Your mechanical keyboard is more than just a tool; It is the core of a workstation or gaming device. It offers satisfying haptic feedback, unparalleled responsiveness, and personal touch for your Settings. But over time, it will also become a magnet for dust, debris, hair and skin oil.

Ignoring your keyboard not only makes it look dirty, but also affects its performance, shortens its service life and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. What's the good news? With just a little maintenance, your keyboard can remain in its most original condition.

This ultimate guide will take you through everything from a weekly quick clean to a thorough deep clean.

Before we delve into "how", let's first talk about "why". Regular maintenance is crucial for the following aspects:

• Performance: Fragments can block key switching, causing the keys to become sticky or unresponsive.
• Lifespan: Dust and dirt can corrode PCBS (printed circuit boards) and damage precise mechanical switches.
• Hygiene: Research shows that there are more bacteria on keyboards than on toilet seats. Regular cleaning keeps your working environment hygienic.
• Aesthetics: A clean keyboard merely looks better and retains its resale value.
• Typing experience: Nothing can compare to a freshly cleaned, smooth and consistent keyboard.

You don't need expensive professional tools. Most of these things are probably already at home:

• Key cover puller: (indispensable) The wire puller is the best because it is less likely to damage your key cover.
• Compressed air: Used to blow away loose dust and debris.
• Isopropyl alcohol (over 70%): An excellent disinfectant and degreaser, it evaporates rapidly without leaving any residue.
• Microfiber cloth: Lint-free, soft, and highly suitable for wiping surfaces.
• Soft-bristled brushes: Small brushes, makeup brushes or old toothbrushes are all fine.
• A bowl of warm soapy water: for soaking the keyboard cover.
• A bowl for a keyboard cover: A muffin jar or an ice cube tray is the best choice for a keyboard cover.

Optional but useful

• Switch puller: For thorough and deep cleaning of the switch itself (advanced users).
• Lubricant: If you want your switch to be smoother and quieter.
• Dental floss or plastic cards: Gently clean narrow Spaces.

Step 1: Unplug the power cord and organize the documents

Safety first! Always unplug the keyboard. If it is wireless, turn it off and remove the battery. Professional tip: Take a clear and high-resolution photo of the keyboard layout. This will be your lifeline when it's time to put the keycap on.

Step 2: The initial hairstyle

Place the keyboard at an Angle of 45 to 75 degrees on the trash can or sink. Use a short period of compressed air to blow away and expel all loose fragments between the keys. Tilting it helps prevent dust from falling to the bottom.

Step 3: Remove the keycaps

This is where the real cleaning begins. Use your keychain to gently but firmly remove each keychain. Start from a corner and walk all the way. Be especially careful with larger keys such as the space bar, Enter key and Shift key, as there are usually metal stabilizer bars beneath them.

⚠️ warning: Some keyboards (especially laptops) have immovable keycaps. To avoid damage, please check the manufacturer's manual first.

Step 4: Clean the key cover

Put all the keyboard covers in a bowl, add warm water and a drop of mild detergent. Soak for 30 to 60 minutes. After soaking, stir by hand, scrub any particularly dirty areas with a soft-bristled brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and then place them on a towel to dry. Do not reassemble with wet keycaps.

Step 5: Thoroughly clean the keyboard base

Close the keyboard cover and you will see the true extent of the dirt.

• Blow out the exposed switches and boards again with compressed air.
• Use a microfiber cloth or cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the entire keyboard board and carefully clean the area around each switch base.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub off stubborn dirt on the switch housing.

Step 6: Wipe the box

Don't forget the box itself! Dip a microfiber cloth in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or soapy water and wipe the entire exterior of the keyboard, paying attention to the edges and corners where dirt accumulates.

Step 7: Major Reorganization

Once everything is done, it's time to put the keyboard back on. Use the photo you took in Step 1 as a guide to place each key cover back on the correct switch. Press hard until you hear a satisfactory click.

• Prevention is key: Wash your hands before using the keyboard and avoid eating on it.
• Weekly quick clean: Develop the habit of using compressed air and quick bristles every week to prevent major accumulation.
• Use a dust cover: When not in use, especially overnight, a simple dust cover will do
• Consider a deep cleaning plan: Depending on usage, it is recommended to disassemble it thoroughly every 6 to 12 months.

Q: Can I put the key cover in the dishwasher?

A: We don't recommend doing so. High temperatures and irritating cleaning agents can cause key covers to deform or fade, especially those made of ABS plastic.

Question: How can I clean the keyboard without removing the keycaps?

A: You can use compressed air, brushes and disinfectant wipes (slightly damp, not damp) for surface cleaning. However, this will not clear the deeply buried debris.

Q: I spilled something on the keyboard! What should I do?

Answer:

1. Unplug the plug immediately.
2. Turn it upside down to absorb the liquid.
3. Use a piece of cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible.
4. Let it dry completely in a warm and dry place for at least 48 to 72 hours, and then try plugging it in. For sticky spills, they must be thoroughly disassembled and cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.

Cleaning your mechanical keyboard may seem like a challenging task, but breaking it down into simple steps can make it an easy-to-manage and even satisfying weekend project. A clean keyboard is a pleasure of typing, performs better and will serve you faithfully for many years.

Your fingers (and keyboard) will thank you!