Your keyboard is the mainstay of your device, but over time, you may notice that the letters on the keycaps are gradually wearing out. This color fading phenomenon, known as “keycap legends” wear, is not only annoying but also makes your expensive custom keyboard look old and worn out.
The good news is that color fading of keycaps can largely be prevented. By understanding the reasons and developing several good habits, you can keep your keyboard as clear as new for many years to come. Now let’s delve into five professional tips to prevent keycaps from fading.
Why Do Keycaps Fade?
It will be very helpful to understand the reasons before we discuss the solutions. Keycap color fading is mainly caused by the following reasons:
Friction: Continuous friction of fingers can wear down printed or laser-etched characters.
Oils and sweat: The natural oils and acidic substances secreted by the skin will gradually break down the coating and plastic of the keycaps.
Ultraviolet radiation: Direct sunlight can cause plastic degradation and color fading.
Irritating chemicals: Using the wrong cleaning products can directly peel off the protective coating on the keycaps.
5 Tips to Prevent Your Keycaps from Fading
- Start with Washing Your Hands
This is the simplest and most effective habit you can develop. The grease, dirt and tiny particles on fingers are like sandpaper, accelerating the wear of the keycap surface.
Professional advice: Develop the habit of washing and drying your hands before sitting down to type or play games. This not only protects your keycaps but also makes the entire keyboard cleaner and more hygienic.
- Develop the Habit of Gentle and Regular Cleaning
A clean keyboard can last for a long time. Accumulated dirt and debris will increase friction and be abrasive.
How to Clean Correctly
Turn off the power: Be sure to unplug the keyboard connection before cleaning.
Use a key puller: Gently remove the keycaps for a deep cleaning.
Use a mild detergent: Soak the keycaps in a mixture of warm water and a drop of mild dishwashing liquid. Avoid using irritating chemicals, alcohol or abrasive cleaners.
Use a soft-bristled brush: Use a soft-bristled brush (such as a clean brush or makeup brush) to remove dust from the keyboard base and keycaps themselves.
Thoroughly dry: Allow the keycaps to air dry completely before reinstalling.
- Understand the Material of Your Keycaps (Upgrade if Necessary)
Not all keycaps are the same. Most original keyboards are made of ABS plastic and come with thin printed characters. ABS material is prone to becoming shiny and the characters will wear out quickly.
It can be considered to upgrade to PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is a more advanced material with much stronger wear resistance. PBT keycaps are renowned for their texture and oil resistance, and their characters are almost impossible to fade because the characters are injection-molded into independent plastic parts within the keycaps.
- Pay Attention to the Usage Environment: Avoid Sunlight and Moisture
The placement of the keyboard is very important.
Avoid direct sunlight: Just like furniture, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause the color of keycaps to fade and the plastic to become brittle. Place your desktop device in a place away from direct sunlight.
Control humidity: A very humid environment can promote mold growth and may affect certain coatings. A stable and dry environment is the most ideal.
- Consider Using Keyboard Protectors
For keyboards used in harsh or dirty environments such as workshops, laboratories or kitchens, a transparent silicone keyboard protective film can provide significant protection. It can form a physical barrier between dust, spilled liquids and direct finger contact.
Feel Explanation: Although it has strong protective properties, many enthusiasts do not like to use protective films because it will change the feel and sound of typing. This is a trade-off between ultimate protection and user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a keycap that has faded be repaired?
A: “Repairing” worn legends is extremely difficult. Your best choice is to replace individual keycaps or the entire set of keycaps. This is an important reason to keep the keyboard clean from the very beginning!
Q: Are there any products that can be applied to keycaps for protection?
A: It is generally not recommended to apply additional coatings. The best protection is to choose durable keycaps (such as PBT) and maintain good cleaning habits. Applying an unknown coating may damage the plastic or cause a sticky and uncomfortable feel.
Q: How often should I clean my keyboard?
A: For simple dust cleaning, once a week is sufficient. For deep cleaning (removing the keycaps), it is recommended to do it every 3 to 6 months, depending on the frequency of use.
Conclusion
Preventing keycaps from fading does not rely on any magical tricks, but rather requires the combination of smart and persistent habits. By keeping your hands clean, gently cleaning the keyboard regularly, choosing durable PBT custom keycaps, avoiding direct sunlight, and considering the use of protective film in harsh environments, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your keyboard and maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Your keyboard is an investment. Take good care of it, and it will maintain its best appearance and performance in countless knocks in the future.
