Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
underside of the keycap, and lift up. IBM sells a tool designed specifically for removing keycaps
from its keyboards, but the chip puller works even better. After removing the cap, spray some
compressed air into the space under the cap to dislodge the dirt. Then replace the cap and check the
action of the key.
When you remove the keycap on some keyboards, you are actually detaching the entire key from the
keyswitch. Be careful during the removal and reassembly of the keyboard; otherwise, you'll break the
switch. The classic IBM/Lexmark-type Model M keyboards (now made by Unicomp) use a
removable keycap that leaves the actual key in place, enabling you to clean under the keycap without
the risk of breaking the switches. If you don't want to go through the effort of removing the keycaps,
consider using cleaning wands with soft foam tips to clean beneath the keytops.
Spills can be a problem, too. If you spill a soft drink or cup of coffee into a keyboard, you do not
necessarily have a disaster. Many keyboards that use membrane switches are spill resistant.
However, you should immediately (or as soon as possible) disconnect the keyboard and flush it out
with distilled water. Partially or fully disassemble the keyboard and use the water to wash the
components. If the spilled liquid has dried, soak the keyboard in some of the water for a while. When
you are sure the keyboard is clean, pour another gallon or so of distilled water over it and through the
keyswitches to wash away any residual dirt. After the unit dries completely (which can take several
days or more), it should be perfectly functional. You might be surprised to know that drenching your
keyboard with water does not harm the components. Just make sure you use distilled water, which is
free from residue or mineral content. (Bottled water is
not
distilled; the distinct taste of many bottled
waters comes from the trace minerals they contain!) Also, make sure the keyboard is fully dry before
you try to use it; otherwise, some of the components might short out.
Fully drying a keyboard that has been soaked in water can take several days or more, so be prepared
to wait. You can use compressed air to greatly speed up the drying process. Even then, if the
contaminants were not fully flushed out, the keyboard may still not work correctly. In that case the
best results will be obtained by completely disassembling the keyboard, washing and then drying
each component individually, and then reassembling. Depending on the value and construction of the
keyboard, a replacement may be the best option.
Tip
If you expect spills or excessive dust or dirt because of the environment or conditions in which
the PC is used, several companies make thin membrane skins that mold over the top of the
keyboard, protecting it from liquids, dust, and other contaminants. These skins are generally
thin enough so that they don't interfere too much with the typing or action of the keys.
Keyboard Recommendations
Many of the keyboards supplied with lower-cost PCs leave much to be desired. They often have a
mushy feel, with little or no tactile feedback. A poor keyboard can make using a system a frustrating
experience, especially if you are a touch typist. For all these reasons, it is often a good idea to
replace an existing keyboard with something better.
Perhaps the highest-quality keyboards in the entire computer industry are the “Model M” buckling
spring keyswitch designs originally made by IBM (or, more accurately today, Unicomp). Unicomp
maintains an extensive selection of more than 1,400 Lexmark and IBM keyboard models and
