Washable Keyboard

July 13, 2012

Posted By:  Dave_S

1 Vote

Status: Acknowledged

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Desktop keyboards become very dirty and oily in just a short time.  Keyboards have inaccessable spaces and many crevices that can't be wiped down easily.  Dirty keyboards can be unpleasant for the user and look unprofessional for visitors.  A keyboard that could be run through a dishwasher would be fantastic.  If the circuit board could be removed (like ejecting an SD card), then the entire casing could be washed safely.  Or if the top surface with the keys could be removed from the base, that is all that really needs to be cleaned.

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  • Jul 17, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    Thank you for the additional information Dave_S.
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  • Jul 17, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Dave_S

    Yes, unlocking and removing the top half of the keyboard was what I was describing.  The junction between the electronics and the keyboard could be a membrane that the keys press on/through so it remained sealed with the top/keys removed.  Perhaps the circuit board could be coated with something (similar to shellack) so that the detergents and water wouldn't matter.  Coatings on the keys to keep them clean would help with oil, but not crumbs or cat hair.

    There are probably a 100 ways to design a cleanable keyboard.  I was just trying to prime the pump with a couple of suggestions.  I really don't care how it was done.  I just hate how nasty keyboards get.  (Mice are easier to wipe down periodically.)  I'm not crazy about the plastic covers that can be put over keyboards.

    The ultimate keyboard might be a virtual one or a touch screen that can be wiped off like a smart phone.  (I just don't know how to make those to be tactile.)

    I suspect this would be a popular feature with many people.
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  • Jul 16, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: Autobot

    I think it would be a better Idea to design keyboards that dont get dirty so easily.
    A chiclet keyboard similar to the ones on Macs where foodcrumps can't get under/inside the keys is already half way there.
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  • Jul 14, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By:
    sugarbear

    I wash my desktop keyboard in the dishwasher every 2-3 months on the top rack. I take it out before the dry cycle because in some dishwashers it can get to hot. I turn it upside down on a towel for a day to dry and plug it in and use it again. I`ve been doing it with this keyboard since 2006.

    The keys will pop off your keyboard, but can be hard to get back on.
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  • Jul 13, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By:
    pudgyone

    The water pressure in the dishwasher would be so great that the keys would come off.
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  • Jul 13, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    Thanks for the idea Dave_S.  So you are thinking that with the flip of a lock the customer could remove the electronics and cord as a single unit and then wash the case?  What are your thoughts on protecting these peices once removed from the case?