got his used low-profile keyboard with cherry mx red switches. apart from one broken key, everything works but - the thing reeks of ciggs. I’ve washed the keycaps and the case, but as you can see, the switches are caked with the gunk. any advice on what to do, clean (how?) or abandon, as replacing the keys is out of the question. thanks!
If it were me, I’d probably replace the switches if that’s an option. Isopropyl bath could work, but I doubt you’ll be able to fully remove the tar. It’s like that dust mixed with grease that kitchens sometimes get.
holup… “bath”? like, submerge the whole keyboard? or just wet it and scrub, with brushes and such?
I’d try a bath as a last resort. You’d need the highest concentration isopropyl alcohol you could find, like 90%+. I’d also recommend removing any plastic parts and disassemble the metal backing. If things are soldered or glued together, I might not chance it, as moisture could stay trapped inside.