Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard - Cleaning Tips

MrMacca · 18 Feb 2009 at 13:34

After having the same keyboard for 10 years, I thought it's about time to give it a clean out.

As a precuation, I thought i'd check to see if there are any risks or any tips you guys can provide so that I don't end up breaking it.

Is the task a simple case of removing the screws and the keys are attached firmly to the board, so that i can remove the casing, clean it out and simply re-attach the casing again?

Cheers in Advance.

D D Danneh · 18 Feb 2009 at 13:59

That will be nasty after 10 years!

Anyway, you should just be able to pull the keys out quite easily. Apply a good bit of pressure, but on both sides of the key equally to avoid snapping it. If the keys are locked in, you may have to take the entire keyboard apart to get underneath.

If you undo the screws and take the casing off, you should just be left with the plastic base, the cover, a plastic middle plate (attached to the keys) and a rubber membrane underneath the middle plate. The middle plate is what will need cleaning the clean most.

I'm not sure, I haven't dissected one of these, but if it's anything like the other 'plain' microsoft keyboards, it should be a piece of cake.

MrMacca · 18 Feb 2009 at 16:19

I've hit a snag.

I can't for the life of me work out how to place the little board that is connected to the power cable so that i can put the cover back on.

I'm not sure if the board with what looks to be a sensor goes underneat the clear plastic sheet with the circuitry.

Anyone have any tips on re-seating this board which is connected to the cable, which goes into the back of my pc.

Does it go underneath, on top, in between?

If I put it underneath the see-through circuitry and apply a bit of pressure it does respond with key presses however to get it to stay there when re-applying the cover is another story.

Not completely sure if I have explained it correctly but hopefully someone can get some idea

Greenlizard0 · 18 Feb 2009 at 16:33

Oh dear, I can imagine your face right now.

*push*

"oh god.."

*push*

"****!!!"

MrMacca · 18 Feb 2009 at 16:35

It feels like I'm doing a puzzle grrr. Even now resorting to trying to find a video or picture on youtube of someone else taking apart their keyboard.