Keyboard restoration

For experts to discuss very technical stuff and newbies to ask why the Spectrum they bought off ebay doesn't work.
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Morkin
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Keyboard restoration

Post by Morkin »

I've got a couple of completely free days this bank holiday (woohoo!), so I thought I'd take a few snaps of some of my Speccy stuff.

In particular I thought I'd take some Saga keyboard pics, as pics of these bits of hardware seem to be a bit scarce (with the exception of the Saga Emperor).

Pics seem OK just taken with my phone, but after zooming in they look filthy..! :lol:

Any suggestions for cleaning them up a bit without causing damage? It's mainly the keyboard case, the keys are generally fine, but I suppose might as well try to do everything.
My Speccy site: thirdharmoniser.com
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1024MAK
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Location: Sunny Somerset in the U.K. in Europe

Re: Keyboard restoration

Post by 1024MAK »

I’m told by others, baby wipes! Not tried this myself...

I normally use a cloth washed and then ringed out, but left damp with warm soapy water (washing up liquid). For stubborn stains, use a nail brush with some neat washing up liquid, then use the cloth again.

If washing up liquid won’t shift the dirt, you can try the types of solvent cleaners designed for use on electronics, but test a hidden bit inside the case first to check that it’s safe for use on that type of plastic. Note only recommended for use on ABS plastic (which is what the good quality plastic cases are made of).

If the keys come off without damaging them, bung them in a bowl of warm soapy water (yes, washing up liquid again). Again use a cloth. Or if the markings are made using the dual injection moulded plastic method (that is, they won’t wear off), you can use nail brush.

Mark
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Morkin
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Joined: Mon Nov 13, 2017 8:50 am
Location: Bristol, UK

Re: Keyboard restoration

Post by Morkin »

Ah cool - that's handy, I actually have washing up liquid in the house..!

Wasn't sure whether to use that or something a bit more specialist...
My Speccy site: thirdharmoniser.com
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