Deep keyboard cleaning

[Matt_H]

I have an A3000 keyboard that's in need of some serious cleaning. I think there's gunk disrupting the circuit of key presses, so this will require complete disassembly - removing keys, getting access to the membrane, everything. Anyone done something like this before? My major concern is popping off the keys without damaging them. Advice, especially photos, would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[save2600]

I've done this to several Amiga keyboards throughout the years from the 1000 to the 4000. Really not sure how they get sooooo funky (besides the obvious careless stuff), but Jiminy Christmas, when you tear apart a keyboard and realize it needs a shave...  :lol:  

Anyway, I've NEVER broken anything by carefully prying the key out of its switch post - using just my fingers. First though, remove the keyboard from its shell so you can get a decent grip on the outer keys and work your way in until you've got everything removed. Couple of springs on the spacebar and stabilizers (Return and shift keys too) to be aware of.  

I usually fill my sink up with some dishwashing detergent and let the keys soak for a bit. Can use a wash cloth with the same detergent to clean the case/shell. Wash cloth for the keys and maybe even a toothbrush if they're really bad.  

As for the switches or a membrane, just use electrical contact cleaner and be sure to wipe up the excess. Black metal assembly, just use something like Fantastic and a Q-Tip or toothbrush to get around everything. I usually do not like to use glass cleaner or Fantastic on the outer shell as it can sometimes mar the surface. Or on keys for that matter as you can sometimes remove the lettering on 'em! Dish detergent is the safest and best all around bet I've found.

[danbeaver]

I have also cleaned keyboards down to the contacts beginning with my C64.  If don't desire to remove the key caps because you risk breaking the key posts, the process is tedious but takes only 30 minutes.  The contacts are carbonized rubber and on the bottom of the key posts require just rubbing with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol.  The flat part or as some people call it, the membrane cleans best with a rubber eraser followed by an alcohol wipe.

I only remove the key caps to Retr0Brite them, plus I have a supply of keys and key posts if one breaks.  May The force be with you if you go that route!

[paul1981]

I've never taken keys off before, nor had to. I remove the membrane, lightly clean the whole of it with isopropyl alcohol (contact side obviously). As for the actual keyboard - I normally fill the sink with warm water, and lightly scrub at it with a dishwashing brush or something (firm long bristles) whilst applying washing up liquid to the brush as needed...and this removed all the dust and dirt from on and underneath and around the keys. The caps lock window and LED will be fine, so forget it's even there.

Rinse well under running water (both sides) and shake off excess water. This may take a few minutes to really shake off all that water (and requires effort). Then you can leave it to dry naturally. Once dry, get a clean cloth and clean those rubber pads if you feel it's necessary with WD-40. The isopropyl alcohol is just as affective but can turn some rubber brittle and make it crack (so I've heard, but this has never happened to me yet).

Option 2 is to put it in your dishwasher if you have one (I don't). You can find info on option 2 by a bit of googling. Personally I'd much rather strip-clean it manually, particularly in your case being as though you have slight problems with certain keys.

[Oldsmobile_Mike]

Option 2 is to put it in your dishwasher if you have one (I don't). You can find info on option 2 by a bit of googling. Personally I'd much rather strip-clean it manually, particularly in your case being as though you have slight problems with certain keys.

Having cleaned keyboards just about every way possible (OCD), I will say from experience that chucking your Amiga keyboard in the dishwasher works just fine.  Obviously put it on the top rack, and wrap the cord so it doesn't get caught in  the blades (or propeller, or whatever you call the spinny part).  Make sure heat is set to "low" or "off", and give it a good, long time to dry completely before even thinking about plugging it in.

On the flipside, I've had many cheap-o Dell keyboards fail after the exact same process.  Funny, I guess they just don't make 'em like they used to?

Either way, obviously the dishwasher is the more risky option.  Use with caution!

[danbeaver]

... On the flipside, I've had many cheap-o Dell keyboards fail after the exact same process.  Funny, I guess they just don't make 'em like they used to?

Did Dell every make a product that didn't fall apart?