how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

Cleaning the switches themselves, now that’s a whole different ballgame and honestly, it’s something most folks won’t need to do regularly unless they’ve had a significant spill or notice a specific switch acting up.

We’re talking about getting a bit more surgical here, and it requires a bit more care and the right tools.

If you’re just dealing with general grime under the keycaps, cleaning the keycaps and the plate as we discussed earlier is usually enough.

But if you have a sticky, chattering, or completely unresponsive switch, and you’ve ruled out software issues, then yes, it might be time to look at the switch itself.

This is where patience truly becomes a virtue, because rushing this part can do more harm than good.

Identifying the Need for Switch Cleaning

First off, how do you even know if a switch needs cleaning? Well, the most common symptom is inconsistency.

Maybe one key feels mushy compared to its neighbors, or it “chatters,” meaning it registers multiple presses when you only hit it once.

Sometimes, a key might just stop working altogether, or it might only register if you press it down with unusual force.

Before you jump into switch disassembly, try the simpler methods first.

Did you try blowing compressed air into the switch housing with the keycap off? Sometimes, a stubborn crumb or a bit of dust is just lodged inside the stem. How to cancel free trial

If that doesn’t work, and you’re sure it’s not a software glitch or a problem with the keycap itself, then we start thinking about getting inside that switch.

It’s usually the result of a spill, a particularly dusty environment over a long period, or perhaps some manufacturing residue.

It’s not a daily maintenance task, but rather a targeted fix for a specific issue.

For most mechanical keyboards, the switches are soldered directly to the PCB, making full disassembly quite involved, often requiring desoldering.

However, there are hotswap keyboards where switches can be pulled out without soldering, making this process much, much easier. How to cancel free trial: FAQ

Check your keyboard’s manual or product page to see if it’s hotswap compatible. If it is, consider yourself lucky!

Tools for Switch Cleaning

Alright, if you’ve decided to go ahead with cleaning a switch, or even a few of them, you’re going to need a specific set of tools.

It’s not just about what you use, but how you use them.

For a thorough switch cleaning, especially if you’re going to open them up, you’ll want: a switch opener (a specialized tool that makes opening switches much easier and safer, highly recommended if you’re doing more than one), a very small, flat-head screwdriver or a pair of precision tweezers if you don’t have a switch opener (but be warned, it’s fiddly!), isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher, as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue), cotton swabs or lint-free cloths, and ideally, a small container to keep all the tiny switch parts organized so you don’t lose anything.

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Some folks even use a magnifying glass for better visibility, as these parts are tiny! If you’re going for a full switch overhaul, you might even consider switch lubricant and a lubing brush to put them back together even smoother than before, but that’s a step beyond just cleaning. The key here is precision and cleanliness.

Any fibers from a regular cotton ball or cloth can get stuck in the switch mechanism and make things worse.

The Cleaning Process for Individual Switches (Hotswap)

If you’re lucky enough to have a hotswap keyboard, the process becomes much more manageable. First, remove the keycap from the affected switch.

Then, using a switch puller tool (often included with hotswap keyboards or sold separately), carefully grip the top and bottom clips of the switch and gently pull it straight up and out of the PCB. Once the switch is out, you’ll need to open it. This is where the switch opener comes in handy.

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Place the switch on the opener, and it will effortlessly pop open the clips, allowing you to separate the top housing, stem, spring, and bottom housing.

Take a moment to inspect each part for any obvious debris, corrosion, or stickiness.

Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and meticulously wipe down the inside of the top housing, the stem (especially the legs and the pole), the spring (though usually just a wipe down is sufficient, avoid bending it), and the bottom housing, paying close attention to the metal leaf contacts.

Make sure all parts are completely dry before reassembling.

You can gently blow on them or let them air dry for a few minutes. How to TikTok

Reassemble the switch, ensuring the spring sits correctly on the pole of the stem and the stem is oriented properly within the bottom housing. Then, carefully snap the top housing back on.

Finally, press the cleaned switch back into its slot on the PCB until it clicks firmly into place. Test it out!

Cleaning Switches Without Disassembly (Less Intensive)

Now, what if you don’t have a hotswap board, and desoldering a switch is just not something you’re comfortable with? You can still attempt a less invasive cleaning.

This method is primarily effective for minor stickiness or light debris that hasn’t fully gunked up the switch. First, remove the keycap. With the keycap off, you’ll see the switch stem.

Get your can of compressed air and, holding the nozzle very close to the stem, give it a few short, controlled bursts from different angles.

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This might dislodge any crumbs or dust that are causing issues.

Next, take a cotton swab, lightly dampen it (don’t soak it!) with isopropyl alcohol, and carefully wipe around the visible parts of the stem and the inside edges of the switch housing.

You’re trying to get any residue off the moving parts.

You can also gently press the switch down a few times while doing this to expose different surfaces. How to Ban TikTok

Don’t let the alcohol drip excessively into the switch mechanism. The goal is to clean the accessible surfaces.

After cleaning, rapidly press the switch down repeatedly for about 30 seconds to work the alcohol through and help dislodge anything.

Let it air dry completely for at least an hour before putting the keycap back on and testing.

This method isn’t as thorough as opening the switch, but it’s a good first step for persistent issues on soldered boards without resorting to more drastic measures.

Reassembling and Testing

Once you’ve cleaned and reassembled your switch (or switches), whether you opened them up or just did an external wipe-down, the next crucial step is proper reassembly and thorough testing. How to Login to TikTok

If you removed switches from a hotswap board, gently push them back into their respective sockets on the PCB until you hear or feel a firm click.

Make absolutely sure they are seated correctly and are flush with the plate.

Then, reattach the keycaps, making sure they snap securely onto the switch stem. Now, plug your keyboard back into your computer.

Before you get back to your regular typing, open up a text editor or an online keyboard tester website.

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Press the cleaned key (or keys) repeatedly, ensuring that each press registers correctly and consistently.

Check for any double-typing (chattering), keys not registering, or a mushy feel.

If the problem persists, you might need to repeat the cleaning process, or in rare cases, the switch might be faulty and need replacement.

Remember, sometimes a single stubborn particle can cause issues, so a second pass with the alcohol and cotton swab might be all it takes.

Patience and careful observation are your best friends here. How to Shop on TikTok

A successfully cleaned switch should feel indistinguishable from a new one, giving you that satisfying click or tactile bump you love.