Keeping your Corsair keyboard clean helps maintain its performance and appearance. A regular cleaning routine, including specific steps for deeper cleaning, can make a big difference.
Cleaning a Corsair keyboard typically involves removing dust and debris, cleaning the surface, and potentially deep cleaning the keycaps and areas under them.
Basic Cleaning Steps
For routine cleaning, you can perform these quick steps:
- Unplug the Keyboard: Always start by disconnecting your keyboard from your computer.
- Remove Loose Debris: Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to dislodge crumbs and larger particles.
- Use Compressed Air: Use a can of compressed air to blow dust and debris out from between and under the keycaps. Hold the can upright and use short bursts.
- Wipe the Surface: Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth (do not use paper towels which can scratch) with water or a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for electronics. Gently wipe down the surface of the keyboard and the sides. Avoid getting liquid into the switches or electronics.
Deep Cleaning: Keycaps and Base
For a more thorough clean, especially when dealing with stubborn grime or sticky residue, you can follow these steps, incorporating methods mentioned in the reference:
Cleaning Keycaps
Keycaps can accumulate oils and dirt over time. Cleaning them separately allows for a deeper clean:
- Take Keycaps Off: Carefully remove the keycaps from the keyboard switches. Use a keycap puller if you have one to avoid damaging the switches. Organize the keycaps as you remove them or take a photo beforehand to remember where they go.
- Wash Keycaps: According to the reference, you can wash the keycaps with light dish soap and water. Place the removed keycaps in a bowl of warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Swish them around, and if needed, use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub away stubborn dirt.
- Rinse and Dry Keycaps: Rinse the keycaps thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Lay them out on a towel to air dry completely before putting them back on the keyboard. Ensure they are bone dry.
Cleaning the Keyboard Base
While the keycaps are off, you have access to the keyboard's base and switches:
- Remove Dust and Debris: Use compressed air again to clear away any remaining dust, hair, or debris from the base and around the switches.
- Address Residue: As per the reference, if you encounter sticky residue or stubborn spots on the base or around the switches (be careful not to drip liquid into the switches), you can use a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and gently wipe off the leftover residue. The alcohol helps break down sticky substances and evaporates quickly.
- Wipe the Base: Wipe down the visible surfaces of the base plate with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (dampened with water or an electronic cleaning solution, not alcohol unless for specific residue spots). Avoid saturating the surface.
Important: Do NOT attempt to remove the keyboard switches themselves unless you are specifically replacing them and know how to do so. Do NOT submerge the keyboard base in any liquid.
Tools You Might Need
Here's a simple list of helpful tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Microfiber Cloth | Wiping surfaces without scratching |
| Compressed Air | Blowing out dust and debris |
| Keycap Puller | Safely removing keycaps |
| Small Brush | Scrubbing keycaps (e.g., old toothbrush) |
| Mild Dish Soap | Washing keycaps |
| Warm Water | Washing keycaps |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Spot cleaning sticky residue (use sparingly) |
| Cotton Swabs | Applying alcohol to residue spots |
Reassembling Your Keyboard
Once the keycaps are completely dry and the keyboard base is clean, carefully place the keycaps back onto their correct switches. Ensure they are pressed down firmly. Plug your keyboard back in and test it.
Regular cleaning will help extend the life of your Corsair keyboard and keep it looking and feeling great.
