I spilled some grape juice (about two table spoons worth or so) over my Model M about a week ago.

I immediately cleaned it up as best as I could, couldn’t take it apart right away because I didn’t have the correct tool. I didn’t think much of it, honestly, because of how hardy the keyboard had been up to that point, and plugged it back in. The keystrokes were all over the place and some didn’t register at all.

Anyway, today I took it apart, cleaned it more thoroughly after being away from home for a while and it seems to work fine now apart from the “7” key (non numlock) not registering at all and the space bar registering twice in one press occasionally.

I’m pretty sure there’s some residue on the membrane messing with the input. How can I clear that without having to break all the rivets and doing a bolt/screw mod afterwards?

Reseating the ribbon cables didn’t help.

Edit: It works perfectly now, I basically cleaned it as best as I could with 99% isopropyl and then left it to dry.

Allowing it to dry is the crucial part here. I’ve posted a picture of the now working keyboard on here if you’re interested.

  • Moghul@lemmy.world
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    2 years ago

    It’s never a good feeling, my condolences. Are you gonna go for something newer or just get another oldie?

    • FireWire400@lemmy.worldOP
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      2 years ago

      I’m not willing to give up yet but if all fails I’d love to get an earlier Model M with a detachable SDL cable but they’re super expensive over here.

      • Moghul@lemmy.world
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        2 years ago

        I don’t know where you live but I’m always jealous when some americans say they found something at a thrift store or recycling center or yard sale. Those are very rare in my corner of europe.

        • FireWire400@lemmy.worldOP
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          2 years ago

          I’ve heard of people pulling Model Ms out of the trash, even here in Germany…

          There are a few thrift stores in my area but I’ve never seen anything interesting other than a few old radios.