Magnetic switch keyboards are a great piece of kit, with their smooth keystrokes, adjustable actuation, and excellent longevity. A gamer who needs the light speed response or typist who needs accuracy, maintaining your magnetic keyboard in its prime is the secret to a long-lasting, fulfilling experience. This article will help you through the correct care and maintenance of your magnetic switch keyboard, so each key press is as wonderful as the first.
ATTACK SHARK K85 Rapid Trigger Tastatur Magnetic Switch
Why Regular Maintenance Matters for Your Magnetic Keyboard
You might consider that because magnetic switches do not have physical metal contacts to wear out over time like ancient mechanical switches, they're immune to the caprices of time and use. While they are extremely durable, they still require maintenance. Dust, crumbs, skin oils, and other contaminants can still accumulate onto and around the keycaps and even potentially inside the gaps around the switches, though less seriously than with contact mechanisms.
Regular cleaning prevents that grimy buildup that will make keycaps sticky or difficult to press. Cleaning also prevents your keyboard from looking its worst. Furthermore, while the magnetic system is designed to be resilient, a clean area around it will provide slick travel between keys and prevent any potential interference by larger pieces of debris, making your keyboard operate at its peak for years to come.
Everyday Habits for a Cleaner Keyboard
The best way to keep your magnetic switch keyboard clean is to prevent it from getting excessively dirty in the first place. A few simple daily habits can make a huge difference and reduce the need for frequent deep cleans.
Try to avoid eating or drinking directly over your keyboard. Crumbs and spills are the arch-nemeses of any keyboard, regardless of its switch type. If you do snack at your desk, be mindful. Washing your hands before extended typing or gaming sessions can also reduce the transfer of oils and grime to the keycaps.
Consider keeping a soft brush or a can of compressed air handy. A quick sweep or puff of air once a day or every few days can dislodge loose dust and particles before they have a chance to settle in. This simple preventative measure takes seconds but pays dividends in long-term cleanliness.
Weekly or Bi-Weekly Freshen-Up
For most users, a more thorough quick clean once a week or every couple of weeks will keep things looking and feeling great. This doesn't have to be an arduous process.
Start by disconnecting your keyboard to avoid any accidental key presses sending your computer into a frenzy. Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it to dislodge any loose debris that might be trapped between the keycaps. You'd be surprised what might fall out!
Next, take your can of compressed air and, using short bursts, blow out any remaining dust and particles from between the keys and around the edges of the keyboard frame. Follow this up by wiping down the keycap surfaces and the keyboard frame with a slightly damp (not wet!) microfiber cloth. You can use a tiny amount of mild detergent or an electronics-safe cleaner on the cloth if needed for greasy marks, but plain water often suffices.
Occasional Thorough Cleaning (As Needed)
Every few months, or if you've had a significant spill or notice a serious buildup of grime, a deep clean might be in order. This process is more involved, but it will restore your keyboard to a like-new condition.
1. Preparation and Keycap Removal:
- Disconnect: Always unplug your keyboard first.
- Photo Op: Before you remove any keycaps, take a clear photo of your keyboard layout with your phone. This will be your invaluable guide when it's time to put everything back together. Trust me, you don’t want to guess where the F7 key goes!
- Keycap Puller: Use a wire keycap puller for the safest and easiest removal. Plastic ring pullers can sometimes scratch the sides of keycaps. Gently hook the puller under the keycap and pull straight up. Work systematically, perhaps row by row.
2. Cleaning the Keycaps:
- Once all (or a section of) keycaps are removed, you can clean them. A common method is to soak them in a bowl of warm water with a mild detergent (like dish soap) for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- After soaking, you can gently rub any stubborn grime off with a soft cloth or a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well).
- Rinse the keycaps thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Lay them out on a towel, stem-side down, to air dry completely. This can take several hours or even overnight. Ensure they are 100% dry before reattaching.
3. Cleaning the Keyboard Deck:
- With the keycaps off, you'll have full access to the keyboard deck. Use your compressed air to blow out all dust and debris from around the magnetic switch housings.
- You can then use a slightly damp microfiber cloth (again, not wet, and perhaps with a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol—70% or less—for disinfection if you choose, but test on a small, inconspicuous area first) to wipe down the surface between the switches. Cotton swabs dipped in a little isopropyl alcohol can be useful for cleaning tight spots. Be gentle around the switch mechanisms themselves.
4. Reassembly:
- Once the keycaps are completely dry and the keyboard deck is clean, refer to your photo and begin reattaching the keycaps.
- Align each keycap over its respective switch stem and press down firmly and evenly until it clicks or seats securely.
- Take your time and double-check placement to avoid any layout errors.
Quick Action is Key
Accidents happen. If you spill a liquid on your magnetic switch keyboard, the most important thing is to act fast.
Immediately disconnect the keyboard from your computer. Turn the keyboard upside down to allow as much liquid as possible to drain out. If it were a sticky or sugary drink, the cleaning process would be more involved. For water, a thorough drying period might be sufficient.
If keycaps were affected, remove them and clean them as described in the deep cleaning section. Carefully dab any visible liquid from the keyboard deck with a lint-free cloth. Allow the keyboard to air dry completely, upside down or on its side, for at least 24-48 hours before attempting to plug it back in. Placing it in front of a fan can aid drying. Avoid using a hairdryer on high heat, as excessive heat can damage components. If the spill was substantial or involved a sugary/corrosive liquid, professional assessment might be needed if issues persist after drying.
ATTACK SHARK X68HE Magnetische Tastatur mit X3 Gaming-Maus-Set
What NOT to Do: Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure the longevity of your magnetic switch keyboard, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Don't immerse the entire keyboard in water or any liquid. Only the keycaps (when removed) are typically safe for soaking. The internal electronics are not waterproof.
- Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners, solvents, or abrasive powders. These can damage the plastic of the keycaps, the keyboard frame, or any special coatings. Stick to mild detergents or electronics-safe wipes.
- Don't use excessive force when removing keycaps or cleaning. Magnetic switches are durable, but the surrounding components or keycap stems can still be damaged.
- Never plug in a keyboard that you suspect might still be wet inside. This is a surefire way to cause a short circuit and permanent damage. Patience in drying is crucial after a spill.
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