Mechanical Keyboard Maintenance: Tackling Sticky Keys

Mechanical keyboards are renowned for their durability and satisfying typing experience, but even the best mechanical keyboards can develop sticky keys. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including dust and debris accumulation, liquid spills, wear and tear, and poor maintenance. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to fix sticky keys and restore your keyboard's flawless functionality.

One common approach is to clean the keyboard regularly. This involves disconnecting the keyboard, removing the keycaps, and using compressed air or a soft brush to remove dust, dirt, and food particles. For more thorough cleaning, a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol can be used, but it's important to avoid excessive liquid to prevent damage. In case of liquid spills, it's crucial to act quickly by disconnecting the keyboard, draining the liquid, and allowing it to dry before cleaning.

If cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, it may be necessary to inspect and realign the keycaps, ensuring they are correctly aligned with their respective switches. In some cases, the problem could be due to a mechanical malfunction within the keyboard, in which case seeking professional assistance or contacting the manufacturer's customer support is advisable.

Additionally, lubricating the key switches with a small amount of silicone-based or Teflon lubricant can help restore smooth key movement. It's important to use only recommended lubricants and apply them sparingly to avoid adverse effects.

By following these steps and maintaining proper care, you can effectively fix sticky keys on your mechanical keyboard and enjoy a seamless and enjoyable typing experience.

Cleaning sticky keys with alcohol

Step 1: Identify the Cause of Sticky Keys

Before you begin cleaning, it is important to identify the cause of the stickiness. Sticky keys can be caused by various factors such as dust buildup, debris lodged within the keys, liquid spills, or even a mechanical defect. Understanding the root cause will help you choose the most effective cleaning method.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

To clean your sticky keys effectively, you will need the following items:

• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with a concentration of 70% or higher.
• A keycap puller or a small, flat-headed screwdriver.
• Cotton swabs or a microfiber cloth.
• A bowl or container for soaking and cleaning the keycaps.
• Tweezers (optional, for removing stubborn debris).

Step 3: Disconnect and Prepare the Keyboard

Turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard to ensure your safety and prevent any potential damage during the cleaning process. Place the keyboard upside down over a trash can and gently tap and shake it to dislodge any loose debris.

Step 4: Remove the Sticky Keycaps

Use the keycap puller or screwdriver to carefully remove the sticky keycaps. If you are using a keycap puller, gently insert it under the keycap and pull upwards. If using a screwdriver, gently pry the keycap upwards. Set the removed keycaps aside in a safe place, ensuring you know their correct positions for reassembly.

Step 5: Clean the Keycaps

Create a cleaning solution by mixing warm water and a mild detergent. Soak the keycaps in this solution for about 30 minutes. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away any residue. Rinse the keycaps thoroughly with clean water and pat them dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Allow them to air dry completely before proceeding.

Step 6: Clean the Exposed Switches and Keyboard

Use compressed air to blow away any loose dust or debris from the exposed switches and keyboard. Hold the can upright and spray in short bursts, working in a zigzag pattern. For more thorough cleaning, use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the switches and keyboard surface. Ensure that you do not use excessive moisture, as it may damage the internal components.

Step 7: Reassemble and Test the Keyboard

Once everything is completely dry, reassemble the keyboard by firmly pressing the keycaps back into their correct positions. Turn on your computer and test the previously sticky keys to ensure they are functioning smoothly without any stickiness.

Additional Tips:

• If your keyboard has a UV coating or a similar effect, avoid using isopropyl alcohol as it may remove the coating. Use warm water instead.
• When cleaning with alcohol, avoid applying liquids directly to the keyboard. Instead, use a damp cloth or cotton swab.
• Always allow the keyboard to dry completely before reconnecting and using it.
• For persistent stickiness, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or try a different method, such as using a keyboard cleaning gel or lubricating the switches.

Removing keys to clean the keypad

Removing the keys from your mechanical keyboard is necessary to give it a good clean and remove any sticky residue. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Get a Keycap Puller

You can purchase a keycap puller, which is a tool that helps you remove the keycaps. There are two types: wire and plastic. A wire keycap puller is preferred as it is less likely to scratch the sides of your keycaps. Alternatively, you can make a DIY keycap puller with a paper clip. Straighten the paper clip and bend it into an L shape, then slide it under the keycap and lift.

Step 2: Insert the Keycap Puller

If you are using a wire keycap puller, slide the metal wires under the bottom of the key. For a plastic keycap puller, slide it over the keycap until it snaps underneath. You are trying to create enough leverage to pull up the keycap and overcome the friction between the keycap and the stem of the switch underneath.

Step 3: Gently Pull Until the Keycap is Removed

Gently pull and wiggle the keycap puller with increasing force until the keycap comes off. Be careful not to yank the keycaps off, as this can damage the stem or even pull out the whole switch. The larger keys, such as the space bar and shift key, will be tougher to remove because they are attached to the stabilizer stems. For these keys, it is best to remove from one side first and then the other.

Step 4: Clean the Keyboard and Keycaps

Once the keycaps are removed, you can give your keyboard a deep clean. Use compressed air to blow away any loose particles, crumbs, hair, and other debris that may be underneath the keycaps or around the switches. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush to tackle stubborn debris. For stickier messes, wet the bristles with some water and soap and brush carefully.

Next, wipe down the keyboard with a damp cloth to remove any sticky spots. Be careful not to use a sopping wet cloth, as you want to avoid getting water into the cracks and crevices of your keyboard.

If you want to deep clean the keycaps, you can soak them in warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry them completely before putting them back on the keyboard.

Step 5: Reassemble the Keyboard

Once your keyboard is clean and dry, reassemble the keycaps. Make sure they are correctly aligned and firmly pressed down.

Shaking out the keyboard

Step 1: Unplug the Keyboard

If you are using a desktop computer, unplug the keyboard from the computer. If you are using a laptop, turn it off completely. This step is important to ensure your safety and prevent any accidental keystrokes during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Turn the Keyboard Upside Down

Gently turn the keyboard upside down, allowing gravity to help dislodge any loose debris. You can also hold the keyboard at an angle, as long as part of it is pointing towards the floor.

Step 3: Shake the Keyboard Gently

Shake the keyboard gently to let the crumbs and other particles fall out. You can also try tapping the back of the keyboard gently to encourage the debris to fall out.

Step 4: Brush Away Any Remaining Debris

Use a small paintbrush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush away any extra crumbs or debris that may be left on the keyboard.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If the key is still stuck, you can repeat the above steps, but try tilting the keyboard in a different position. Crumbs or debris may be trapped underneath the key itself, so changing the angle can help dislodge them.

Blowing out the keyboard with compressed air

Blowing out your mechanical keyboard with compressed air is a great way to get rid of sticky keys. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, disconnect your keyboard from its power source. This is an important safety precaution as it prevents any potential damage during the cleaning process. Turn off your computer as well. Once disconnected, take your can of compressed air and aim the nozzle between the keycaps. Direct short bursts of air to dislodge any dust, dirt, or debris that may be causing the sticky keys. Be sure to spritz the compressed air around each key, even if they are not all stuck, to prevent future sticking.

When using compressed air, it is important to be cautious. Do not get too close to the keyboard as you risk breaking the plastic. Additionally, avoid applying excessive force when blowing air, as this can also damage the keycaps and switches.

After blowing out the keyboard with compressed air, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove any remaining dust or debris. You can also use a Q-tip or cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove any stubborn gunk or sticky residue.

Once you have finished cleaning, allow your keyboard to dry completely before reconnecting it to your computer and testing the keys. If the sticky keys persist, you may need to try other troubleshooting methods, such as removing and cleaning individual keycaps or addressing liquid spills.

Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance of your mechanical keyboard are crucial to ensuring optimal performance and a seamless typing experience. By taking care of your keyboard and following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth and satisfying typing experience for years to come.

Replacing a broken key

If you're looking to replace a single broken key on a mechanical keyboard, you're in luck! Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards allow for individual key replacement. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Identify the Cause:

Before you begin, it's important to identify why the key is broken. Is it due to dust and debris accumulation, liquid damage, wear and tear, or something else? This will help determine the appropriate course of action.

Gather the Necessary Tools:

You'll need a few tools to remove and replace the key. These include a small flathead screwdriver, tweezers, a keycap puller (optional), and a replacement key. If you don't have a keycap puller, you can carefully use a screwdriver or tweezers instead.

Remove the Broken Keycap:

Start by gently prying up one side of the keycap with your screwdriver or tweezers. Wiggle it a bit to loosen it, then do the same on the other side. Be careful not to apply too much force to avoid damaging the underlying switch. With the keycap removed, you should see the plastic plates underneath. Gently pull on one side while pushing down with your other hand if they are difficult to remove.

Clean the Area:

Before installing the new key, it's a good idea to clean the area. Use compressed air to blow away any dust or debris that may be present. You can also use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove any stubborn dirt or residue. Ensure the area is completely dry before proceeding.

Install the Replacement Key:

Line up the new keycap with the switch. You'll notice that the keycap has little plastic or metal posts on its underside that fit into slots on the switch. Make sure they are aligned correctly, then gently push down on the keycap until it snaps into place.

Test the Key:

Once the new key is installed, test it out to ensure it's functioning properly. Press the key a few times and check for responsiveness and smooth movement. If it feels stiff, you may need to adjust the keycap or switch lubrication.

Reassemble the Keyboard:

If you had to remove multiple keys or disassemble the keyboard for access, make sure to reassemble everything correctly. Line up the keycaps with their respective switches and gently press them down until they click into place.

Seek Professional Help if Needed:

If you encounter any issues during the process or are unsure about a particular step, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional or the keyboard manufacturer. They can provide guidance or perform the replacement for you if necessary.

Remember to be gentle and take your time during the replacement process to avoid damaging the keyboard or its switches. With these steps, you should be able to successfully replace a broken key on your mechanical keyboard and restore its functionality.

Frequently asked questions