Spilled Water on Your Mechanical Keyboard? Here is Exactly What to Do Next

Accidentally spilling water on your mechanical keyboard can be a stressful experience. The good news is, if you act quickly, you may be able to save your keyboard from water damage. In this guide, we will walk you through the exact steps to take if water gets spilled on your mechanical keyboard, so you can minimize the potential damage and get back to gaming or work as soon as possible.

The First 30 Seconds Are Critical

The first 30 seconds after water spills on your keyboard are the most critical. In this short window of time, your main goal is to disconnect the keyboard and prevent the water from seeping into the internal components, especially the PCB (printed circuit board) and switches. The sooner you react, the better chance you have of saving your keyboard.

Here’s what you need to do in the first 30 seconds:

• Stay calm and unplug the keyboard immediately. Whether it’s connected via USB or Bluetooth, disconnect it right away to stop any potential electrical damage.
• Turn the keyboard upside down to allow the water to drain out. This will help prevent it from reaching the PCB and switches.
• Do not press any keys or try to turn the keyboard on, as this could push the water deeper into the components.

The quicker you can disconnect and drain the water, the better the outcome for your keyboard.

Step 1: Disconnect Your Mechanical Keyboard Immediately

Once you’ve turned the keyboard upside down to drain the water, disconnect it from the computer or device. If it’s a hot swap keyboard, you may also want to remove the key switches (this will be covered in the next step). Disconnecting the keyboard ensures that no further electrical current flows through the device, reducing the risk of water damage to the internal components.

For wireless keyboards, remove the batteries immediately to prevent any power from running through the circuit. This is critical, as leaving power running through a water-damaged device could cause short circuits or permanent damage.

Step 2: Disassembling Your Board (Using a Switch Puller)

After disconnecting your keyboard, disassembling it is the next crucial step. Switch pullers are handy tools designed to safely remove mechanical switches from the keyboard. By doing this, you expose the PCB, allowing it to dry more efficiently.

How to disassemble your mechanical keyboard:

• Remove the keycaps: Use a keycap puller to gently remove the keycaps from each switch. This will give you access to the switches underneath.
• Remove the switches (if applicable): If you have a hot swap keyboard, use a switch puller to gently pull out each switch. This will prevent water from staying inside the switches, which can cause damage over time.
• Unscrew the keyboard casing: Most mechanical keyboards can be unscrewed to reveal the internal components. Make sure you carefully remove the screws and take off the top casing to expose the PCB.

By disassembling the keyboard, you ensure that all parts get the proper airflow to dry them out, and you prevent water from being trapped inside.

Step 3: Drying the PCB and Switches (What NOT to Do)

Now that the keyboard is disassembled, the next step is drying. However, it's crucial to be careful during this process. Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do:

What to do:

• Use a lint-free cloth to gently wipe off any excess water from the PCB, switches, and keycaps. Make sure to reach all corners and edges.
• Use compressed air to blow out any remaining moisture from the keyboard. Hold the can of air a few inches away from the components and gently blow air into the areas where water may still be trapped.
• Place the keyboard in a dry area with good ventilation. The goal is to allow natural airflow to dry the keyboard out completely.

What NOT to do:

• Avoid using a hairdryer: It’s tempting to dry the keyboard quickly, but the hot air from a hairdryer can damage the components or melt certain parts of the keyboard.
• Don’t use a towel to rub the PCB: Using a towel or cloth aggressively to dry the keyboard may push moisture deeper into the components.

Give the keyboard at least 24-48 hours to dry out fully before moving on to testing it. The longer you wait, the better the chance that the keyboard will dry completely.

Step 4: Testing Your Hot Swap Keyboard After 48 Hours

After waiting 48 hours for the keyboard to dry, it’s time to test whether the water damage was successfully prevented. For a hot swap keyboard, you can now reinsert the switches that were removed in Step 2.

How to test:

• Plug the keyboard back in and see if it powers on.
• Test each key to make sure it works correctly. If any keys are unresponsive or feel sticky, it could be a sign that the switch or PCB has suffered damage.
• Check for any unusual behavior. If you notice keys randomly pressing or flickering lights, this might indicate residual water damage or electrical issues.

If everything works as expected, your keyboard has likely survived the water spill! However, if there are any issues, it may require more intensive repair or replacement.

Final Thoughts on Saving Your Water-Damaged Mechanical Keyboard

Accidentally spilling water on your mechanical keyboard is certainly nerve-wracking, but acting fast can save your keyboard from permanent damage. By following the steps outlined in this guide—disconnecting the keyboard immediately, disassembling it carefully, drying it properly, and testing after 48 hours—you can maximize the chances of restoring your keyboard to working condition.

Always remember, the faster you act, the better your chances of avoiding water damage. And if your keyboard does not recover, you may need to consider professional repair or replacement.

FAQ

Can I still use my mechanical keyboard if only a little water spilled on it?

If only a small amount of water spilled on your keyboard, follow the steps in this guide. Act quickly, disconnect the keyboard, and dry it thoroughly. If it functions properly after drying, there should be no problem.

How long should I wait before testing my keyboard after water exposure?

You should wait at least 48 hours to allow the keyboard to dry completely. The longer you wait, the better your chances of avoiding water damage to the internal components.

Can a switch puller damage my keyboard?

If used correctly, a switch puller will not damage your keyboard. However, using excessive force can cause damage, so always be gentle and ensure you are using the tool properly.

Should I disassemble my keyboard if it has a non-removable backplate?

If your keyboard has a non-removable backplate, you can still try to dry the exposed parts carefully using a cloth or compressed air. However, disassembling a keyboard with a fixed backplate may not be possible, and you may need professional help to repair any internal damage.

How can I prevent future water damage to my mechanical keyboard?

To prevent future accidents, consider using a gaming chair cover or keyboard cover to protect your mechanical keyboard. Additionally, keeping beverages away from your desk or using a spill-proof mat can help reduce the risk of spills.