Thinkpads Forum

I haven't chased down exactly the right information about how to clean my slightly ailing x200 keyboard. I spilled some wine on it a month ago and it is clackier, clunkier, slightly slower than it was before. I reckon there was a mix of acidity and sugar that has gotten into the works of some keys. I've read some, after removing, use distilled water to clean, but I was wondering if rubbing alcohol might be more thorough and efficient. Can that damage anything or are there better alternatives?

I would not soak the keyboard in isopropyl but spot-cleaning should be okay if contact is kept to a minimum. Note that there's various concentrations of rubbing alcohol; some as low as 40% I believe. The alcohol could attack/react with any rubber, silicone or adhesive material in the keyboard. Under the keycaps are rubber domes that may be glued in place. Soaking in distilled water and a thorough drying out might be your best shot. If all else fails, replace the entire keyboard.

Thanks for that, I'll try distilled water and let it dry out. The good thing is the keyboard's safety drains worked well.