How many times have you accidentally hit a key on your keyboard and it sends your cursor flying across the screen? Or maybe you hit keys and they don’t do anything because they’re stuck. Here’s a guide on how to take off keyboard keys so that you can fix them (or simply clean them). This is also a great way to know which keys are which, in case you ever want to change the layout of your keyboard.
When Should I Take off the Keyboard Keys?
There are a few reasons you might want to take off the keyboard keys:
- To clean the keyboard
- To fix a stuck or broken key
- To replace a key that has been damaged
- To change the layout of the keyboard (for example, if you want to add accent marks on certain keys)
Different Types of Keyboard
There are different types of keyboards, so the process of taking keys off will be different for each one. The most common type of keyboard is the membrane keyboard. This is the type that you would find on a laptop or a desktop computer. Membrane keyboards have a layer of rubber or silicone that sits on top of the electrical parts.
Mechanical Keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are less common than membrane keyboards, but they’re growing in popularity. They’re often used by gamers because they’re more durable and have a better response time. Mechanical keyboards have individual switches for each key, so they’re more like the typewriters of old. The keys sit on top of these switches, and when you press a key, the switch is activated and sends a signal to the computer.
Membrane Keyboard
- Line up the key with the hole.
- Gently push down on the key until it pops into place.
- Repeat for any other keys that you want to put back on.
Mechanical Keyboard
- Put the key in place and screw in the screws.
- Repeat for any other keys that you want to put back on.
Laptop Keyboard
The process of taking off and putting back on keys on a laptop keyboard is similar to that of a membrane keyboard. However, you will need to be careful not to damage the ribbon cable that runs underneath the keys.
- Start by turning the laptop upside down.
- Find the key that you want to remove and insert a flathead screwdriver or butter knife into the hole.
- Gently pry up on the key until it pops off.
- Repeat this process for any other keys that you want to remove.
- To put the keys back on, line up the key with the hole and gently push it down until it pops into place.
- Repeat for any other keys that you want to put back on.
Wireless Keyboard
The process of taking off and putting back on keys on a wireless keyboard is similar to that of a membrane keyboard. However, you will need to be careful not to damage the batteries or the receiver.
How to Take off Keyboard Keys – 4 Ways to Do It
Taking off keyboard keys is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few different ways. The most common way is to use a flathead screwdriver or butter knife. However, some keyboards require a small Phillips head screwdriver. And on laptops, you will need to be careful not to damage the ribbon cable that runs underneath the keys.
Read Also: How do Turn off RGB Keyboard?
Here are four ways to take off the keyboard keys:
Method 1 – Use a Flathead Screwdriver or Butter Knife
This is the most common method and it works for most keyboards.
- Start by turning the keyboard upside down.
- Find the key that you want to remove and insert a flathead screwdriver or butter knife into the hole.
- Gently pry up on the key until it pops off.
- Repeat this process for any other keys that you want to remove.
Method 2 – Use a Small Phillips Head Screwdriver
Some keyboards have two small screws holding each key in place. In this case, you will need to use a small Phillips head screwdriver.
- Start by turning the keyboard upside down and removing the screws from the key that you want to remove.
- Gently pull up the key until it pops off.
- Repeat this process for any other keys that you want to remove.
Method 3 – Use a Can of Compressed Air
If you have a keyboard with a lot of dust or debris underneath the keys, you can use a can of compressed air to blow it out.
- Start by holding the can of compressed air upside down and spraying it underneath the keys.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface around the keys.
- Put the keys back on and enjoy your clean keyboard.
Method 4 – Use a Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a keyboard with a lot of dust or debris underneath the keys, you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck it up.
- Start by holding the vacuum cleaner upside down and turning it on.
- Hold the vacuum cleaner close to the keyboard and let the suction pull the dust and debris out from under the keys.
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the surface around the keys
Conclusion
Taking off keyboard keys is a relatively simple process. The most common way is to use a flathead screwdriver or butter knife. However, some keyboards require a small Phillips head screwdriver.