[Maintenance] How to clean a gaming keyboard [Red axis style membrane]

ABC has been a major advocate of device maintenance methods.
This time, I would like to write an article focusing on keyboards, which are one of the devices that are quite difficult to maintain.
Dust and dirt are one of the causes of malfunctions in precision machinery, so be sure to maintain your favorite gaming keyboard properly to keep it running for a long time!

The gaming keyboard used this time is a membrane keyboard.
I would like to talk about mechanical keyboards next time.

Q: What is a mechanical keyboard?
A,↓This is the keyboard that uses this kind of switch.

GamerFinger Mechanical Switch Replacement [Arcade Controller Modification]

※※Note※※
This post contains images that may be shocking to some people.
(Image of a very dirty keyboard)
If you don't like images like that, take a deep breath, check how dirty your keyboard is, and make sure to properly maintain (clean) it so that it doesn't end up like the keyboard shown in the article!

Gaming keyboard deep cleaning [Before cleaning]

First, let's see how dirty the keyboard actually is.
Are you ready?

Well here we go!

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

The moment I got it
"This is a dangerous thing I've taken on...right, brother?'
I thought.
However, there's no point in complaining, so I'm going to clean it up so that I can even place it in front of my monitor!!

Gaming Keyboard Cleaning Operation

Basically, keyboard maintenance and cleaning can be divided into two major steps.
Cleaning the keycaps
Cleaning the main unit
The two above.

Gaming keyboard deep cleaning [preparation]

First, prepare the items you will need to clean.

bucket
* Something large enough to fit the keyboard itself

detergent
※ Dishwashing detergent is OK

Air duster
※About one new item

アルコールティッシュ
*Cheap items are OK

Rag
*Any piece of fabric of a certain size is OK

Gaming keyboard deep cleaning [Work process]

Remove the keyboard keycaps
↓
Wash the keycaps
↓
Disassemble the body
↓
Washing the unit
↓
Dry the keycaps and the body
↓
Put it back together
That's it!
It's not that much work, but it's still a bit of a hassle.

Cleaning Your Gaming Keyboard [Keycaps Edition]

First, remove the keycaps from the keyboard.
Before that, use an air duster to blow away any dust that has accumulated in the gaps.

*Tragedy

Next, remove the keycaps.
Generally, you can remove it by pinching it with your hands, but if it's hard, use a flathead screwdriver to remove it!

Once they're all removed, put them in the bucket.Bang!
Lukewarm water splashes out!
A little detergent...

Then I stir it around with my hands.

Repeat this 2-3 times and you're done!

Here's something to note!
Larger keys (return key and space bar)There's a metal bar on it...

Just washing it won't make it clean
So remove this bar...

Wash it thoroughly and stick it back on so you don't lose it!

Now you're done cleaning your keycaps!
While it's drying, let's clean the keyboard body, also known as the case!

Gaming Keyboard Cleaning [Case Edition]

Next, you'll need to clean the case, but of course you shouldn't wash it with the keycaps removed.
Since the circuit board is inside, the case and electronic components must be separated.

I think you can basically disassemble the keyboard by removing all the screws on the back.

Falling apart★

Falling apart★

Yes!!

Put the case in a bucket and wash it.
Just by flushing it and splashing it around, a lot of dirt and dust will come off.
If there is any stubborn dirt, try scrubbing it with an old toothbrush!

Once you've finished washing, drain the water easily!
Yes!!
*It's hard to tell from the picture, but it's swinging around.

And now we're bringing it back!

Cleaning your gaming keyboard [Assembly]

To be honest, all you have to do is put it back together in the reverse order of how you disassembled it, so anyone who can disassemble it should be able to assemble it without any problems.
*However, make sure to assemble it after all the water has been removed.
Connect the main body and the circuit board, wipe each keycap with alcohol tissue, and then fit them in.
Wipe and insert, wipe and insert...
Complete! !!

Gaming keyboard cleaning [before and after]

Before

After sales

Before

After sales

Don't just do a big end-of-year cleaning, make sure to properly maintain your keyboard at least once every few months!
Or, just blowing away the dust with an air duster once a week can make a huge difference.