Sticking Keys

Jake'sGran

I am sorry if the answer to this is embarrassingly easy but how do I stop the keys of my keyboard from sticking? It is happening more and more, what do I need to do?

Rex_Mundi

Jake'sGran wrote:

I am sorry if the answer to this is embarrassingly easy but how do I stop the keys of my keyboard from sticking? It is happening more and more, what do I need to do?

Laptop or desktop computer?

For my desktop, I only ever use cheap keyboards (about £2 a go). I get through a few of these every year. As soon as the keys start sticking, or get too grubby, I throw it out and use a new one.

marleyboy

I agree with REX, its time for a new keyboard mate, there only a tenner.

Jake'sGran

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Laptop or desktop computer?

For my desktop, I only ever use cheap keyboards (about £2 a go). I get through a few of these every year. As soon as the keys start sticking, or get too grubby, I throw it out and use a new one.

Well I never. The keys are very readable unlike my daughters which is much younger and bought from PC World. Mine is a Dell. Well...if I must.

John_Gray

It depends how confident you are about taking a keyboard apart!

Most modern keyboards work by key pressure on a keyboard-sized flexible plastic 'rubber' sheet. Undo (and keep carefully!) the twelve or so screws at the bottom of the keyboard to get at the insides. Almost all the keys are "captive", so you may be able to clean the 'plastic' sheet where it is, and to immerse carefully the top section of the keyboard (i.e. the bit with the keys on) in a sink containing warm, slightly soapy, water. Then wash in clean water and dry it thoroughly. Marry the parts of the keyboard together again and replace the screws.

There could be three outcomes to this procedure

1. the keyboard now works perfectly
2. the keyboard works, but some keys still stick
3. the keyboard is 'functionally inoperative', and is a candidate for the rubbish bin

In the latter instance, you need to buy a new keyboard. But, heh, you tried!

Good luck

John

PS I have heard suggested that you put the entire keyboard in the dishwasher, and then dry for a few days on top of a radiator, in an airing cupboard, or blown with a hair-drier. Me, I'm sceptical...

Jake'sGran

If I did that my OH who only knows how to turn on the computer would really be jumping up and down. Funny that, how someone who doesn't understand something always knows how not to put it right:rolleyes:

culpepper

You can probably pull off each key,clean and replace.I have done that with mine before.They just clip in.Push a plastic spoon or knife edge under one and lever it out.Dont forget to find a keyboard picture if you take em all out so you can see where to put them back