Thread: Keyboard Maintenance

Keyboards are perhaps the most badly treated part of any computer, yet they are often ignored until any serious problems develop. With some regular cleaning and maintenance, however, a keyboard can easily last for the lifetime of a computer. This part of the chapter shows you some practical techniques for keyboard service.

Correcting Problem Keyboards

Virtually all computer keyboards are open to the air. Over time, everyday dust, pet hair, air vapor, cigar/ cigarette smoke, and debris from hands and ordinary use settles into the keyboard. Eventually, accumulation of this foreign matter causes keys to stick constaining their free movement or prevent keys from making proper contact (for example, a key may not work every time it is pressed). In either case, keyboard problems will develop. Fortunately, correcting a finicky keybo.ard is a relatively straightforward process. First: remove the caps of the offending keys. Be sure to note where each key is placed before starting your disassembly-especially if the keyboard is a Dvorak-type or unusual ergonomic design. To remove a key cap, bend an ordinary paper clip into the shape of a narrow U, and bend in small tabs at the tip of the U shape. Slip the small tabs under the key cap and pull up gently. Do not struggle with the key cap. If a cap produces resistance in dismounting, remove one or more adjacent caps. If there is a substantial accumulation of foreign matter in the keyboard, you should consider removing all of-the key caps for a thorough cleaning, but this requires more time.

Flip the keyboard upside down and rap gently on the case. This will loosen and remove any larger, heavier dust particles and allow it to fall out of the keyboard. A soft-bristled brush will help loosen the debris. Return the keyboard to an upright position. Use a can of compressed air (available from almost any electronics or photography store) to blowout the remainder of dust particles. Since this tends to l3low dust and debris in all directions, you may wish tG Lise the compressed air outside or in an area away from your workbench. A medium- or firm-bristled brush will help loosen any stubborn debris.



Now that the keyboard is cleaned out, squirt a small amount of good-quality electronics-grade contact cleaner (also available from almost any electronics store) into each key contact, and work the key to distribute the cleaner evenly. Allow a few minutes for the contact cleaner to dry completely, and test the keyboard again before reinstalling the key caps. If the problems persist, the keyboard may be damaged, or the individual key(s) may simply be worn out beyond recovery. In such an event, replace the keyboard.