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How Often To Clean Mechanical Keyboard? Superb 10 Steps To Clean It Correctly

Posted on by Roselyne T.

What Is A Mechanical Keyboard?

You have mechanical keyboard, but you are still wondering…

…how often to clean mechanical keyboard? In this article you will know how to do it.

The two most common types of keyboards technology are mechanical keyboards membrane keyboards.

Mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards have different builds, and so they require different cleaning methods.

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This article will primarily focus on the cleaning of mechanical keyboards, but we’ll briefly…

…go over the cleaning of a membrane keyboard. In either case, you should be aware…

…that both kinds of keyboards can get dirty if not cleaned properly. The reason why this happens..

…is because all these parts are designed in such a way as to prevent dust from getting into them. However…

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…even though it’s impossible for dust to enter the components, it does still happen sometimes. For example..

…there are many places where dust can accumulate like your mouse pad or around the USB ports. It’s important..

…to know how to clean your mechanical keyboard because if you don’t, you might end up…

…with an expensive keyboard that doesn’t work well anymore.

In this blog, we also have Ajazz AK33 specs review that you might want to see.

What Makes a Good Mechanical Keyboard?

When choosing which type of keyboard to buy, you need to think about what sort of user you are.

Some people prefer a traditional layout while others enjoy using a split-style keyboard. There are also…

…some who use the arrow keys for navigation purposes instead of just typing text. These users would benefit…

…from having a fully programmable keyboard. The best mechanical keyboards come with features…

…such as adjustable backlighting, customizable keycaps, tactile feedback, anti-ghosting technology…

…macro keys, dedicated media buttons, ergonomic grips, rubberized feet and rubber key caps…

…and extra-large keycaps. You may want to consider buying one of these if you plan to play video games…

…or create macros frequently. Other than gaming, you could use it for programming or writing long documents.

How Often To Clean Mechanical Keyboard

While there is no universal rule for when to clean your keyboard, the following are a few simple measures…

…to maintain your PC gaming setup clean and give your mechanical keyboard the long life it deserves:

  • Disconnect your keyboard and invert it to shake away any crumbs or dirt.
  • Remove dust off your keyboard plate with a handheld vacuum or the hose attachment of an upright vacuum equipped with a brush head. Slid over and fill up the gaps between the keys. Be cautious and avoid damaging your keyboard by shoving the tube too forcefully into it.
  • To clean or remove stains, moisten a microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol and carefully wipe down the whole keyboard. Using a disposable wipe is OK as well; however, avoid using strong cleaners and never spray a cleaning solution straight onto the keyboard. Wipe the towel across the top of the keyboard, between the keys, and along the frame’s sides.
  • Wipe away any residual wetness with another clean and dry towel.
  • This moist cloth approach is also effective for cleaning your keyboard wrist rest and gaming mouse pad.

For a deeper clean (recommended every 1-2 months for optimal performance) or to tackle sticky keys:

  • Disconnect the keyboard. Remove all tiny keycaps using the keycap removal tool supplied in your Element package. For bigger keycaps, you may use the keycap removal tool, but use particular care while removing the keycap from the stabilizer – stable the key with both hands and pull the key as perpendicular to the keyboard surface as possible.
  • Allow several hours for all keycaps to soak in a jar of warm water and dish soap.
  • After removing the keycaps, use a vacuum with a brush attachment or compressed air to clean the keyboard frame of any dust, grime, debris, or hair. Clean the area surrounding the mechanical keyboard switches with a moist cloth or cotton swab.
  • Wipe the keyboard frame clean and dry fully with a clean, dry towel. Take the keycaps out of the water and carefully dry them with a clean cloth.
  • Replace the keycaps by referring to the figure below. Align the relevant keys and firmly press the keycap into the mechanical switch. The same holds true for bigger keycaps equipped with stabilizers – use many fingers to firmly press the keycap into the stabilizer.

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