a1200 keyboard cleaning and dismantling

[bubba119]

hey guys I was wondering how much of a mission it is to separate the keys from an a1200 keyboard for cleaning.  any tips on how to remove/attatch them without breaking? or can't it be done?
cheers

[DanDude]

It's possible to pop keys, but you have to do it very carefully.  I recommend using the square-chip extracting tool to grab each opposite corner and gently pull it off.  

Other issues such as your usual wear and tear are not worth the effort to clean.  Better off buying a new keyboard instead.

[PaSha]

I've cleaned several amiga keyboards by pulling the key caps off by hand.
You must be careful to pull straight up, and beware of the spring that might fly off...
It will definately give you sore fingertips though... The keys can be quite firmly seated.

-Paul

Edit:
PMC has an important point below, leave all large keys on!

[PMC]

I've done this before too.

Watch for the larger keys (shift, space, tab etc) as they have a small metal bar underneath this is a real pain to get back in position.  It might be best to leave these keys in place.

[Ni72ous]

I used a nail file under one corner of the key, they pop off really easy, but as noted earlier make sure you dont lose the springs.

[bubba119]

thanks!

[Linchpin]

Be carefull man, i took some keys off my a500 (im guessin its the same, and now everytime it boots up the numeric kepad "0" is stuck, so i get 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 lol untill i beat the crap out of it :-p

Good Luck