Tristris389

Q: good ways to clean ibook G4 Keyboard

what is the best way to clean a ibook G4 keyboard?

iMac G4, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 2003 Model

Posted on Apr 19, 2016 7:42 AM

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Q: good ways to clean ibook G4 Keyboard

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  • by Tristris389,

    Tristris389 Tristris389 Apr 19, 2016 7:44 AM in response to Tristris389
    Level 1 (21 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 19, 2016 7:44 AM in response to Tristris389

    where it says iMac it should be iBook and its a 2004 model

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Apr 20, 2016 1:05 PM in response to Tristris389
    Level 6 (14,244 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 20, 2016 1:05 PM in response to Tristris389

    There are a few ways to try and clean a portable Apple computer keyboard...

    Cleaning debris from round or under the keys, in itself, can take alot of time.

    Surface cleaning can be OK if liquid is not used or allowed to go inside; dry

    methods include using the dry eraser such as suggested in this video

    Cleaning White Apple Keyboards - YouTube

     

    While I've used a slightly damp cloth and avoid contents that may rub letters

    off the surface of the keys. You may be able to buy replacement key faces and

    springs from some of the online vendors, I've noticed some; but didn't need any.

     

    Be sure if you decide to take the key faces off to clean mechanisms underneath

    that you keep track of where all the parts were from. I see images and stories of

    how terrible a time someone had trying to discover where the parts should go

    when time came to reassemble all those key faces and springy bits again.

     

    Replace key-caps on various Apple portable computers:

    http://www.powerbookmedic.com/manual.php?id=28

     

    Do not remove all of them at once. Sometimes to clean single worst examples

    works OK. To use dry methods if the keys are affixed to the keyboard, is good

    since liquid can damage the circuitry under those keys. Only the plastic tops &

    plastic springs (or stainless bits, where they exist) that come off, are washable.

    And should be completely dry before reassembly.

     

    Since the earlier white G3 dualUSB iBook and later white G4 iBook look a

    bit alike, note they do use slightly different parts inside each of the keys.

    Online pictures may show different models, so be wary of their examples.

     

    quick cleaning of iBook keyboard:

    http://www.sterpin.net/uk/cleaningibookkeyboarduk.htm

     

    This page shows images and how to take key faces & mechanisms apart:

    http://mij.oltrelinux.com/ibook/cleaning_keyboard/

     

    An example of how to remove the entire keyboard (from 14-inch iBook G4)

    https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iBook+G4+14-Inch+1.42+GHz+Keyboard+Replacement/721

     

    On another different path, here's an article showing where all the lettering on keys

    was intentionally removed; worth a look, if not just to wonder why...

    http://lowendmac.com/2011/how-to-remove-the-markings-from-your-powerbook-or-iboo k-keyboard/

     

    A company powerbookmedic among others had key faces and the springy plastic

    bits that wear out or can be damaged while trying to clean & reassemble, for sale.

     

    And it is always handy to have working spares, Apple USB keyboard and mouse

    on hand for use with portable and desktop Apple computers; for troubleshooting

    and for backup in case of some odd failure to the main or original keyboard.

     

    Since you did not specify external or internal cleaning, perhaps a mostly dry

    wet-wipe (for hand cleaning) could work on surfaces. In between keys, there

    are several ways, for simple dusting, to use a clean spare toothbrush or small

    bristle brush that may be found among some cosmetics. The kind of bad stuff

    to remove, would be anything that was damp going in and sets up once inside.

     

    In any event...

    Good luck & happy computing!