While there are many good reasons to get new hardware, buying a mechanical keyboard is not one of them! They can cost well over $100, so it makes sense to take care of your current one to maximise its lifespan.
Fortunately, due to their popularity, you have several resources available to help keep your keyboard in top condition. This article will go into detail about some possible causes for damage to your keyboard and how to prevent or fix each one. If you find this information helpful, do not hesitate to share it!
Reminder: Since we are talking about keyboards here, make sure to always wash your hands after touching the device or using any alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Acrylic gel rolls are also useful to apply onto all areas of the keyboard to protect from dirt and water that may seep in.
Use a keyboard cleaner
A very popular way to keep your mechanical keyboard in top condition is to use a bottle of liquid that you wipe across the keyboards surface. Most people call this solution simply “keyboard cleaning fluid” or “liquid tool for keyboards.”
Some brands of liquid tool for keyboards contain both alcohol and glycerin as active ingredients, while others have just alcohol. Both work effectively in removing buildup from the keys!
A small amount of liquid tool for keyboards will not cause any damage to your computer or furniture. In fact, many users say it makes their keyboards feel better and more responsive!
But remember, only use these liquids when your keyboard starts acting funny. If you notice some weird sounds or if the keys are taking longer than normal to respond, then it’s time to start testing for other possible causes!
We don’t recommend using rubbing alcohol instead of liquid tool for keyboards though-it may hurt your hands or even burn them. We also caution against using turpentine because it contains sulphur which could strip away protective layers from the plastic parts of your mechanical switch.
Air out your keyboard
One of the worst things you can do for your mechanical keyboard is to run it out of air by either using too much airflow or no airflow at all. This will cause your keys to become stuck, take longer to type due to excess dust, and potentially even hurt your hand or finger when pressed down hard.
Luckily, there are some good ways to ensure your keyboard stays performing its best. You should always make sure your mouse port is clear and open, just like we discussed earlier. Make sure your USB ports work properly and are protected from getting dirty! If possible, use an external GPU that does not need to be connected directly with your computer to function.
But one of our favourite tricks comes in the form of an easy fix that can be done almost anywhere. Let’s talk about it!
Air out your keyboard!
To perform this trick, you will first need to remove the back plate (if you have one) or cover (if you don’t). Then, find something thin and strong – preferably metal or plastic. Depending on which model of mech keyboard you have, you may be able to simply pull off one of the case covers as an air outlet.
Whatever method you choose, make sure it doesn’t get thrown away! Now, position this piece of material so that it lies flat across both top and bottom of your current air exit. When closed, it should create an airtight channel between it and the original air exit.
Let it dry
One of the worst things you can do for your mechanical keyboard is wash it! Washing your device will likely cause damage, especially if you use a wet cloth or noticeable amounts of water.
Mechanical keyboards have switch contacts that require proper drying to work properly. If you need to thoroughly cleanse your device, use an alcohol-based cleaner with no abrasives such as rubbing alcohol or glass cleaners.
Never use paper towels, these could hurt your device by dragging across the switches. Use an old towel made of cotton so there are no additives like chemicals used to make the fabric stronger.
After cleaning, let your device air dry or use a soft microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture. Do not pull off any stickers, they may leave residue that could affect how your device functions.
Wipe down your mouse with a damp cloth
While using your computer, your hands will always be somewhere- they’ll go up to type, or to click around the web, or to swipe across the screen to navigate through menus or applications.
If you use a mechanical keyboard, this is also where dirt and grime can gather. Due to the extra depth of key switches, it’s easy for crumbs, drops of liquid, and leftover bits of food to get stuck under certain keys.
While having a well-oiled machine is totally fine, when there are visible streaks, rings, and slicings present, it starts to look less professional. These things don’t quite fit into the “industrial” theme of the device, and may even detract from its appeal as a collector’s item.
To avoid ruining the aesthetics of your KB, we recommend wiping off your mouse regularly. At least once per week, take out your mouse (or at least roll it over) and wipe it down with some plain white paper towel.
Use a mouse oil
When your mechanical keyboard first comes with the controller, it is usually designed to work without having any sort of cover or shell over the keybed. This is called an open-style keyboard! But unfortunately, this also means there are no protective covers for the keys or the space under the board.
Now, while these keyboards are very sturdy and durable, they can be the source of some problems if you don’t take proper care of them. One of the things that can easily be scratched or damaged is the plate that holds the backspace button.
In fact, many people seem to develop a slight obsession about picking out every little scratch and ding on that plastic piece. While it is kind of funny how much attention people give to something that really isn’t anything important, it does start to add up.
And all of those extra dings can actually cause malfunctioning of the keyboard. In fact, one user reported that their “backspace” didn’t even work because the button was stuck from getting hit so often.
So what can we do to avoid this? Well, one solution is to use mouse oil to protect your keyboard. Mouse oils will not only help keep your computer clean, but they will also spread across the top surface of the keyboard to prevent fingerprints and scratches.
Some brands may recommend using their own brand oil, but anyone brand will work just as well.
Air out your mouse
While not as popular, many people still use their computer with a trackpad or a regular old mouse. Even though they are using touch-based technology, having a good quality mouse is essential!
Many users mistakenly air out their mice by pulling off the top cover. This is definitely not the best way to do this! If you need to take it apart, make sure you only pull down at the front of the mouse, never along the back side where the sensor lies!
Removing too much foam can cause the mouse to stop working properly and even hurt your hand if you have to switch hands while typing or gaming. Never push the foam out completely, there should be some cushion left for the mouse to work correctly.
Another option is to buy an extra mouse sleeve or case that fits your mouse. These will help preserve the shape of the mouse and keep it clean and protected. You could also wash the mouse inside and out with water and a soft cloth to see if those work better for it.
Store in a dry place
After you remove your keyboard from its case, make sure to store it in a cool, dark area away from sources of water or humid air. This is particularly important if you plan to use your keyboard outside!
If possible, try keeping the keyboard inside the original box or wrap it in some thin plastic sheet material so it does not get exposed to direct sunlight or heavy rain.
We have also heard about people using empty tissue boxes as protection for their keyboards during this process. If possible, do not cover the entire keyboard with the box, only protect the top surface.
Use repair stickers
One of the things that can quickly take down your keyboard’s appeal is dry-out due to poor moisture control. As mentioned earlier, it is important to always store your mechanical keyboard with the feet up to prevent water from accumulating under the keybed, but what about when you do put it away?
If you ever need to take your keyboard apart for maintenance or cleaning, make sure to use appropriate waterproof glue to cover all exposed components. This will help preserve the feel and functionality of your keyboard!
We have some great recommendations here at APIS for just how to care for your NANO VARIOUS MECHANICAL KEYBOARD.
