Shiny Keyboard / How to Clean

How can I clean the keyboard from an old laptop.

The heavily used keys (ex. spacebar) seem to have a shiny layer on top of them. I was wondering how I can clean the keyboard to get rid of this shiny/shimmer.

thanks - Dominik

 

I like baby wipes for this work; I sometimes use a little alcohol if the discoloration is recalcitrant! The blow it out with some canned air.

 

Goth-

Ummm... you're not going to "clean" that shiny stuff off; it's most likely wear on the keyboard, The keys get polished over the years by repetitive contact from people typing on them.

Anything you might try that would make the surface matte finish again would very likely make it look cloudy/milky, and/or take the letters off the keys.

mnem<~~~ Has lots of shiny keys ~~~<<<

 

I am sure that the Dwagon is correct, however my method will clean the keys, gently and is worth a try to see if improves keyboard appearance and readability.

On the other hand, if you see the letters disappearing, I would hope that you would stop before you wind up with all blank buttons

 

Many years ago when I bought my first CF-25, the keyboard was filthy. I took every key off, soaked them in hot soapy water and scrubbed each one individually using a tooth brush. I also cleaned the innerside of the keyboard while it was accessible, and as Rick said in another post, this is a sci-fi horror story in its own right.

A lot of work, but afterward the keyboard looked pristine.

What is it about Toughbooks and computer vanity?

 

I'm not looking for pristine but want to know how you managed to fix the keys back one at a time.

My parrot plucked out the "PrtSc" from a CF73 and I still couldn't get it back in! Tips and tricks appreciated.

Ron in SG

 

I suspected this, but the "polish" explanation did not occur to me.

thanks for the knowledge

btw its Gothe, my name has no connection to the word goth or its associated movement.

thanks mnem

 

Ron, it was a long while back, but I don't remember it being a particularly difficult job. From recollection there was a simple spring-clip which secured the lettered/numbered keys. Then there was a little rubber cap which fitted under the spring, protecting the actual "key" (the plonger which makes contact with the circuit board when you depress the key) from dust/moisture ingress.

That doesn't make any sense on re-reading. I think you had to be there!

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to take any pictures to give a better understanding, but in any event, I suspect the CF-73 keyboard had moved on a bit and is probably an entirely different kettle of fish.

No doubt one of the real brains on here will come to your assistance.

Mark

 

My emissive keyboard on my CF-30 is super shiny... I kinda like it... Shows that I use the hell outta my computer

 

Sorry about that; I meant no disrespect.

I have no issue with goths; to me it's merely another state of being. Considering how much less mainstream my "dragonkin" counterculture is, I feel I have no room to pass judgment.

mnem<~~~ Surprisingly "NON-FLAMEY" for a dragon ~~~<<<