I spilt some gatorade on my M1330s keyboard...

and it still works fine! I cleaned it up and its still in working order except I have a problem. Some of the keys are sticky.. not on top, underneath. How do I go about cleaning it? Do I just pop off the keys like an old keyboard, or do i need to take the laptop apart to get at the keys?

 

I think you can remove the keyboard and run it through the dishwasher if im not mistaken. I know you can do this with desktop ones and just make sure to have it totally dry before putting it back in.

 

Don't put it in the dishwasher, remove it and clean it with warm water and a mild soap detergent. A dishwasher can get very hot in the drying cycle and melt the keyboard.

 

Or you can just get the new Vostro keyboard for like ten bucks from eBay and stick it in if you are brave Looks nice!

 

1) Pop the keyboard out,

2) Soak it in Methylated Spirits/Denatured Alcohol

3) Let it dry for a few hours

or just buy a new keyboard, it should be cheap anyway.

 

So let me understand. I'm physically taking the keyboard out? Any links to tuts for that? I haven't pulled apart my lappy yet.. don't want to screw something up.

 

Removing the keyboard is very easy, you can find the instructions in the M1330_(service manual).

If you decide to replace it , then you can either use a silver keyboard or a black keyboard.

 

Thanks. Any big difference between the two besides colour? I've heard the Vostro keyboard is nicer to type on.

 

Yes, the vostro keyboard has a firmer metal base, and is more crisp. If you're buying a new one anyways, you may want to consider one.

 

My vote would be for the black JM629 keyboard as well. Just make sure that it has the rigid, full metal back piece. It takes care of all the bulging as well. I used to have key-marks on my LED screen with the silver keyboard; the black one solved that problem because the cables underneath it cannot push it up because of the rigid back.

You should just use this as an excuse to "upgrade" your computer

Here is another link with good pictures/instructions if you decide to replace it:
http://www.jrin.net/2008_02_01/how-to-fix-the-dell-xps-m1330-keyboard-bulge