So, I cleaned a laptop keyboard with isopropyl alcohol, and now it works less... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: AmmoJammo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 10:59:32 am
content: Old, free laptop, number 6 key didn't work...So I flooded the keyboard with IPA, and worked the number 6 key, as well as a few others that were sticky...It seems the laptop had a drink spilt in the keyboard before.Anyway! the number 6 key still doesn't work, but now other keys don't always work, and at times, I get random key presses, or keys stuck "on"umm... I assume the drink was diluted, and distributed under all the other keys...ideas?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 11:12:54 am
content: Get new keyboard (ebay, aliexperss). It's a useless waste of time to try to fix it.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 11:15:15 am
content: If this is one of those black (carbonpaint?) on goldpcb trace keyboards you probably dilluted the carbonpaint. You should have disassembled it and clean carefully each and every switch but since a new one costs $15 you probably better off buying a new one.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 11:45:58 am
content: It is likely just 2 polyester films with traces on them. And rubber pushers under the plastic buttons to push those films together. Once something gets between those foils, keyboard is dead. Disassembling is a one way job without any chance to assemble it back.

author: eurofox
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 11:53:57 am
content: Quote from: Kjelt on August 19, 2014, 11:15:15 amI already repair a keyboard from HP3458A with new "carbopaint", you can order it on eBay US and work very well, is like new.It normally work on all "flexible" keyboard, is a classical illness of remote controls

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 12:02:45 pm
content: Quote from: eurofox on August 19, 2014, 11:53:57 amThe problem is you need to remove every single button (with rare exceptions) with scissor mechanics under the button what is almost impossible to to without damage.That's because those mechanics are mounted on bottom plate. Then you need to separate top an bottom plates but they will be glued together or fixed by melting plastic pins. Traces as themselves usually don't get damaged unless there is corrosion. Usually it's all about dirt between foils. Rubber pushers are not conductive (with rare exceptions when one film is used instead of two).

author: AmmoJammo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 12:10:24 pm
content: I would have assumed that nothing could get between the two plastic films?The keyboard seems to be getting better, possible as the IPA fully evaporates... but why would one key (number 6) simply not work?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2014, 12:27:57 pm
content: Quote from: AmmoJammo on August 19, 2014, 12:10:24 pmSometimes there is round cutout in the stacked foils under each button. Even if there isn't such, there are holes in the foils for button mounts. Foils are not glued together, so any liquid gets inside very easily.

author: Rasz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2014, 08:46:25 am
content: only way to clean it properly is to remove all ~100 keys one by oneI did it once, will buy new keyboard next time

author: con-f-use
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 20, 2014, 09:08:30 am
content: Or you by a K310 and put in the dishwasher.*Great keyboard. Feels good. Is cheap and water proof.*Do so at your own risk. They say you shouldn't put it in the dish washerbut rather use water and mild soap. It worked for me and my dishwasher though.