Have Apple Extended Keyboard I (M0115): cleaning advice

[macguy80]

Some time ago, I won an Apple Extended Keyboard I on eBay, but only now unearthed my Griffin iMate ADB -> USB adapter.

The Case is *extremely* yellowed, but this does not concern me. However, I do want to clean the keys, so as not to pick up any germs that may be lurking. Is there any advice as to what I can do (and should NOT do)?

Due to physical disability, note that opening the case (and maybe removing the ALPS keycaps) aren't going to be an option for me. (I have no idea how easily they reattach, or how fragile they may be.) These are complicated ALPS, as you all know.

I was thinking something along the lines of a Q-tip and rubbing alcohol, but I also don't want to damage the internals.

All advice sincerely appreciated

[Yoe]

The 1u key caps are possible to remove and reseat pretty easily without taking the case apart. They do sit harder than MX key caps, so a good key puller and quite a bit of force is required. With the small keys removed (to be put soaking in water+hand dishwashing detergent), the larger keys are easier to clean in their places. I use ordinary computer screen cleaner sprayed onto microfiber towels (not onto keyboard) to wipe the keys and a blackstick/plastic tool to push the towels down between keys. Works great, and I haven't ruined a keyboard yet, not even sensitive laptop ones If removing the keys is not possible, this method can be used all over the keyboard. Just a bit harder to get to all the sides of the keycaps, and to remove hair and dust stuck under the keys.

[chyros]

Do you want to clean inside the switches too or just the case?

[jacobolus]

Due to physical disability, note that opening the case (and maybe removing the ALPS keycaps) aren't going to be an option for me. (I have no idea how easily they reattach, or how fragile they may be.) These are complicated ALPS, as you all know.

An M0115 is pretty easy to take apart, you just need a screwdriver.

I’d recommend taking the case apart before taking off the spacebar, as it’s fairly tricky to put back on while the case is together (possible, but tricky).

To remove the keycaps, you want to make sure you’re pulling them upward, not sideways. My preferred tool for removing Alps keycaps is a pair of butter knives. Slide the tips of the butter knives under opposite sides of the keycap, and pry gently upward. You could also use a wire keycap puller if you want.

When removing the stabilized keys, I recommend prying upward from the sides, not the front/back. I’d remove all of the 1x1 keys first, and then deal with the stabilized keys afterward.

To clean, put all the keycaps in a bowl of water with detergent or a few denture tabs, swirl them around, and come back in a few hours. If there’s still any dirt left, you should be able to easily remove it by wiping with a sponge. Rinse the keycaps a couple times and then leave them to dry for half a day.

Cleaning the case is also pretty easy, once it has been taken apart. Just soap and water and a sponge works great.