how to clean a gaming keyboard

Cleaning a gaming keyboard is pretty similar to cleaning any other mechanical keyboard, but there are a few extra considerations, especially with some of the unique features often found on gaming boards.

Read more about how to clean a mechanical keyboard:
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We’re talking about things like dedicated macro keys, unique keycap profiles, RGB lighting, and sometimes more aggressive styling that can trap dust.

Gamers often spend more intense hours at their keyboards, which means more hand oils, more snack crumbs, and more potential for general grime buildup.

So, a thorough cleaning for a gaming keyboard isn’t just about aesthetics. it can actually impact performance and longevity.

You want those keys feeling snappy and responsive, not bogged down by crud when you’re in the middle of a crucial clutch moment.

Understanding Your Gaming Keyboard’s Unique Features

Before you even think about grabbing a keycap puller, take a good look at your specific gaming keyboard.

Does it have extra macro keys along the side or top? Are there unusual keycap shapes (like those often found on the spacebar or special modifier keys on some gaming brands)? Does it have a volume roller or other multimedia controls? Sometimes, these extra features mean more crevices for dust to settle in, or delicate parts that need extra care.

For example, a dedicated volume roller can collect dust and gunk around its base, and those extra macro keys might have unique stem mounts.

Also, be mindful of any exposed PCB sections or sensitive RGB lighting components once you start disassembling, as these require gentle handling. how to clean a mechanical keyboard properly

Most gaming keyboards are mechanical, so the core cleaning process for switches and keycaps will be the same, but the unique aspects require a bit more observation and care.

Pre-Cleaning and Layout Documentation

Just like with any proper keyboard clean, the absolute first step is to unplug your keyboard from your PC. This is non-negotiable for safety. Next, because gaming keyboards often have non-standard layouts, taking clear, detailed pictures is even more critical. Get shots from multiple angles, ensuring you capture all the standard keys, the macro keys, and any unique modifier keys. Seriously, you’ll kick yourself later if you don’t. Once documented, you’re ready for the initial dry clean. Turn your keyboard upside down over a trash can and give it a good shake to dislodge any large crumbs or debris. Then, grab your can of compressed air. Use short, controlled bursts to blow out dust and crumbs from between all the keycaps, and around any multimedia controls or special gaming features. Pay particular attention to the edges of the case and any vents. Follow this up with a soft-bristled brush to sweep away any stubborn particles that the compressed air didn’t quite get. This pre-cleaning gets rid of the easy stuff before you get into the more detailed work.

Keycap Cleaning (Special Gaming Keycaps)

Now it’s time to tackle those keycaps.

Carefully remove all the keycaps using a keycap puller. For standard alphanumeric keys, it’s straightforward.

how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys

For larger keys like the spacebar, Shift, and Enter, remember they often have stabilizers, so pull straight up evenly to avoid bending the stabilizer wire or breaking the mounts.

Some gaming keyboards might come with textured or specially shaped keycaps (like WASD or arrow keys). Treat these with the same care.

Once all keycaps are off, drop them into a basin of warm (not hot!) water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Let them soak for 30 minutes to an hour.

While they’re soaking, if you have any heavily textured or rubberized keycaps, you might need to gently scrub them with a soft brush to get into the grooves. how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill

After soaking, rinse all keycaps thoroughly under cool running water until there’s no soap residue left.

Then, spread them out on a clean microfiber towel and let them air dry completely, ideally for several hours or overnight.

Patience here is crucial to prevent moisture issues.

Plate and Switch Cleaning for Gaming Setups

With the keycaps removed, you’ll have a clear view of the keyboard’s plate and switches.

This is where most of the grime collects, especially on a gaming keyboard. how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

First, use your compressed air again to blast out any dust or debris that was trapped under the keycaps.

Then, take your soft-bristled brush and thoroughly brush away all remaining crumbs, hair, and dust from the plate and around each switch stem.

This manual brushing is key to dislodging compacted dirt.

For any stubborn spots or greasy residue on the plate, a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol can be used to wipe it down. How to cancel free trial

Be very careful not to let any liquid seep into the switches themselves.

If you have a hotswap gaming keyboard and some switches feel particularly gritty or sticky, you can remove them with a switch puller and clean them individually using isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs, as described in the dedicated switch cleaning section.

For integrated multimedia controls like volume rollers, use a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean around the edges, dislodging any accumulated gunk.

Reassembly, Testing, and Preventing Future Grime

Once all components are sparkling clean and completely dry (and I mean completely dry!), it’s time to put your gaming keyboard back together. Use the photos you took earlier as your guide and carefully press each keycap back onto its corresponding switch stem until it’s firmly seated. Pay extra attention to any uniquely shaped keycaps or those with stabilizers. After reassembly, plug your keyboard back into your computer. The final, crucial step is to test every single key, including all your macro keys and multimedia controls. Open a keyboard tester website or a simple text editor and press each key multiple times to ensure it registers correctly and feels responsive. Check for any stickiness, chattering, or keys that don’t actuate properly. If you find any issues, you might need to re-examine that specific key or switch area. To keep your gaming keyboard clean for longer, consider using a keyboard cover when it’s not in use, especially if you eat snacks or drink beverages near your setup. Regular light cleaning with compressed air and a quick wipe-down every week or two can prevent the need for such a thorough deep clean too often, ensuring your gaming setup is always ready for action.

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