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Cleaning Keyboard
I need to remove some keys to get the crap out of my keyboard but I'm not sure if the keys are detachable. Is there any way to check or something?
I need to remove some keys to get the crap out of my keyboard but I'm not sure if the keys are detachable. Is there any way to check or something?
In general they pop off but each manufacturer has a different locking setup.
I'd consider taking a small electric tire air compressor and blow out the garbage. If it is more than dust and hair you can try removing the keys but you the worst that can happen you have to buy a new keyboard. I'd pop off one key like one of the function keys and examine how they attach. Usually a small screw driver would easily pop them off.
Hi and welcome.
Here is a link I found that shows you how to pop them off as well as cleaning them.
Cleaning your keyboard - How to clean your computer keyboard
One thing I can pretty much promise you is that if you pop any of those keys off from the top, by pulling or prying ... you're going to end up breaking them.
The far better technique is compressed air as has been suggested.
Or if you're feeling really brave you can do what I've done in the past... flip it over, take out all the screws on the back, lift off the backplate, then the plastic contact plane (do not separate the layers), the little circuit board, and finally the rubber "spring" mat. That leaves you with the upper tray and buttons still in one piece... simply dump this in soapy water and scrub it clean with a paint brush and rinse with clean water. Let it dry overnight and reverse the disassembly process to put it back together... If all goes well, it will be just like a brand new keyboard.
I didn't see a description of the keyboard manufacturer.
Is this a laptop or a desktop?
Using compressed air is your best bet until we know more about your keyboard.
If you have a friendly neighborhood computer repair shop, the tech(s) just may clean it for you in the same time that you can pour them a cup of coffee.
First thing Monday, I may go out and buy some compressed air stock. Seems that is truly the way to go.
I've actually taken my keyboard apart at times to clean it, but then again I'm a mechanical type person. However I wouldn't recommend everyone do it as compressed air works as well.
I had too much crap once, so I have to take apart the keyboard and remove the keys from the inside. It's quite simple as just pushing it, really. That way you can thorougly clean your keyboard of any stubborn dirt that may have settled.
There's not much electronics and mechanical things on a basic keyboard. Really. You should be able to take care of it if you open it, unless your using one of those complex gaming keyboards (LCD's and all).
Just a note, it may be wise to take a photo of your keyboard layout just in case you don't memorize how your keyboard is laid out. It's QWERTY okay?
Interesting actually esp. on laptop keyboards how the design - and the gaps between keys - is often contributory to collecting dust and particles. Some chiclet keyboards (1st image below) have no opening 'gap' between the keys: