How to clean the internals of a mechanical switch without desoldering and dissasembling it?

[Newblesse Obblige]

My RK61's Spacebar switch doesn't register sometimes. I read one forum thread and some videos that quick cleaning(or deep cleaning)will do the trick suggested: 

1. using alcohol and water solution and drop it into the switch
2. use compressed air/canned air and blow it up
3. use contact cleaner.
4. an air blower(the one used in cameras) or small air pump 

which solution will do the job?

how do really clean it?

Edited June 29, 2020 by 5GigaaHertz

[00RaZoR11]

On 6/29/2020 at 6:05 AM, 5GigaaHertz said:

My RK61's Spacebar switch doesn't register sometimes. I read one forum thread and some videos that quick cleaning(or deep cleaning)will do the trick suggested: 

1. using alcohol and water solution and drop it into the switch
2. use compressed air/canned air and blow it up
3. use contact cleaner.
4. an air blower(the one used in cameras) or small air pump 

which solution will do the job?

how do really clean it?

contact cleaner sounds good, then dry it out with compressed air or something. Just be careful with a compressor, I'm afraid a very high pressure blow might bend  the contacts (if it's anything like a cherry switch).

Desoldering isn't that difficult imo. Watch some videos from louis rossmann and learn from him how to solder (if the cleaning doesnt work). You would need
-screwdriver
-soldering iron
-wick

-flux

-solder

-zip ties or small flathead screwdrivers (to disassemble the switch)

even the cheapest stuff would be fine, don't overthink it.

[Newblesse Obblige]

10 hours ago, 00RaZoR11 said:

contact cleaner sounds good, then dry it out with compressed air or something. Just be careful with a compressor, I'm afraid a very high pressure blow might bend  the contacts (if it's anything like a cherry switch).

Desoldering isn't that difficult imo. Watch some videos from louis rossmann and learn from him how to solder (if the cleaning doesnt work). You would need
-screwdriver
-soldering iron
-wick

-flux

-solder

-zip ties or small flathead screwdrivers (to disassemble the switch)

even the cheapest stuff would be fine, don't overthink it.

its because cant do it flawlessly and properly and I dont have the tools to do so

[00RaZoR11]

14 hours ago, 5GigaaHertz said:

its because cant do it flawlessly and properly and I dont have the tools to do so

if the washing/blowing don't work you could try a few computer stores or laptop repair stores if they have somebody who'd be willing to do it for a few bucks. Especially if you don't have any other options

[Newblesse Obblige]

5 hours ago, 00RaZoR11 said:

if the washing/blowing don't work you could try a few computer stores or laptop repair stores if they have somebody who'd be willing to do it for a few bucks. Especially if you don't have any other options

using alcohol and water solution 70% IPA and drop it into the switch seems to work. but I consider your suggestion if the problem still persist.

[00RaZoR11]

16 hours ago, 5GigaaHertz said:

using alcohol and water solution 70% IPA and drop it into the switch seems to work. but I consider your suggestion if the problem still persist.

good luck, i'm glad you found a solution