduct a Switch Cleaning

For the purpose of cleaning the switches, you can remove any debris or dust that may have accumulated by using a small brush or a compressed air canister. Take care not to break the switch itself in the process. A cotton swab that has been dipped in isopropyl alcohol is another option for cleaning the contacts of the switch. Before you reinstall the keycaps, you need to make sure the switch has had sufficient time to dry out completely.

6. Put the Keyboard Back Together Again

Reassemble the keyboard after making sure each component is spotless and completely dry. To get started, remove the keycaps and then reinstall them, making sure that each key is correctly aligned and has a secure fit. Make sure all of the keys are working properly by pressing them one by one. After the keycaps have been installed, the keyboard needs to be plugged in and tested to ensure that everything is operating as it should.

7 - Maintenance Tips

There are a few different maintenance tips that you should follow in order to keep your mechanical keyboard in good condition. To begin, you should steer clear of the keyboard whenever you are eating or drinking in order to avoid accidental spills and the introduction of debris. Second, use a can of compressed air or a small brush to clean the keyboard on a regular basis to prevent dust and debris from building up on the keys. Last but not least, you should think about buying a keyboard cover to safeguard it against accidental spills and other damage.

In a nutshell, cleaning a mechanical keyboard is a straightforward process that just requires some standard cleaning supplies and a little bit of elbow grease. Keep in mind that the keycaps need to be removed, and that the keyboard plate as well as the switches need to be cleaned. It is important to perform routine maintenance on the keyboard in order to keep it in good condition. This includes keeping food and liquids away from the keyboard and cleaning it on a regular basis. You can ensure that your mechanical keyboard will continue to operate properly for many years to come if you follow these easy steps.