How to Take Apart a Computer Keyboard

Frequently used keyboards should be cleaned at least once a year.

There are any number of reasons why you might need to take apart your computer keyboard. Most keyboards are badly in need of cleaning. Perhaps you have a key that's sticking. If you're feeling creative, you may want to give your keyboard a custom frame or keys. Whatever your reason for disassembling this vital piece of hardware, doing so safely is a fairly simple task. All it requires is some basic tools and about two hours of free time. Though taking apart your keyboard isn't too difficult, it's not a job you want to rush through.

Things You'll Need

• Clean towels
• Small Philips screwdriver
• Compressed air canister
• Tweezers
• Keyboard map (optional)
• Flat head screwdriver
• Cotton swabs
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. If you are disassembling a desktop keyboard, unplug it from the computer. If you are disassembling a laptop keyboard, make sure that your laptop is unplugged and turned off.

2. Turn your keyboard upside down onto the towel. Keyboards are infamous for collecting dust and food crumbs. It's not a pretty sight. You can be sure that a lot of everything stuck inside will be coming out as soon as you turn it over, so you'll want a towel in place to collect all the unmentionables in there.

3. Remove the frame (also known as a bezel). Most desktop keyboards have four to six small screws on the back that hold the frame in place. You may want to place them in a dish or bowl, to make sure they don't get lost.

   If you are taking apart a laptop keyboard, you should strongly consider the need to remove the case. Removing a laptop case often voids the warranty. Additionally, many laptop bezels have cabling that connects to the motherboard. By taking off the case, you can risk damaging your computer. If you are simply replacing keys or cleaning the keyboard, you should not need to remove the case.

4. Use the compressed air to clean around the keys. The hardware beneath the keys is sensitive, so you will want to minimize any contact with it, especially with your bare hands. Compressed air is great for brushing away the majority of detritus that clogs up your keyboard.

   If there is something stuck well enough that the air has no effect, use your tweezers to carefully pluck it out.

5. If necessary, remove the keys. You only need to do this if your keyboard needs a serious deep clean or if you are replacing them with custom keys. Use your flat head screwdriver to gently pop the keys off. Don't use excessive force or you risk damaging the keyboard.

   Keep in mind that the mat underneath the keys does not indicate which key goes where. If you are removing keys, make sure you set them aside exactly as they are placed on the keyboard. You may even want to draw or print out a keyboard map to minimize any mix-ups.

6. Clean your keys. This can be done with the keys removed or in place. Soak the end of a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and use it to gently clean away any oil or dust. Alcohol evaporates quickly, making it ideal for use with electronics. Never use water, even in small amounts, as it can seriously damage computer hardware.

7. Once your cleaning, repairs or customization is complete, reassemble your keyboard. The keys can be replaced just by pushing them into place.

References

• Laptop Repair Help: Removing and Replacing Laptop Keyboard