how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill

Oh boy, the dreaded spill! This is probably one of the most common ways a beautiful mechanical keyboard meets an untimely, sticky demise.

Read more about how to clean a mechanical keyboard:
how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

Whether it’s coffee, soda, juice, or even just plain water, acting fast is absolutely paramount.

The longer the liquid sits, the deeper it penetrates, and the higher the chances of permanent damage or corrosion to the electronics.

It’s a race against time, and you need to be quick and decisive, but also careful.

Many a keyboard has been salvaged by quick thinking and proper technique, but many more have been lost due to hesitation or incorrect action. Don’t panic, but don’t dawdle either.

Every second counts when you’re dealing with liquid and electronics.

Immediate Actions After a Spill

the spill just happened. What do you do? First, and I cannot stress this enough, unplug the keyboard IMMEDIATELY! Seriously, yank that cable out from your computer as fast as humanly possible. This cuts the power, which is the most critical step to prevent short circuits and permanent damage to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and switches. Don’t bother shutting down your computer first. just unplug the keyboard. Next, quickly grab the keyboard and turn it upside down to let as much liquid drain out as possible. Give it a gentle shake to encourage the liquid to escape. Grab a towel or some paper towels and try to blot up any visible liquid on the surface. Don’t rub, just blot. The goal here is to remove as much liquid as you can before it has a chance to seep deeper into the internal components. The quicker you get it disconnected and drained, the better your chances of recovery are. For sticky spills like soda or coffee, you’ll need to prepare for a deeper clean, but even for water, getting it out fast is key to preventing corrosion.

Disassembly and Initial Assessment

Once the immediate draining and blotting are done, it’s time for some serious disassembly. This isn’t like your routine cleaning. you need to get to the core of the keyboard.

Start by taking pictures of your keycap layout – you’ll thank yourself later.

Then, carefully remove all the keycaps using a keycap puller. As you remove them, try to note if any particular switches seem excessively wet or sticky.

how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

After the keycaps are off, you’ll need to remove the screws that hold the keyboard’s case together.

These are usually on the underside, sometimes hidden under rubber feet or stickers.

Keep track of all screws and small parts in a small container. Once the case is open, you’ll likely expose the PCB and the plate that holds the switches.

Carefully disconnect any internal cables (like the main USB cable connection to the PCB, or any daughter boards for media keys, if present). Your goal is to separate the PCB/plate assembly from the rest of the case. Now, you can inspect the PCB. How to cancel free trial

Look for visible liquid, especially in areas where it might have pooled or around the soldered switch pins.

This initial assessment helps you determine the extent of the damage and where to focus your cleaning efforts.

Cleaning the PCB and Switches (Sticky Spills)

If it was a sticky liquid like soda or juice, cleaning the PCB and switches is crucial.

Plain water evaporates, but sugary drinks leave behind a sticky, conductive residue that can cause short circuits and corrosion.

For the PCB, you’ll need isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher is best, as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue) and a soft brush (like a clean toothbrush or paintbrush) or cotton swabs. Liberally, but carefully, apply isopropyl alcohol to the affected areas of the PCB.

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You can pour it directly onto the board or use a spray bottle.

Then, gently scrub the board with your brush to dislodge the sticky residue.

The alcohol acts as a solvent, breaking down the sugars and preventing corrosion.

For the switches, if they’re not hotswap, you’ll have to clean them in place. How to master seo

Repeatedly press the affected switches while dripping a small amount of isopropyl alcohol into them.

Work the alcohol through the switch by pressing it rapidly.

You might need to repeat this several times until the stickiness is gone.

If your board is hotswap, remove the affected switches and clean them individually as described in the “how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch” section.

After cleaning, give the entire PCB and switches a final rinse with more isopropyl alcohol to wash away any loosened residue. Remember, no water for the PCB itself! How to master seo: FAQ

Drying and Reassembly

This is perhaps the most critical step after cleaning: thorough and complete drying. Any residual moisture, especially water, can lead to immediate short circuits or long-term corrosion. After cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (which evaporates quickly), you still need to ensure everything is bone dry. Leave all components disassembled. Place the PCB/plate assembly and the cleaned keycaps in a well-ventilated area. Many people recommend placing them near a fan, but avoid direct heat sources like hair dryers, as excessive heat can warp plastic or damage solder joints. Let everything air dry for at least 24 to 48 hours. Seriously, don’t rush this. Patience here can save your keyboard. You can also use silica gel packets in an enclosed space with the keyboard components to help absorb moisture. Once you are absolutely certain everything is completely dry (inspect carefully for any moisture, especially in tight crevices), you can begin the reassembly process. Carefully reattach any internal cables, put the PCB/plate back into the case, screw it all back together, and finally, replace all the keycaps using your reference photos.

Testing and Prevention

Once your keyboard is fully reassembled, the moment of truth arrives. Plug it back into your computer.

Go to a keyboard tester website or open a word document and test every single key.

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Press each key multiple times, looking for consistency, proper registration, and no stickiness or chattering.

If some keys are still not working or are behaving erratically, you might need to go back and re-clean those specific switches or inspect the PCB further.

Sometimes, a component on the PCB might have corroded beyond repair, or a trace might have been damaged.

In such cases, repair might be beyond the scope of a home user, and professional help or replacement might be necessary.

To prevent future spills, consider using a keyboard cover when not in use, or adopting a strict “no drinks near the keyboard” policy. How to Be a TikTok Seller

Placing your drinks further away on your desk or using a spill-proof mug can also save you a lot of headache and heartache in the future.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to electronics and liquids.