how to clean a razer mechanical keyboard

Cleaning a Razer mechanical keyboard pretty much follows the same comprehensive steps as cleaning any other mechanical keyboard, but there are a few extra nuances that are worth keeping in mind.

Read more about how to clean a mechanical keyboard:
how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch
how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill
how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys
how to clean a mechanical keyboard properly
how to clean a gaming keyboard
how to clean a non mechanical keyboard
how to clean a sticky mechanical keyboard

Razer keyboards often feature distinct designs, highly visible RGB lighting, and sometimes unique keycap materials or switch types (like their optical switches). While the core principles of cleanliness remain universal, paying attention to these specific characteristics can help you achieve a better and safer clean, ensuring your Razer board continues to look sharp and perform flawlessly.

After all, you invested in that distinctive Razer aesthetic, so you’ll want to maintain it!

Unique Aspects of Razer Keyboards and Tools Needed

Razer mechanical keyboards are known for their often vibrant RGB lighting, custom keycap legends, and sometimes unique switch designs (Razer Green, Orange, Yellow, or Optical switches). The materials used for keycaps can vary too, from standard ABS to more premium PBT on some models.

These aspects don’t drastically change the cleaning process, but they do mean you should be extra careful not to scratch legends or get liquid into lighting components.

You’ll need the usual suspects for a proper clean: a keycap puller (wire-style is best), a can of compressed air, a soft-bristled brush (a clean paintbrush or old toothbrush), microfiber cloths, mild dish soap, a basin for keycaps, and isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher). If your Razer board is hotswap (some newer models are), a switch opener and precision tweezers will also be useful.

Always ensure your tools are clean to avoid transferring dirt. how to clean a sticky mechanical keyboard

Pre-Cleaning and Keycap Removal for Razer Boards

Just like with any keyboard, the absolute first thing you must do is unplug your Razer mechanical keyboard from your computer. Safety first, always! Razer keyboards often have unique layouts, especially with their dedicated macro keys on the left side or unique media controls, so it’s super important to take clear, high-resolution photos of your entire keycap layout before you start removing anything. This visual guide will be your best friend during reassembly. Once you’ve documented everything, turn the keyboard upside down over a trash can and give it a few gentle shakes 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, around any multimedia dials or buttons, and out of any vents. Follow up with your soft-bristled brush to sweep away any stubborn particles. Now, use your keycap puller to carefully remove all the keycaps. For standard keys, pull straight up. For larger keys with stabilizers (spacebar, Shift, Enter), pull evenly to avoid bending the stabilizer wire or damaging the mounts. If you have any textured or rubberized gaming keycaps (like the WASD keys that sometimes come with Razer boards), treat them with the same care.

Cleaning Razer Keycaps and Chassis

Once all the keycaps are off your Razer keyboard, it’s time to give them a good clean.

Place all the removed keycaps into a small basin or bowl.

Fill it with warm (not hot!) water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to an hour. how to clean a non mechanical keyboard

This helps loosen up oils, grime, and any sticky residues.

If your Razer keycaps are made of PBT (often indicated on the product page or by a slightly rougher texture), they are generally more durable and less prone to shining from oils.

ABS keycaps, which are common, can get a greasy shine over time, and this wash will definitely help.

After soaking, you can gently scrub each keycap with a soft brush, paying special attention to the sides and the inside where the stem connects.

how to clean a gaming keyboard

Rinse them thoroughly under cool running water until there’s absolutely no soap residue left. This is crucial to prevent hazy films.

Now, spread the keycaps out on a clean, dry microfiber towel in a well-ventilated area and let them air dry completely for several hours, or even overnight. Patience is key. moisture can cause issues.

While they dry, take a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the exposed keyboard chassis and any multimedia controls.

Be careful not to let liquid seep into the board’s internals or around the RGB components.

Cleaning Razer Switches and Plate

With the keycaps removed, you’ll have a clear view of the Razer switches and the keyboard plate. This area usually collects the most grime. how to clean a mechanical keyboard properly

First, use your compressed air again to blast away any remaining loose dust, hair, or crumbs that were exposed by removing the keycaps.

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

This manual brushing is effective for dislodging compacted dirt.

If you have a Razer keyboard with hotswap switches (some newer models like the BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed or certain custom builds with Razer switches might be), and you’ve identified a sticky or malfunctioning switch, you can carefully remove it using a switch puller. Then, use a switch opener to disassemble the switch and meticulously clean each component (stem, spring, housings) with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs. Ensure everything is completely dry before reassembling the switch and putting it back into the board. how to clean a mechanical keyboard without removing the keys

If your Razer board uses soldered switches (most older and many current models do), and a switch is sticky, you’ll have to clean it in place.

Apply a tiny drop of isopropyl alcohol onto the switch stem while pressing it down, then rapidly press the key repeatedly to work the alcohol through and dissolve the gunk. Blot any excess and let it dry.

Reassembly, Testing, and Ongoing Maintenance

Once your Razer keycaps are bone dry and your switches are clean, it’s time for reassembly.

Using the photos you took earlier as your guide, carefully press each keycap back onto its corresponding switch stem until it’s firmly seated.

Pay extra attention to any uniquely shaped keycaps, macro keys, or those with stabilizers. how to clean a mechanical keyboard after spill

After reassembly, plug your Razer mechanical keyboard back into your computer.

The final, crucial step is to test every single key.

Open a keyboard tester website or a simple text editor and systematically 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. how to clean a mechanical keyboard switch

If you find any issues, you might need to re-examine that specific key or switch area.

To keep your Razer keyboard looking its best and performing optimally, consider using a keyboard cover when it’s not in use.

Regular light cleaning with compressed air and a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth every week or two can prevent heavy grime buildup and ensure your iconic Razer setup always looks and feels as good as new.

How to cancel free trial