If you’re a serious gamer, then you know that a gaming keyboard isn’t just any ordinary keyboard. It’s important to keep it clean to ensure that the keys, switches and other features don’t suffer from dirt and dust accumulation. Here’s how you can go about cleaning your gaming keyboard.
Firstly, unplug the keyboard and turn it over to remove any debris and dust that may have made its way underneath its keys. Use a soft brush to sweep away any dirt or residue gently. When dealing with dirt and crumbs on the surface of the keyboard, be very careful not to scratch or damage it. You may also be able to use mini vacuum cleaners to help you get rid of the dirt and crumbs.
After removing any dirt and debris from the surface, it’s time to give your gaming keyboard a more thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, most gaming keyboards are not waterproof and are not able to be submerged in water for cleaning. Therefore, the most common way to deep clean them is to use a moist cloth to wipe down the keys, switches and other surfaces. Make sure that the cloth isn’t too wet and always dry off your keyboard completely before plugging it back in.
It is also important to clean your gaming keyboard’s backlighting. This is often referred to as “backlighting cleaning” and involves a light cleaning solution used to remove dust and dirt that causes the backlighting to look cloudy or tinted. Cleaning the backlighting will help ensure that your gaming experiences are more feedback and enjoyable.
One other thing that people may not think of while cleaning their keyboards is getting rid of the keys’ oils and sweat. Keys, switches and other parts of the keyboard can easily become sweaty and oily after long usage, resulting in a dirty and unresponsive keyboard. To get rid of the oils and sweat, it may be necessary to use chemicals. Check with your keyboard’s manufacturer for more information on how to properly do this.
Finally, you can use a compressed air can to give your keyboard a good dusting. Make sure that the can has a special nozzle specifically designed for cleaning keyboards and other electronic devices. When using the air can, hold it upright and at a 45-degree angle towards the surface that you’re cleaning. This will help ensure that no dust or debris is left behind and that the cleaning process is effective.
Types of Cleaners
For the most part, when it comes to cleaning a gaming keyboard you can use some common household items like a plain cloth, compressed air, vacuum cleaner and other cleaning materials. However, when it comes to more intricate cleaning, there are several different types of cleaners available on the market. Depending on the type and condition of your keyboard, you may have to consider using one of the following cleaning solutions.
Non-Abrasive cleaners such as isopropyl alcohol can be used to get rid of dirt and oils from the keys and other parts of the keyboard without damaging its surface. This type of cleaner is ideal for removing sweat oils and smudges from the surface without damaging any of the keyboard’s components.
You can also try using a keyboard cleaning spray which is specifically formulated for use on gaming keyboards. This type of cleaner comes in a can or mist bottle, and it’s safe for use on most keyboards. It helps to remove dirt, sweat, and oils from the keys and other parts of the keyboard without damaging its surface.
If your keyboard has stubborn stains and oils, you may need to consider using a solvent-based cleaner. These types of cleaners can remove most types of oils and stains, but they can also damage the surface of the keyboard. Therefore, it’s best to use them with extra caution.
Finally, you can also consider using a mild detergent solution to clean your gaming keyboard. This type of cleaner is ideal for removing sticky fingerprints and dust from the keys and other parts of the keyboard. Just make sure to use a mild detergent and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging your keyboard.
Precautions to Follow While Cleaning
Before you start cleaning your gaming keyboard, there are some important precautions that you should take. For example, it’s important to make sure that the keyboard is unplugged and turned off before you start the cleaning process. Doing so will help make sure that you don’t damage any of the keyboard’s components while cleaning.
Additionally, when using any type of cleaner or cleaning solution make sure to read the instructions on the bottle or can before using. This will help you make sure that you use the cleaner correctly and don’t damage any of the keyboard’s components in the process.
If you’re using a cleaner that’s specifically formulated for cleaning gaming keyboards, make sure to take extra precautions and use the cleaner in a well-ventilated area. This will help reduce the risk of any fumes from the cleaner harming you or any of the keyboard’s components.
It’s also important to properly dry off the keyboard before reattaching it and plugging it back in. Make sure there’s no residual moisture left within the keyboard after cleaning and only then can you consider reattaching it.
Tips and Tricks
Cleaning your gaming keyboard doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Here are some tips and tricks that you can follow to make the process easier and faster.
When removing dirt and debris from the keys and other surfaces of the keyboard, try using a can of compressed air. This will help ensure that all of the dust, dirt, and debris are removed without any damage to the keyboard.
If your gaming keyboard has backlighting, try giving it a good dusting with a special cleaning solution. This will help make sure that the backlighting doesn’t become cloudy or tinted.
If your gaming keyboard has stubborn oils and sweat on its surfaces, then consider using a solvent-based cleaner to get rid of them. This type of cleaner will help make sure that the oils and sweat are removed without damaging the keyboard’s surfaces.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the keyboard, make sure to dry it off properly. Any moisture left on the keyboard could cause damage to its internal components.
Finally, don’t forget to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to use any type of cleaner or cleaning solution on the keyboard.
Deep Cleaning
If your gaming keyboard has gotten to the point where mild cleaning isn’t enough, then you may have to consider doing a deep clean. This involves removing the keys and switches and thoroughly cleaning them before reattaching them.
However, this type of deep clean should only be attempted by those who know what they’re doing. It’s not recommended for beginners as it can easily cause irreparable damage to the keyboard.
Before attempting a deep clean, make sure to check for any specific instructions from the manufacturer. This will help ensure that you don’t damage the keyboard’s components during the process.
When removing the keys and switches, try using a mini screwdriver to help loosen them. Be very careful not to lose any of the small screws and other parts while removing them.
Once you’ve removed all of the keys and switches, clean them separately in warm, soapy water. Afterward, make sure to dry them off properly as moisture can cause damage to the electrical components of the keyboard.
When reattaching the keys and switches, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and diagrams. Doing so will help make sure that everything is put back together correctly.
Finally, if the keyboard still isn’t working properly after doing a deep clean, then you may need to contact the manufacturer for more instructions or to get a replacement.
