Thinkpads Forum

My son has a R51 with the bottom left front keys that stick. Anyone have any tricks that will unstick sticky keyboard keys? I have thought about removing the keyboard and rinsing the front corner that sticks in hot water, not sure if that is safe thing to do?

Has anything been spilt on the keyboard? The word 'sticky' tends to suggest that a well-known brand of cola drink has landed there at some time.

It cannot hurt to remove the keyboard and rinse it in water, provided you keep the electrical connection isolated by covering it in cling-film, for example. De-ionised or distilled water is better than tap water as it has no mineral content.

Not sure if anything had spilt on the keyboard, bought this used for my 12 year old and never really checked every key on the board. I asked him if he spilt something on it and of course he said no but I am not sure. Thanks

killer wrote:Has anything been spilt on the keyboard? The word 'sticky' tends to suggest that a well-known brand of cola drink has landed there at some time.

It cannot hurt to remove the keyboard and rinse it in water, provided you keep the electrical connection isolated by covering it in cling-film, for example. De-ionised or distilled water is better than tap water as it has no mineral content.

Worst case, you can replace the individual key (for about $3-5.-), or the whole keyboard ($25-45.-).

killer wrote:It cannot hurt to remove the keyboard and rinse it in water, provided you keep the electrical connection isolated by covering it in cling-film, for example. De-ionised or distilled water is better than tap water as it has no mineral content.

Good advice. Electronics cleaner has worked for me (dries very quickly, no residue). I would add that you should make sure its completely dry before using (if that's not obvious).