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hether you’re a college student writing papers or working from home typing away at your desk, you probably have a mechanical keyboard. They’re the far superior alternative to typical keyboards, and often more expensive – that’s why spilled water on mechanical keyboards can be such a panic-inducing experience.
Not only is it frustrating to have to replace your keyboard, but it can also be a surprisingly expensive mistake. But don’t despair, because, in this blog post, we’ll tell you what to do if you spill water on your mechanical keyboard and how to save it.
If you’re unsure what a mechanical keyboard is, it’s simply a type of keyboard with individual switches for each key. These are usually more expensive than regular keyboards because they last longer and provide better tactility.
This is a great example of high-quality, Apple-compatible mechanical keyboards.
Table of Contents
Unplug Your Keyboard Immediately
As soon as you’ve spilled water on mechanical keyboards, the first thing is to unplug it from your computer or laptop immediately. It’s important to do this as soon as you can, as cutting the power from the device before any water makes its way too deep into your device is the key to success here.
Doing this will prevent the water from causing any electrical damage to your keyboard or computer, as water is a great conductor of electricity, and will cause your device’s internal circuits to short, causing irreversible damage.
Remember to do this quickly, as the longer your keyboard stays plugged in, the greater the risk of damage.
Dry It Properly
After ensuring your keyboard is completely unplugged, take a clean and dry cloth to wipe off as much water as you can. If the spilled water on mechanical keyboard is minor, this could be enough to save your keyboard.
But if it’s a major spill, you need to turn your keyboard upside down on a towel and let it dry for a couple of days. It’s essential not to use a hairdryer, as the hot air can damage your mechanical keyboard parts. Although this is an option for other devices with water damage, mechanical keyboard components do not do well with heat.
Most mechanical keyboards utilize removable keys, simply use the pry tool supplied with the keyboard or pick up one like this online. This is a great way to ensure you get all the moisture from your keyboard, combine this with the next step for the best results.
Clean It With Isopropyl Alcohol
While the keys are removed from your mechanical keyboard, it’s best to thoroughly clean your keyboard of any moisture. This is the best way to ensure your spilled water on mechanical keyboard situation is resolved.
If there’s still moisture left inside the keyboard, use isopropyl alcohol to clean it. You’ll need to disassemble the keyboard first, so it’s best to do this step while the keys are removed to save all that hard work. Apply the alcohol to a cotton swab and gently clean your keyboard, paying particular attention to the affected keys.
Doing this will clean off any moisture residue and corrosion started. This is key as the water may not have damaged the components immediately but may have started the corrosion process. This process will quickly leave your device broken, so this step is definitely worthwhile.
Consult A Professional
Suppose your keyboard still doesn’t show any signs of life after following these steps. In that case, you may need to contact a professional keyboard repair service. They will be able to diagnose the damage and replace the affected parts if necessary. This option might cost more, so if you’re on a budget it might be better to replace your beloved keyboard with a cost-effective option.
If you do need to find a replacement, we’d highly recommend picking up one of these Macally mechanical keyboards. They are incredibly reliable, high-quality, and won’t break the bank.
Protect Your Keyboard In The Future
Now that you’ve hopefully saved your device from your spilled water on mechanical keyboard situation. You’ll want to take steps to avoid a repeat spill.
Invest in a keyboard cover, which will protect your keyboard from spills, dust, and dirt. And if you’re incorporating drinks into your work sessions, consider switching to a spill-proof water bottle.
Simple steps like these could save big headaches in the future.
Conclusion:
Spilling water on a mechanical keyboard can be a stressful experience, but it’s not necessarily the end of the world. If you act quickly, dry your keyboard, and follow these helpful tips, you can get your keyboard up and running again in no time.
And by taking precautions in the future, you can reduce the likelihood of it happening again. So, don’t panic and follow these steps if you spill water on your mechanical keyboard.
