If you’re a gamer or a typist, you know how important it is to have clean and smooth-running keycaps. Over time, dust, food particles and oils from your fingers can make your keycaps look grimy. But fear not, for we have the perfect guide on how to keep those keycaps looking fresh and new.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Keycaps
Keeping your keyboard and keycaps clean not only maintains their aesthetics but also extends their life, texture, and tactility. When that layer of grime builds up, it can affect the overall feel of your gaming or typing experience. Plus, it’s always nice to have a shiny, clean keyboard that you can show off.
Getting Started
Before you get started with cleaning your keycaps, here are some things to remember: always clean on a flat surface with ample space. Oh and don’t forget to power off your keyboard to prevent any accidental damage.
What’s Inside the Glorious Kit?
The Glorious kit includes a power blower for blowing out dirt from below the keycap, an ergonomic thistle brush for sweeping out dirt from crevices and a microfiber cloth for wiping everything off. It’s like the Swiss army knife of keyboard cleaning!
No Cleaning Kit? No Problem!
If you haven’t got a cleaning kit handy, don’t worry – a soft-bristled brush and microfiber cloth will do just fine. Just remember to avoid any cleaning agents containing alcohol as they can damage the material of the keycaps.
Removing Your Keycaps
When it comes to removing your switches and keycaps, make sure you have a bowl or Ziploc bag nearby so you don’t lose any parts. We recommend using Glorious Switch Puller, which has strong stainless steel arms for smooth removal without damaging connector pins or board itself.
Cleaning In Depth
Once removed, soak your keycaps in warm soapy water – yes just regular dish soap will do! Leave them soaking for about 30 minutes then give them a gentle scrub with an old toothbrush if needed. After soaking, rinse them off under running water until all soap is gone.
Drying Your Keycaps
After rinsing, leave your keycaps out on a towel to dry completely before putting them back on your keyboard (trust me on this one). You don’t want any residual moisture messing up your board!
The Frequency of Cleaning Keycaps
Many keyboard enthusiasts often ask, “How often should I clean my keycaps?” Truth be told, the frequency of cleaning your keycaps really depends on how much you use your keyboard and the environment it’s used in. However, a good rule of thumb is to give your keycaps a deep cleaning every three to six months. Regular maintenance can keep them looking fresh and extend their lifespan.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions
While a warm soapy water bath works wonders for most keycaps, some users prefer other methods. One of those is denture tablets! Yes, you read that right. Dissolve a couple of denture tablets in warm water and soak your keycaps in this solution. It’s gentle on your caps while effectively breaking down oils and grime.
What About Silicone Keycaps?
Silicone keycaps are becoming popular due to their soft touch and vibrant colors. However, they attract more dust than traditional plastic ones. For these types of keycaps, we recommend using a mild dish soap with warm water solution for soaking. Avoid scrubbing them hard as it may damage their texture.
Putting the Keycaps Back On
Once the keycaps are dry and shiny again, it’s time to put them back on your keyboard. But wait! Make sure you’re putting them back in the right place – a misplaced key can cause chaos during an intense gaming session or while typing out that important report!
FAQs
Can I wash my keyboard without removing the keycaps?
While you can attempt to clean your keyboard without removing the keys, it won’t be as effective as removing them completely. Dirt and grime often accumulate under the keys which can only be thoroughly cleaned if the keys are removed.
What happens if I lose a keycap?
If you lose a keycap don’t panic! Most manufacturers sell replacement kits or individual keys. If not, there are plenty of third-party options available online.
I heard dishwashers can clean keyboards. Is this true?
While technically possible, we strongly advise against putting your entire keyboard or detached mechanical parts in a dishwasher. The high temperatures and harsh detergents can damage both plastic and metal components.
Is there anything else I need to know about cleaning my keyboard?
Always make sure to dry everything thoroughly before reassembling. Water residue can cause short circuits or corrosion over time.
Conclusion
And there we go! A step-by-step guide on how to clean those grimy looking keycaps back into their former glory. Remember that regular maintenance can greatly improve the life span of your cherished gaming gear.
For those looking at more ways to customize their keyboards further beyond just cleaning (maybe even some DIY painting?), check out these posts about how to choose keycaps and how to paint keycaps.