Cleaning individual keys on your Razer BlackWidow Chroma keyboard is a straightforward process that can restore their appearance and ensure optimal performance. This guide will walk you through safely cleaning your keycaps and the areas beneath them.
What You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential cleaning tools:
- Keycap Puller: For safely removing standard keycaps.
- Compressed Air: To blow away loose dust and debris.
- Soft Brush: An old toothbrush or a small, soft-bristled brush for scrubbing.
- Microfiber Cloth: For wiping surfaces and drying keycaps.
- Mild Dish Soap: A small amount for cleaning keycaps.
- Small Bowl of Warm Water: For soaking keycaps.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) (optional): For stubborn grime, applied sparingly.
| Tool | Purpose | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Keycap Puller | Safe removal of keycaps without damage | Pull straight up, avoid twisting. |
| Compressed Air | Dislodges dust, crumbs, and other loose particles | Use short bursts, hold can upright. |
| Soft Brush | Scrubbing keycaps and dislodging stuck-on grime beneath them | Gentle strokes to prevent scratching. |
| Microfiber Cloth | Wiping surfaces, drying keycaps, and streak-free cleaning | Lint-free for best results. |
| Mild Dish Soap | Deep cleaning for keycaps | Use a small amount, rinse thoroughly. |
| Isopropyl Alcohol | Sanitizing and dissolving stubborn residue on surfaces | Apply to cloth, not directly to switches. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Keys
Follow these steps carefully to ensure a thorough and safe cleaning of your Razer BlackWidow Chroma keys.
1. Prepare Your Keyboard
- Unplug the Keyboard: Always disconnect your keyboard from your computer before cleaning to prevent accidental key presses or electrical issues.
- Take a Photo: Use your phone to take a clear picture of your keyboard's layout. This will be an invaluable reference when reattaching the keycaps later, especially for specialized keys.
2. Removing the Keycaps
This is a critical step, and the method varies slightly depending on the key size.
- Standard Keycaps (e.g., letter keys, number keys):
- Position your keycap puller so its wires hook under opposing sides of the keycap.
- Gently pull straight up until the keycap detaches from the switch stem. Avoid wiggling or twisting, as this can damage the switch.
- Larger Keycaps (e.g., Space Bar, Shift, Enter, Backspace):
- These keys are often clipped onto the board and include stabilizers. To remove them, you need to slightly pinch the two white stubs together and pull them out. Exercise patience during this step to prevent damage to the stabilizers or the keycap itself. Once the clips are released, carefully lift the keycap.
3. Clean the Keycaps
- Soak and Scrub: Place the removed keycaps into a small bowl of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Let them soak for about 10-30 minutes to loosen dirt and grime.
- Gentle Scrubbing: After soaking, use your soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to gently scrub each keycap, paying attention to the edges and any textured surfaces.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the keycaps thoroughly under cool, running water to remove all soap residue. Lay them out on a clean microfiber cloth to air dry completely. Ensure they are bone dry before reattaching them, which may take several hours. Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting from a distance to speed up drying.
4. Clean Underneath the Keys
While your keycaps are drying, clean the exposed keyboard deck and switches.
- Clear Debris: Use compressed air to blow out any loose dust, crumbs, or hair trapped around the key switches. Work from one end of the keyboard to the other to push debris off the board.
- Remove Stuck Grime: With your soft brush, gently dislodge any stubborn dirt or gunk adhering to the switch housings or the keyboard plate.
- Wipe Down: Dampen your microfiber cloth with a small amount of water or isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Carefully wipe down the exposed keyboard deck, avoiding getting liquid directly into the switches. IPA is excellent for sanitizing and dissolving oily residues.
5. Reattach the Keycaps
Once all keycaps are completely dry and the keyboard deck is clean:
- Align and Press: Refer to the photo you took earlier to ensure you place each keycap back in its correct position. Align the keycap with its corresponding switch stem.
- Firm Press: For standard keycaps, gently press down until you feel and hear a soft click, indicating it's securely attached.
- Stabilized Keys: For larger, stabilized keys, ensure the keycap's stabilizer stems (the cross-shaped inserts on the underside) align with the clips on the keyboard plate. Press down evenly on the keycap until it clicks into place.
- Test: Plug your keyboard back in and test every key to ensure it's functioning correctly.
Tips for Maintaining Cleanliness
- Regular Dusting: Use compressed air or a soft brush regularly to prevent dust buildup.
- Avoid Eating Over Keyboard: Crumbs and spills are common culprits for dirty keys and sticky switches.
- Gentle Handling: Always use a keycap puller for removal and avoid excessive force.
- Deep Clean Annually: A full deep clean once or twice a year, depending on usage, will keep your keyboard in top condition.
By following these steps, your Razer BlackWidow Chroma keyboard keys will look and feel as good as new, enhancing your typing and gaming experience.
