Removing Keys on Keyboard?

PurdueRy

Lifer
Nov 12, 2004
13,837
4
0
just curious as to how it is done or if there is a trick. I would like to get all the junk out of the inside. I put a knife under one key, when it didn't come off with minimal force I decided to check here before I do.
 

Eureka

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2005
3,822
1
81
Don't use a knife... they're thin and might snap. Take a flat screwdriver and pry it off at the corner. Most keyboards should (unless you're on a notebook or something).

Norm
 

Tu13erhead

Diamond Member
Mar 28, 2005
3,238
0
76
Each keyboard is a little different. On my MS natural, it works best by popping them off from the side, but my friend's works better from the top. Just be careful on keys like the spacebar, Enter, Shift, etc because they have that small metal thing that can go flying if you're not careful.

Enjoy :)
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
I use an IC puller (sort of like a pair of tweezers with hooked tips) to take mine off - seems to work OK with most. Just play around with it until you find the best technique for your particular kbd.

.bh.
 

gfngfgf

Member
Jul 23, 2005
90
0
0
I just cleaned my laptop keyboard a few weeks ago by prying the keys off. I just used my fingers and it seemed to work well enough.
 

YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Moderator<br>A/V & Home Theater<br>Elite member
Aug 6, 2001
31,205
45
91
I used a screwdriver to get my keys off. :thumbsup: to watching out for the larger keys with metal gliding mechanisms if they have them. Also, be careful not to rub off all the grease on these if they have some as cleaning them off may result in nasty squeeking etc.

Ok... I know this isn't "1337", but I took a picture with my camera of my keyboard before I took the keys off so it would be easier to get them in the right spots once I had a pile of keys and an empty keyboard.
 

Eureka

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2005
3,822
1
81
:-/ Or you could just find another pic online... or memorize them by heart. Or use another keyboard for guidance.

Oh, and just a warning. Wear goggles or eyeglasses before you pry them off... sometimes they tend to fly. Luckily, I was wearing glasses or it would've went through my eye.

Norm
 

Mellman

Diamond Member
Jul 9, 2003
3,083
0
76
hit your roomate with your keyboard, that gets the keys started :) easier from there...
 

bdww00

Banned
Sep 6, 2005
740
0
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i took a digi pic of my kbd and i couldnt use my pw to get the pics lol jk i never did that or did i?
 

AmberClad

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2005
4,914
0
0
I usually disassemble it (removing the outer shell) before I remove the keys. From there, it's easy enough to remove them from the other side.