got his used low-profile keyboard with cherry mx red switches. apart from one broken key, everything works but - the thing reeks of ciggs. I’ve washed the keycaps and the case, but as you can see, the switches are caked with the gunk. any advice on what to do, clean (how?) or abandon, as replacing the keys is out of the question. thanks!
Look into TSP (trisodium phosphate) to get rid of cigarette tar. You can get it at the hardware store, likely near the paint solvents.
what do I do with the thing, apply and wipe, scrub, dunk?
I’d start with apply and wipe, then maybe a soft bristle toothbrush if you need it.
so, washed the caps (degreaser, bath, scrub, wipe, isopropyl, wipe), the case (iso, wipe) and finally the exposed keys and alu (iso, brush, wipe off, repeat). doesn’t smell no more (was so bad my fingers smelled after just holding it).
assembled, feels great. I think the action is a bit better than before. maybe look into lubing the space bar a bit, feels kinda off when I hit it off center.
the zillion lighting modes, dios mio, took a year and a half to find a non-flashing state, I’ll leave it be.
now need to find a single low-profile key to replace the busted super key, remapping it for the time (ctrl is on caps, so remapped super to ctrl).
Did you use isopropyl alcohol to clean?
yes, the caps and the case, not on the keys, don’t want something to seep into them
As long as you use 90% iso and leave it unplugged for a few hours (which might honestly be overkill if you’re conservative with the iso) you don’t have to worry about damaging the electronics.
I use isopropanol regularly for cleaning flux off boards after soldering, it is fine and with 5v you wont fry it if it is still a little wet. Just clean it off good then let it dry and if you have concerns wait a little longer. You should be able to feel if there is stuff left in the keys.
not worrying about frying, more like loose gunk and water and stuff can get in the key and disrupt its operation. some dude suggested an alcohol “bath”, don’t know if they meant submerging the whole thing or just goint to town with spraying and scrubbing.
I think spraying would be a good shout. I don’t think you’ll damage the board that way.
If it were me, I’d probably replace the switches if that’s an option. Isopropyl bath could work, but I doubt you’ll be able to fully remove the tar. It’s like that dust mixed with grease that kitchens sometimes get.
holup… “bath”? like, submerge the whole keyboard? or just wet it and scrub, with brushes and such?
I’d try a bath as a last resort. You’d need the highest concentration isopropyl alcohol you could find, like 90%+. I’d also recommend removing any plastic parts and disassemble the metal backing. If things are soldered or glued together, I might not chance it, as moisture could stay trapped inside.
