How do I clean a compact USB keyboard?

[ark]

I have a Thinkpad external compact USB keyboard, part 41A5091, that has accumulated a fair amount of cat hair in the mechanism. I would like to open it up to clean it out, if it is possible to do so safely.

Anyone have any suggestions as to which of the many screws on the bottom to remove and which ones to leave alone?

[davidspalding]

I bought my sweetie's cat a anti-shedding comb for Xmas, and Gizmo (the cat) absolutely loves being groomed with it. It's better than the brush she was using.

Okay, joking aside, some patience and a few cans of compress air will help. I once had to empty a can out blowing dog hair out of a T41 keyboard that I inherited from a predecessor at work. Also, look at Target for Vroom auto (interior) detailing brushes, to get in between the keys.

[ark]

I bought my sweetie's cat a anti-shedding comb for Xmas, and Gizmo (the cat) absolutely loves being groomed with it. It's better than the brush she was using.

We have three cats, and the hair has built up over several years. And, of course, right now is prime shedding season.

Okay, joking aside, some patience and a few cans of compress air will help. I once had to empty a can out blowing dog hair out of a T41 keyboard that I inherited from a predecessor at work. Also, look at Target for Vroom auto (interior) detailing brushes, to get in between the keys.

I have been able to improve things dramatically with a vacuum cleaner.

Implicitly, I take it that you don't recommend taking the keyboard apart. I do open up our computers every couple of years to remove the cat hair, dust, and other grunk from the filters and heatsinks inside the cabinets.

[davidspalding]

I do open up things every few years ... I wouldnt' discourage you from opening the keyboard. But I've opened some kybds before and found that I really couldn't service it much.

Opening up a Thinkpad and blowing it out can do wonders ... my T43, and a 3 year old X32 I just bought, are much quieter after a good blasting from canned air.

[GomJabbar]

I have been able to improve things dramatically with a vacuum cleaner.

I would be careful with that method!

vacuum the hell outta my keyboard!

[ark]

I used the attachment with the little oval brush on the end. I'm more concerned with propelling pieces of grunk into the electronics if I blow compressed air into it.