Every gamer and typist dreams of using a good keyboard that looks great, works smoothly and offers excellent feedback and long-term durability. Akko keyboard is one of them which offers smooth working experience and long durability.
But as we use the keyboard day after day, dust, hand sweat, grime, hair, oil, food and debris can accumulate between the keys and affect performance.
If you clean your keyboard regularly, it not only maintains the aesthetics of the keyboard but also ensures that all its functions work optimally and last longer.
In this blog, we will provide a complete guide on how to clean an Akko keyboard safely and effectively
Causes of Dust and Debris on Keyboards
Several factors contribute to the accumulation of dirt on your Akko keyboard:
Environmental Dust: In this world, dust always naturally settles on surfaces, including between the keyboard keys and especially in areas with poor ventilation and the rural areas where there is a lot of dust.
Food pieces: When you eat near the keyboard that’s the time your food pieces can fall between the keyboard keys day by day leading to buildup in the keyboard and destroying your keyboard function.
Oils and Sweat: Natural oils and sweat from your hands fall into the keyboard. it creates grime on keycaps and surfaces.
Pet Hair: If you have pets, their hair can easily get stuck in and around the keys.
Airborne Particles: Air conditioners, fans, and windows airborne dust particles can get into your keyboard.
These contaminants not only make the keyboard look dirty but can also affect key responsiveness and overall performance.
Why Cleaning Your Akko Keyboard is Essential
Improved Performance: When dust and dirt get into your board. it effect on keybord performance and keybord not work properly. Regular cleaning ensures smooth keypresses.
Enhanced Longevity: Dirt build-up over time begins to clog switches and other components. And slowly it gets hard and smoothly work stops . Cleaning extends the life of your keyboard.
Better Aesthetics: Clean keyboards are look more visually appealing, making your workspace look tidy and professional.
Hygiene: Your keyboards can be a breeding ground for bacteria. That affects on your health. Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthier setup.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean an Akko Keyboard
Before getting started, gather these essential tools:
- Keycap puller: For safely removing keycaps.
- Compressed air canister: To blow out dust and debris.
- Microfiber cloth: For wiping the keyboard and keycaps.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher): For disinfecting and cleaning keycaps.
- Cotton : To clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Soft brush: For removing dust from tight spaces.
- Toothpick or tweezers (optional): For stubborn debris.
How to Clean an Akko Keyboard: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Unplug your keyboard from power.
Before cleaning the keyboard, be sure to disconnect your Akko keyboard from your computer. If you’re using a wireless model, turn it off beforehand to avoid accidental keypresses or electrical issues while cleaning. For RGB models, this prevents any power gain that might occur if moisture touches the lighting system.
Tip: When cleaning, place your keyboard on a flat, clean surface to avoid scratching it.
2. Slowly lift the keycaps
The next step is to lift the keycaps off the keyboard to expose the underside of the keys Use a keycap puller to gently pry each keycap from the switch. Insert the puller under the key-cap, apply light pressure and pull straight up to avoid damaging the switch.
- Standard keys: Small keys like letters and numbers are easy to move.
- Big keys: For keys like spacebar, shift or enter, be extra careful. Because they often have stabilizers that can break if pulled too roughly.
Tip: Place keycaps in a small container or bowl to keep them organized while cleaning.
3. Removal of dust and debris
Once the keycaps have been removed, use a canister of compressed air to blow dust, crumbs, and loose debris off the surface of the keyboard. Hold the canister upright and spray slowly. Keep the canister a few inches away from the keyboard to avoid moisture.
- Directions Matters: Blow the keyboard at an angle to reach between the switches, which will push dirt away without going deep into the keyboard.
- Avoid shaking the canister: Shaking the canister can release liquid along with air, which can damage the keyboard’s electrical components.
Tip: If compressed air is not available, a soft brush can also be used to remove dust.
4. Clean the keycaps
While the dust settles, clean the keycaps you removed. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe each keycap separately, removing oil and surface dirt.
- If there is stubborn dirt or glue, dip a microfiber cloth or a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and gently rub the keycaps.
- If the keycaps are extremely dirty, you can soak them in a bowl of warm soapy water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse and dry thoroughly before reattaching.
Tip: Make sure the keycaps are completely dry before putting them back on the keyboard to avoid moisture damage.
5. Clean the keyboard surface
With the keycaps off, it’s time to clean the keyboard surface. Take a microfiber cloth and lightly dampen it with isopropyl alcohol. And wipe the entire surface of the keyboard, focusing on the areas between the switches
- Be careful not to get any liquid into the switches, especially for RGB models, as moisture near the lighting system can cause malfunctions.
- For small areas or hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove dirt and grime from around the switches.
Tip: Avoid using water or general-purpose cleaners, as these can damage the electronics.
6. Removal of stubborn debris
Even after blowing and wiping, some debris can get stuck between the switches. For this, use a soft brush or toothpick to carefully remove any particles. Make sure to avoid applying too much pressure, especially around the stabilizer and RGB lights.
Be careful not to scrape too hard, as this can scratch the surface or damage the switch housing.
7. Check and clear the RGB light (for RGB models)
For those who use the Akko RGB keyboard, you should pay special attention to the LED lights:
- Make sure no moisture reaches the LED area. If you see any dust or particles on the LED lights, use compressed air to blow them away or use a dry cloth to gently wipe them.
- Avoid using any wet materials near the lighting system to prevent short circuits or low light intensity.
Tip: After cleaning, check the lighting system to make sure all LEDs are working properly.
8. Reattach the keycaps
Once the keyboard and keycaps are completely dry, begin reattaching the keycaps by pressing each back into its corresponding switch. Make sure the keycaps are properly aligned to avoid jamming the switches
For larger keys like spacebar and shift, make sure the stabilizers are properly aligned before snapping them back into place.
Tip: You can use this opportunity to rearrange or change the keycap layout if you want.
9. Perform a final test
After reassembling your Akko keyboard, it’s important to check that all keys are working properly. Plug the keyboard back into your computer or turn on your wireless model and check the following:
- Key Responsiveness: Make sure every key registers correctly and doesn’t feel sticky or slow.
- RGB lighting: For RGB models, check that the lighting works evenly across all keys and that no LEDs are faulty
- Stabilizers: Check the big keys to make sure the stabilizers are in place.
If a key seems off or unresponsive, try removing the switch or keycap and re-cleaning it.
Cleaning Special Considerations for RGB Models
Akko RGB keyboards come with integrated lighting systems that require extra care when cleaning. These models are popular for their vibrant, customizable backlighting, but mishandling during cleaning can lead to issues with the lights and circuitry. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Avoid Moisture Near LEDs: The RGB lighting is often embedded beneath each key. While cleaning the keyboard, be mindful not to let any liquid seep into the LED areas or switches. Excessive moisture can damage the lights or short-circuit the board.
- Use Compressed Air Over Brushes: Instead of brushing near the LED areas, it’s safer to use compressed air to blow out any debris. Brushes can sometimes push dirt into the LED crevices, which may affect the backlighting.
- Remove Keycaps Carefully: When removing the keycaps for cleaning, be gentle, especially around the larger keys, which may have stabilizers near the RGB lights. Pulling them out too quickly or forcefully could potentially dislodge or damage the lighting mechanisms.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to isopropyl alcohol for cleaning keycaps and keyboard surfaces, as stronger chemicals can damage the keyboard’s finish or the RGB components.
After Cleaning: Common Issues and Solutions
After cleaning your Akko RGB keyboard, you might encounter some issues. Here’s a list of potential problems and how to fix them:
1. Unresponsive RGB Lights
After cleaning, the RGB lighting may not turn on or flicker. This can occur if moisture has entered the keyboard’s circuitry.
Solution: First, unplug the keyboard and let it air dry for several hours. If the problem persists, disassemble the keyboard (if you’re comfortable doing so) to check for any trapped moisture near the PCB or lighting system. In more severe cases, contacting Akko support may be necessary.
2. Keys Not Registering Properly
If some keys become unresponsive after cleaning, debris might have lodged itself deeper into the switches.
Solution: Remove the affected keycaps and use compressed air to blow out any hidden particles. You can also use a toothpick or tweezers to extract any stubborn debris. If keys still don’t respond, you may need to clean the switch itself or check for mechanical issues inside the keyboard.
3. Sticky or Stiff Keys
Occasionally, a key might feel sticky or stiff after reassembling the keyboard.
Solution: This usually happens if the keycap isn’t reattached correctly. Remove the keycap and check for any obstructions like small dust particles or debris. Reattach the keycap, ensuring it sits properly on the switch. Larger keys may need to be realigned with their stabilizers.
4. Uneven Lighting Across Keys
Sometimes, you may notice that the RGB lighting appears dimmer or uneven in certain keys after cleaning.
Solution: Check if any debris or residue is covering the LED lights. Clean the area around the switch with compressed air and wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Additionally, ensure the keycap is seated properly, as misaligned keycaps can block the LED’s light output.
5. Keyboard Not Powering On
After cleaning, if the keyboard doesn’t turn on at all, there may have been water damage or disconnection of internal components.
Solution: First, ensure the keyboard is properly connected to your computer. If it still doesn’t power on, unplug it and allow it to dry for a few hours. If the issue continues, inspect the USB cable for damage. For more persistent issues, you may need professional repair.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Akko keyboard regularly is essential for maintaining optimal performance and extending its lifespan. With its ergonomic design and, in some cases, RGB lighting, the Akko keyboard deserves proper care to prevent dust buildup and potential damage.
By following the step-by-step guide and special considerations for RGB models, you can keep your keyboard in pristine condition, ensuring a smoother typing or gaming experience. Regular maintenance not only enhances functionality but also protects your investment in a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Related FAQ
How often should I clean my Akko keyboard?
It’s recommended to clean your Akko keyboard every 3-4 months, or more frequently if you notice dust, crumbs, or grime buildup, especially if you eat or drink near your setup.
Can I soak the entire Akko keyboard in water to clean it?
No, soaking the entire keyboard can cause irreparable water damage to the electronics and switches. Only the keycaps can be safely soaked in soapy water; the rest of the keyboard should be cleaned with dry methods or minimal use of isopropyl alcohol.
Is it safe to use isopropyl alcohol to clean the keyboard?
Yes, isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) is safe for cleaning both the keycaps and the surface of the keyboard. Avoid letting it seep into the switches or LED lighting areas to prevent damage.
What’s the best way to clean an Akko RGB keyboard?
For RGB models, avoid using water or excess moisture near the lighting system. Use compressed air to remove debris and a dry or lightly dampened microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol for the surface. Make sure no moisture touches the LEDs.
Why are some of my keys sticky after cleaning?
Sticky keys could result from debris trapped inside the switch or improper reattachment of the keycap. Try removing the keycap, cleaning the area thoroughly, and then reattaching it securely.
