Any tips for lubricating a Lisa keyboard?

[Huxley]

Hi all,

The keyboard that came with my 'new' Lisa 2/10 has been in semi-functional condition since I bought the system. Most of the keys would respond after a couple firm presses, but it was pretty clear that the foam-and-foil discs inside had degraded. I finished the painstaking task of replacing all the discs last night, and I'm pleased to report that every keypress registers as expected. Whew!

However, there's one more usability-related issue I'd like to solve: the keys feel very 'grindy' when depressed, and not all of them want to rise back into position after being pressed. I suspect that I could perhaps improve this by using some key switch lubricant, but I've never done this before.

I should also note that the Caps Lock toggle-key will engage when pressed down, but doesn't want to disengage when pressed again unless I apply a little upwards-pressure. I can't say for sure I but I suspect/hope that some appropriate lubricant applied to this key will get it working properly...

If anyone has a tip or suggestion on the best way to lubricate the keys on this keyboard, I'd be happy to hear it!

[ried]

Before you try a lubricant, compressed air might help to clear any grit. I have an inexpensive blower from Amazon that, when combined with 99% IPA + careful paper towel cleaning, has proven a successful formula. No need to remove any of the keycaps in my case.

As for the Caps Lock key, it has a notoriously fragile mechanism inside. Be careful when exercising it as the white plastic locking bits are quite weak - and not otherwise available, AFAIK.

[TorZidan]

An ultrasonic cleaner comes to mind as the right tool for the job.
Smaller-size cleaners are quite inexpensive and can save you hours of rubbing and wiping dirt. Use cold distilled water (not IPA, as it is highly flammable), clean for a few minutes only, to prevent the water from heating up, which may start melting some plastics.
Disclaimer: have not done it on keycaps.

[compu_85]

Take all the sliders out and wash them in dish soap (after removing the pads). Also scrub the barrels, cotton swabs work OK for this.

-J

[stepleton]

You must be very careful around the caps lock key. The locking mechanism (in my keyboards anyway) has a small spring-loaded brass pin: the pin is the size of a gnat and the wire that makes up the spring is hair-thin. If you disassemble this mechanism carelessly, the pin and the spring will launch across the room somewhere, never to be seen again. Good luck!