Grubby white keyboard?

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Level 1

8 points

Grubby white keyboard?

Hi, We recently upgraded from PC to iMac x 2 plus MacBook Air x 1, and have noted a key 😉 difference between the desktops and the notebook - the desktop keyboards (we bought two wired keyboards with numeric keypads) have white keys, while the notebook has black keys. So? Well, after a limited period of use, the white keys have become very grubby, and we are unsure what to use/how to clean them. Has Apple ever considered using black keys on the desktop keyboards? It would make a lot of (perhaps only cosmetic) sense. Alternatively, is there a recommended third party keyboard product to solve this issue? Thanks, Geoff

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on Sep 4, 2012 2:11 AM

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Answer 1

tanya3300

Level 2

270 points

Sep 4, 2012 2:41 AM in response to GeoffBob

I also have the wired keyboard. The instruction book that came with my iMac doesn't give any information as to how to clean the keyboard. In fact, there's an on-line tutorial for the keyboard and it, too, doesn't say anything about cleaning it. I suspect that you don't want to get any moisture inside the keyboard, between the keys. Beyond that, I don't know. I haven't "cleaned" mine in the 3+ years I've had it.

Maybe someone else has an answer.

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Answer 2

Sep 4, 2012 3:08 AM in response to GeoffBob

You may like to take a look at these two links: http://www.ehow.com/video_2026_clean-computer-keyboard.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/249212/how_to_clean_your_keyboard.html

Sadly they are not for Mac but I guess the same would apply.

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Answer 3

Sep 4, 2012 3:30 AM in response to GeoffBob

I have found that by unplugging the wired keyboard and gently using a small amount of 99% Isopropyl alcohol on the tip of a cloth takes the fingerprints right off the keys. And Isopropyl alcohol is non-conductive electrically and evaporates rapidly. You can get this liquid at any pharmacy and its cheap.

Hope this helps 🙂

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Answer 4

seventy one

Level 7

27,460 points

Sep 4, 2012 3:36 AM in response to GeoffBob

If I can add to Radiation Mac's tip, instead of the corner of a cloth, raid the wife's part of the bathroom cabinet and pinch a few cotton buds.

On their bendy stalks, they are far more controllable. and let you direct pressure where the key is grubbiest.

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Answer 5

GeoffBob Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 4, 2012 4:48 AM in response to seventy one

Hi Guys, and thanks for your input. I bounced off Bodycalming's links, and found

http://www.ehow.com/how_2183760_clean-mac-keyboard.html

Now all I need is some courage to face the task! Another thought - if I am going to remove all 109 keys, can I get replacements in black??

Thanks again from the UK!!

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Answer 6

b j t

Level 4

3,698 points

Sep 4, 2012 5:05 AM in response to GeoffBob

GeoffBob wrote:

if I am going to remove all 109 keys, can I get replacements in black??

Thanks again from the UK!!

😮It might be easier / less frustrating / less time consuming to just buy a new keyboard😮

The Apple keyboards only come in white though, so you would need to look at a 3rd party keyboard.

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