Cleaning keyboard switches involves safely removing dust and debris to ensure optimal performance. The best approach is a gentle one, avoiding liquids directly inside the switch.
Here's a breakdown of how to clean keyboard switches:
- Gather your supplies: You'll need isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher is recommended), cotton swabs, a small brush (like a paintbrush), a keycap puller, and possibly a switch opener (depending on the type of switch and whether you want to disassemble it further).
- Remove the keycap: Use a keycap puller to safely remove the keycap from the switch you want to clean.
- Clean the switch (Surface Cleaning):
- With a brush: Gently brush away any loose dust, debris, or hair around the switch stem and housing.
- With a cotton swab and alcohol: Lightly dampen a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. Carefully scrub the visible parts of the switch, including around the stem. Avoid getting excessive amounts of alcohol inside the switch. Let the alcohol evaporate completely before reassembling.
Important Considerations:
- Disassembling Switches (Advanced): For a more thorough cleaning, you can disassemble the switch with a switch opener. However, this requires more technical knowledge and can potentially damage the switch if done incorrectly. If you choose to disassemble, remember to keep track of all the small parts! Clean each individual component carefully with a brush or alcohol-dampened swab. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling. This allows more thorough cleaning of dust and debris but introduces the risk of switch damage if not done carefully.
- Drying is Key: Always ensure that all components are completely dry before reassembling the keyboard. Alcohol can damage electronic components if not fully evaporated.
- Lubrication (Optional): After cleaning, some enthusiasts choose to lubricate their switches to improve their smoothness and feel. This is an optional step and requires specific lubricants designed for keyboard switches.
- Frequency: Clean your keyboard switches as needed, depending on usage and environmental factors. A regular light cleaning is better than infrequent deep cleans.
In Summary: Cleaning keyboard switches is best done with gentle methods. Using a brush and alcohol-dampened cotton swabs to clean around the stem and housing is usually sufficient. Deeper cleaning by disassembling the switch can be done but requires more care and knowledge. The most important factor is ensuring all parts are completely dry before reassembling.
