How to clean membrane keyboard? Even though many of us don’t use membrane keyboards much anymore, the technology is still around. In fact, membrane keyboards are very easy to clean as they require little maintenance and produce minimal dust. So, how do you keep your membrane keyboard clean? Let’s find out. In this blog, we also have an article about mechanical vs membrane keyboard comparison that you might want to read about it.
A membrane keyboard is a computer keyboard whose “keys” are not separate, moving parts, as with the majority of other keyboards, but rather are pressure pads that have only outlines and symbols printed on a flat, flexible surface.”
What is keyboard
A keyboard is a type of input device that transmits text via a series of keys, the most basic and well-known of which are the QWERTY layout. A keyboard uses buttons to actuate switches in the computer or on a typewriter, which then triggers an action or a function. A computer’s keyboard is often one of its most prominent features.
What is a membrane keyboard?
Membrane keyboards work by using a series of pressure plates instead of moving parts. Pressing the key down causes a signal to be sent to your computer. Your computer does not sense that a mechanical switch has flipped.
With a touch screen phone or table you press keys by touching them. On a computer keyboard the signal comes from pressing a key. With a membrane keyboard the signal gets sent when a key is pressed.
Most office keyboards and integrated laptop keyboards use membrane systems for their value and reliability. Membrane keyboards also have better resistance to liquid and dirt than their mechanical counterparts.”
Saeed Wazir, author from Dotaesports.com
How To Clean Membrane Keyboard
Purchase a keycap extractor
To begin clean a membrane keyboard, remove the keys with a keycap remover to clean them and access the bottom. To begin, you will want a keycap puller. This enables the removal of keycaps without causing damage to the caps or the board. If your keyboard did not come with one, an inexpensive one that costs less than $2 would suffice.
Take away the keys
Take a snapshot of your keyboard so you can reinstall the keys. Don’t expect to remember them all. I’ve been typing for 30 years and virtually always make a mistake with at least two of the strange keys. Then, clip each key onto the puller and pull straight up. The keys will need some effort to remove, but will eventually pop off.
Begin with the keys in the center and work your way out. It’s much simpler to get the edge keys if the keys next to them have been destroyed. Oversized keys are more difficult to remove, but just clamp the puller onto the key in any way possible, slide it to the key’s center, and lift straight up. It will detach.
Keys cleaning
After removing all keys, wash them in soapy water. I like to use dish detergent since it effectively removes oils and other contaminants from important surfaces. I just throw them in the sink, add a few drops of detergent, and then refill with warm water. Stir the keys slightly and let them to soak for about an hour. Remove the keys, clean them, and lay them on a hand towel to air dry.
Debris removal
Generally, the crud behind the keys shakes off easy enough. Brush out any obstinate junk that has accumulated in there using a brush. Additionally, I’ve been known to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a tiny attachment. I tend to avoid using cleaners on the surface underneath the keys, but if anything becomes stuck, I like to use a cloth dampened with warm water to attempt to release it. Allow at least a few hours for everything to dry. If possible, I prefer to let it sit overnight.
Changing the keys
The keys simply snap back into position. Ensure that they are facing the correct direction. Begin with some apparent keys, such as the A key, so that you can detect when a key is twisted the incorrect way. If you insert a key in the wrong way, it will not operate properly. After reinstalling the key, press it several times. Occasionally, the keys’ action is not exactly perfect at first, but a few keypresses restores it.
The keys with metal stabilizers may be tough, but they’re much simpler to use on my son’s Hyperx keyboard than they seem. They click into place nearly identically to conventional keys. Simply reposition the stabilizer horizontally and snap in the key. Press the key up and down several times to secure the stabilizer.
Pros of Membrane Keyboards
- The dome switch keyboard uses rubbers or silicones domes to simulate the springs of mechanical keyboards, giving this type of keyboard solid tactile feedbacks. Although there’s difference between the typing experience between membrane keyboards and those of mechanical keyboards, with the advancement of technology, the gap is closing.
- Membrane keyboards have better reputation than mechanical ones when it comes to typing noise. Some mechanical keyboards can be very noisy while others do not make much noise. Blue switch keyboards may be louder than other types but it does not necessarily mean that you should avoid them.
- A portable membrane keyboard will be easier to carry around because it weighs less. It also costs less than a mechanical keyboard.
Cons of Membrane Keyboards
- Membrane keyboards are mushy, but the soft rubberized surface makes them easy to hold onto. Keyboard Rollover means that sometimes your fingers won’t register a keystroke because the key was not pressed down completely.
- Membrane keyboards have a longer lifespan than mechanical ones because they use less parts. Mechanical keyboards may be easier to clean, but membranes are much cheaper.
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