geekhack

geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: radio_killah on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:18:00

Title: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:18:00: What ways have you discovered work best to clean your keyboards in between the switches? I tried a q-tip but that just kept getting caught on the switches and stickers and left tons of stringy cotton... :blank: Any suggestions?
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Evo_Spec on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:23:33: i don't have stickers so i'm not sure but i use one of these and it works quite well.

(http://www.betterware.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/300x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/069028.jpg)
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:37:05: Quote from: Evo_Spec on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:23:33
i don't have stickers so i'm not sure but i use one of these and it works quite well.

Show Image
(http://www.betterware.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/300x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/069028.jpg)

Looking for something that will get rid of the finer dust and also finger prints. Thinking about it though I don't even know how or why fingers would be in between the switches.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 10 January 2015, 21:40:45: TechKeys keyboard brush.

https://ssl.redditgifts.com/marketplace/product/keyboard-brush/

Unfortunately they do not appear to be listed on TechKeys web site at the moment.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35: i've just used this
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)
seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:01:20: Quote from: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35
i've just used this
Show Image
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)

seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....

Review (including video) of something similar to that:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53330.0
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:03:44: Quote from: rowdy on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:01:20
Quote from: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35
i've just used this
Show Image
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)

seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....

Review (including video) of something similar to that:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=53330.0

That's the one...couldn't find the thread..thanks man
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: sethk_ on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:05:29: I pull mine of and use qtips with isopropyl alcohol.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20: http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:50:50: Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW

This looks like a winner.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Melvang on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:55:44: I just pull the caps, turn upside down, and knock the big chunks out and put the keys back on.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Sun, 11 January 2015, 00:50:19: Quote from: Melvang on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:55:44
I just pull the caps, turn upside down, and knock the big chunks out and put the keys back on.

Yeah that works for the big stuff but im talking small bits of dirt and finger prints/oils and stuff. I'm kind of picky like that.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: danwomansan on Sun, 11 January 2015, 01:03:27: I use bunched up disinfectant wipes, and then a screwdriver to remove things that were too "in there" for the wipes to remove, like the horror of what seemed to be roach guts and bird poop on the spare keyboard I just cleaned last night.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Coreda on Sun, 11 January 2015, 01:26:39: I use strips of sticky tape, and remove all the keys. Probably not ideal but it gets everything, and use a wooden skewer to push between small gaps. Can't imagine how one would clean a board without removing the caps first.

Next time I clean the board I'll be using the DataVac mostly. Will be vastly quicker.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 11 January 2015, 05:58:34: I like to remove all the caps and use a dry air can to blow everything out.

Regarding finger prints on the keycaps I only washed them once and it soaked them in hand soap and water then I brushed them one by one. I won't do it again. It took me ages to do because I dried them with a towel one by one also. In a full keycaps set it is horrendously long.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: spale on Sun, 11 January 2015, 10:24:57: I guess I am the only guy that use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from keyboard.
For me its a long-time solution and the most effective ;D
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 11 January 2015, 10:39:14: Quote from: spale on Sun, 11 January 2015, 10:24:57
I guess I am the only guy that use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from keyboard.
For me its a long-time solution and the most effective ;D

Do you remove the caps before?
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: taylordcraig on Sun, 11 January 2015, 11:19:50: The suction of a vacuum shouldn't be able to lift a properly seated cap off the stem.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Ngt on Sun, 11 January 2015, 11:43:10: Quote from: taylordcraig on Sun, 11 January 2015, 11:19:50
The suction of a vacuum shouldn't be able to lift a properly seated cap off the stem.

Yeah that's what I wondered.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Puddsy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 13:49:31: I use a cotton swab
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 14:17:28: Quote from: TacticalStache on Sun, 11 January 2015, 13:49:31
I use a cotton swab

I always happen to get the ctton caught on the switches somehow and have to wind up picking it out with my fingers...
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Sun, 11 January 2015, 15:08:23: Quote from: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 14:17:28
Quote from: TacticalStache on Sun, 11 January 2015, 13:49:31
I use a cotton swab

I always happen to get the ctton caught on the switches somehow and have to wind up picking it out with my fingers...

Exactly this is why I originally posted this asking. The cotton swabs also have a hard time picking up finger prints, oils, etc.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 20:47:10: Quote from: radio_killah on Sun, 11 January 2015, 15:08:23
Quote from: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 14:17:28
Quote from: TacticalStache on Sun, 11 January 2015, 13:49:31
I use a cotton swab

I always happen to get the ctton caught on the switches somehow and have to wind up picking it out with my fingers...

Exactly this is why I originally posted this asking. The cotton swabs also have a hard time picking up finger prints, oils, etc.

Full circle ;)
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: taylordcraig on Mon, 12 January 2015, 00:15:55: Quote from: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 20:47:10
Quote from: radio_killah on Sun, 11 January 2015, 15:08:23
Quote from: FluffynFuzzy on Sun, 11 January 2015, 14:17:28
Quote from: TacticalStache on Sun, 11 January 2015, 13:49:31
I use a cotton swab

I always happen to get the ctton caught on the switches somehow and have to wind up picking it out with my fingers...

Exactly this is why I originally posted this asking. The cotton swabs also have a hard time picking up finger prints, oils, etc.

Full circle ;)

I've use cotton and ISO alcohol but it's not ideal. A lot of suggestions don't seem to meet the requirement of cleaning inbetween switches, I've experienced this first hand.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 12 January 2015, 01:57:28: Quote from: spale on Sun, 11 January 2015, 10:24:57
I guess I am the only guy that use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dust from keyboard.
Not at all. I use it with the brush attachment. Every time I clean under the desk, I also go over the keys with it.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Jersern on Mon, 12 January 2015, 02:00:05: I usually use a slightly damp cloth and a brush to clean out any dust that's managed to get in the gaps. Works really well as long as you don't get it too messy.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: howthegodschill on Tue, 13 January 2015, 00:06:03: I take off all of the keys, then use an acid brush in collaboration with my ED500 Datavac.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: jonathanyu on Tue, 13 January 2015, 00:14:11: i always pull off all the keycaps and then use a vacuum cleaner to suck all the dust
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 09:25:36: Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW
Just got this little pen in the mail today and I must say for 5 bucks it does exactly what I wanted it to.

The silicone tip is great for cleaning out dust and picks up oils. Thanks spamray for the suggestion.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: hwood34 on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:08:26: Quote from: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35
i've just used this
Show Image
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)

seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....
+1
You could also buy a mini vacum like a DataVac
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: cephelix on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:09:33: Quote from: hwood34 on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:08:26
Quote from: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35
i've just used this
Show Image
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)

seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....
+1
You could also buy a mini vacum like a DataVac

that is also true.can't remember how much it costs locally though. or if they even sell it locally.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: SpAmRaY on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:15:20: Quote from: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 09:25:36
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW
Just got this little pen in the mail today and I must say for 5 bucks it does exactly what I wanted it to.

The silicone tip is great for cleaning out dust and picks up oils. Thanks spamray for the suggestion.

Glad I could help. :D
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 11:36:20: Quote from: hwood34 on Wed, 14 January 2015, 10:08:26
Quote from: cephelix on Sat, 10 January 2015, 22:07:35
i've just used this
Show Image
(http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v2/405837366_1/3pcs-Magic-High-Tech-Cleaning-Compound-Super-Clean-Slimy-Gel-3478.jpg)

seems to work well. just make sure to dab instead of swipe the compound across....
+1
You could also buy a mini vacum like a DataVac

I got one of those too. $40 on black friday. Thing is freaking awesome.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 January 2015, 11:39:39: leafblower
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 12:41:55: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 January 2015, 11:39:39
leafblower

Essentially. Just in a miniature form.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: rowdy on Wed, 14 January 2015, 17:30:07: Quote from: Computer-Lab in Basement on Wed, 14 January 2015, 11:39:39
leafblower

Only for a Model M/F!
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: ynrozturk on Thu, 15 January 2015, 07:36:07: I use one of those dinky USB vacuum things which cost like a few dollars. They have a rubber tip which fits in very nicely between the switches, and it does a damn fine job, too.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: berserkfan on Thu, 15 January 2015, 13:15:49: Quote from: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 09:25:36
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW
Just got this little pen in the mail today and I must say for 5 bucks it does exactly what I wanted it to.

The silicone tip is great for cleaning out dust and picks up oils. Thanks spamray for the suggestion.

But question is, now long can this tool last? That silicon tip...
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: FrostyToast on Thu, 15 January 2015, 13:19:51: Don't vacuum cleaner generate static or something that could damage electronic components? No idea if it would be relevant to the simple design of keyboards, however I would like to know the effect of this.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: radio_killah on Thu, 15 January 2015, 13:24:12: Quote from: berserkfan on Thu, 15 January 2015, 13:15:49
Quote from: radio_killah on Wed, 14 January 2015, 09:25:36
Quote from: SpAmRaY on Sat, 10 January 2015, 23:46:20
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Electronics-Cleaning-Brush/dp/B0050B6CYW
Just got this little pen in the mail today and I must say for 5 bucks it does exactly what I wanted it to.

The silicone tip is great for cleaning out dust and picks up oils. Thanks spamray for the suggestion.

But question is, now long can this tool last? That silicon tip...

As long as you are good to it it seems like it will last a while. It picks up dust and small particles with easy and can be cleaned using just a piece of wet paper towel.
Title: Re: What is the best way to clean the space in between the switches?
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 16 March 2015, 18:07:46: Got a Datavac today. All the good reviews are true, this thing is a tiny monster. It's got more than enough power, almost too much because I wish there was an adjustment to lower it. Well worth the $$ considering it costs about as much as 12 pack of canned air. A little worried about overheating because it's such a small unit with such a large motor it can heat up pretty quickly but who cares, this thing is awesome!