The vagaries of cleaning your keyboard
THE VAGARIES OF THE COMPUTER KEYBOARD
As a computer keyboard is something we all use I have no compunction about writing this post. I address this to the physical keyboards of laptop computers rather than the chunky keyboards of yester-year which were/are used for full size PC’s. They all depend on :-
- Cleanliness
- Regular service
- A basic understanding of the technology involved (helpful).
The laptop computer keyboard is a work of art and technology. It is also the perfect magnet for dust, food particles and the occasional drink. If you don’t have the occasional catastrophe you will still probably notice that odd keys slow down or do not react in a positive manner by placing the letter you require when and where you want it on your document. The reason is that over time the keyboard picks up the detritus of our living and working conditions and gradually some of those fragments gum up the works.
Solution:-
- Buy a new keyboard.
- Send the affected keyboard to the repair shop and await its return.
- Clean the damn thing yourself!
As a Scotsman, of course I chose the last option on the list!
Here is an exterior shot of my keyboard looking ‘virgo intacto’ state. At least it looks that way.
Because of the length of this post and a fair number of informative if scary pictures I will make this blog available in full through Dropbox. Just send me a PM asking for the link.
Recent Comments
5
I did not see a photo of your keyboard included. I agree with you about taking care of your keyboard since we are all bound to drop something once in awhile. I am definitely glad that my laptop keyboard is not as easy to get dirty though. I remember cleaning out my desktop's keyboard much more frequently and having problems with bad keys. Not eating or drinking while on your keyboard helps too : )
Hi Allison. You were very quick to reply. I have just uploaded the whole article to dropbox.com replete with all the scary pictures! If you would like access, just send me an email address. I also discovered that does transparent plastic covers for the keyboard which seems a good idea.
Very cool. I haven't heard about those before. You can add pictures to your posts and questions if you want. That way people can see them without sending you their email and what not. It would just save you time and energy.
Hi Allison, thanks for your advice on adding pictures to the post. I had completely overlooked it. I have uploaded 'Keyboard Cleaning' complete with pix.
You're welcome : )