Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
IBM sells a tool designed specifically for removing keycaps from its keyboards, but the
chip puller workseven better.After removing the cap, spraysome 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, en-
ablingyoutocleanunderthekeycapwithouttheriskofbreakingtheswitches.Ifyoudon'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 key-
board and flush it out with distilled water. Partially or fully disassemble the keyboard and
use the water to wash the components. Ifthe 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 gal-
lon 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 youuse distilled water,which is free
from residue or mineral content. (Bottled water is
not
distilled; the distinct taste of many
bottled waters comes fromthetrace minerals theycontain!) Also,make surethekeyboard
is fully dry before you try to use it; otherwise, some of the components might short out.
Fullydryingakeyboardthathasbeensoakedinwatercantakeseveraldaysormore,sobe
prepared to wait. 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.
Tip
If you expect spills or excessive dust or dirt because of the environment or conditions in
whichthePCisused,severalcompaniesmakethinmembraneskinsthatmoldoverthetopof
thekeyboard,protectingitfromliquids,dust,andothercontaminants. Theseskinsaregener-
ally thin enough so that they don't interfere too much with the typing or action of the keys.
