Mechanical keyboards are popular for their durability, customizability, and satisfying tactile feel. However, like most electronics, they can sustain water damage if exposed to liquids. In this article, we’ll look at how water can damage mechanical keyboards, steps you can take to mitigate damage, and whether water damage is repairable.
How does water damage mechanical keyboards?
There are a few ways that water exposure can damage a mechanical keyboard:
- Short circuiting: Water can cause short circuits on the keyboard’s internal circuit board and wiring. This can lead to key presses not registering, erratic behavior, or complete keyboard failure.
- Corrosion: The metal contact pins under each keycap can corrode when exposed to water. This affects the ability to register key presses.
- Interference with mechanical switches: Many mechanical keyboards use Cherry MX style switches under each key. These have small exposed openings that allow water to seep into the switch housing. This can interfere with the switch’s spring and contacts.
- Damage to internal components: The circuit board, diodes, microcontrollers, and other internal components can short out or corrode when exposed to water.
In general, the more water the keyboard is exposed to and the longer it remains wet, the more potential for damage. Even small amounts of water can cause issues if allowed to bridge circuit paths.
What factors influence water damage susceptibility?
Not all mechanical keyboards are equally susceptible to water damage. Some of the factors that influence how easily water can damage a particular model include:
- Keyboard case design: How enclosed the internal components are and whether the case has drain holes influences internal moisture buildup.
- Switch type: Some switches, like Cherry MX style, have openings for water intrusion. Others, like Topre electrostatic capacitive switches, are fully enclosed and more water resistant.
- Mounting style: Keyboards with the switches fully exposed above the circuit board (like hot-swap keyboards) are more vulnerable than models with the switches fitted into the case.
- Coating: Some manufacturers apply hydrophobic coatings or sealants to the circuit boards and internal components to repel water.
- Cable port positioning: Having cable ports on the top surface where spills can access them raises water damage risk compared to rear/side ports.
Higher-end gaming and enthusiast keyboards tend to have more water resistance features than budget keyboards. However, no mechanical keyboard is fully waterproof.
What should I do if my keyboard gets wet?
If your mechanical keyboard gets exposed to liquid, take these steps immediately:
- Unplug it: Unplug the keyboard from your computer and any power sources to prevent electrical issues or damage from occurring while wet.
- Drain the water: If possible, hold the keyboard at an angle or shake it gently to drain excess water through openings in the case.
- Dry it off: Use a dry towel or cloth to wipe away any standing liquid on the keyboard’s surface. Be gentle and don’t scrub.
- Leave it to dry: Allow the keyboard to air dry completely before attempting to use it, at least 24 hours. The longer you leave it, the more moisture can evaporate.
- Test it: After drying, reconnect the keyboard and test it to see if it is fully functional before regular use.
Avoid applying heat, blowing air into it, or using chemicals like rubbing alcohol to dry the keyboard, as this can push water deeper into components.
Can rice help dry out my wet keyboard?
Placing a wet electronic device in uncooked rice is a popular emergency drying technique. However, there are some important caveats with using rice to dry a mechanical keyboard:
- Rice can only absorb surface moisture – it does not dissolve or penetrate inside the keyboard.
- Rice particles can get lodged in openings and ports, causing more problems.
- The keyboard still needs to be left powered off and allowed time to fully dry out internally.
- Rice does not actively speed up internal drying or evaporation.
At best, rice can help wick moisture from external case surfaces. But air drying is typically just as effective. The most important steps are powering off the keyboard right away and allowing sufficient passive drying time.
Should I take apart my keyboard after water damage?
Taking apart a mechanical keyboard that got wet is not generally recommended, for a few reasons:
- You will likely void any manufacturer warranty by opening up the case.
- Complicated disassembly can risk damaging components if not done properly.
- Opening the case does not speed up internal drying time.
- Exposed internal components can collect moisture and be damaged when plugged in.
In most cases, leaving the keyboard sealed and allowing it to passively dry over 1-2 days is safer. Only attempt to open up and dry individual components if the keyboard remains completely non-functional after thorough drying.
Can spilled liquids other than water damage keyboards?
Yes, other spilled drinks and liquids can also damage mechanical keyboards, including:
- Coffee, tea, juice, soda: Sugary and acidic liquids can corrode contact points and circuitry.
- Alcohol: Can short circuit and damage components due to low resistivity.
- Oils and grease: Cause buildup on contacts and attract contaminants.
- Lotions and soaps: Contain ingredients that can eat away plastic and coat electronics.
- Bleach, cleaners: Corrode and degrade metal components and circuit board laminates.
The steps for handling a spill are the same – power off, drain, and dry thoroughly before reconnecting. But the keyboard may need more thorough cleaning or repair after exposure to some liquids.
Can a mechanical keyboard be repaired after water damage?
It is sometimes possible to repair a water-damaged mechanical keyboard, depending on factors like:
- How quickly it was unplugged and dried out
- If corrosion is visible
- Which components were exposed
- The repair technician’s skills and access to replacement parts
Potential repairs include:
- Cleaning or replacing corroded electrical contacts
- Reflowing solder joints
- Replacing shorted out diodes or microcontrollers
- Fixing damaged switch housings
- Repairing or replacing a damaged circuit board
However, extensive liquid damage often necessitates replacing the entire keyboard. Component-level repairs require expertise and special tools. Contact the manufacturer or a skilled electronics repair shop to evaluate water damage repair options.
How can I help prevent water damage to my keyboard?
You can take some proactive measures to help minimize the risk of liquids damaging your mechanical keyboard:
- Keep drinks away from the keyboard when possible
- Use a waterproof keyboard cover or case
- Choose a keyboard with drain holes, sealing, and other water resistance features
- Position keyboard ports/openings away from table edges
- Clean up spills immediately with an absorbent cloth
- Consider a spill-resistant desk mat under the keyboard
- Unplug the keyboard when not in use for long periods
- Store or transport keyboard in a protective case
While no keyboard is fully waterproof, being cautious with food and drinks around it can go a long way towards prevention. Some damage resistance features also provide peace of mind.
Can I use a mechanical keyboard after drying from water damage?
After thoroughly drying a water damaged keyboard for at least 24-48 hours, you can attempt to use it again. But first check for any signs of permanent damage:
- Test all keys to make sure they register properly
- Check for strange behaviors like repeated or stuck keys
- Look for visible corrosion on metal components
- Note any odd smells from shorts or burning
- Try it on a test computer before your main system
Ideally, the keyboard will function normally once completely dry. But if you observe any odd behavior, it likely sustained permanent damage and should no longer be used. Stop using it if issues emerge later on.
Do keyboard warranties cover water damage?
Unfortunately, most manufacturer warranties do not cover water damage to keyboards. Standard warranties are designed to cover defects in manufacturing, materials, and workmanship only. Damage from user actions like spills typically voids the warranty.
However, some brands offer optional extended “accident protection” warranties for an added fee. These may include coverage for water damage events. If liquid resistance is important to you, look for keyboards that advertise this additional protection.
Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may also cover water damage to electronics with the appropriate riders and deductibles. But individual keyboards may fall below claim value thresholds.
Will rubbing alcohol or disinfecting damage my keyboard?
Using rubbing alcohol or disinfectants can damage mechanical keyboards if used improperly. The risks include:
- Liquid seeping under keycaps into switches
- Corrosion of electrical contacts
- Degradation of rubber O-rings or dampeners
- Coating or clouding of clear switch housings
However, gently wiping down external plastic surfaces with a mildly diluted alcohol solution on a cloth is unlikely to cause harm. Here are some best practices:
- Unplug the keyboard before cleaning
- Dampen cloth with solution rather than spraying directly
- Avoid excess liquid and scrubbing force
- Use highest % isopropyl alcohol possible
- Dry immediately with a clean cloth
- Let keyboard fully air dry before reconnecting
With a careful approach, rubbing alcohol can disinfect a keyboard without damaging it. Harsh disinfectants like bleach should always be avoided.
Can I use my keyboard outdoors or in the rain?
Using a standard mechanical keyboard outdoors or in wet environments like rain is not recommended. The water exposure risks include:
- Precipitation pooling in openings
- Short circuits from water bridging contacts
- Corrosion over time from humidity
- Interference with switch mechanisms
- Mold or algae growth inside the case
Most keyboards only have basic splash resistance at best. Frequent or sustained moisture while powered on greatly raises failure likelihood.
For outdoor use, look for mechanical keyboards advertised as waterproof or water-resistant, with sealed cases and components. These are engineered to withstand wet conditions. Using any standard keyboard outside risks irreversible water damage over time.
Conclusion
Water and mechanical keyboards generally do not mix well. Liquid spills can lead to short circuits, corrosion, and functionality issues. Quickly unplugging, draining, and drying out a wet keyboard offers the best chance of saving it. Extensive water damage often requires component replacements or a new keyboard.
Carefully using isopropyl alcohol can disinfect without harming keyboards. But moisture protection remains imperfect even on premium models. Your best defense is prevention – caution with liquids around any uncovered device. Consider moisture-sealed keyboards for wet or outdoor use.