68kMLA Classic Interface

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Duo 2300C keyboard is stiff

Posted by: AC Rempt on 2026-06-29 15:10:44 Hi. Just came into possession of a very nice PowerBook Duo 2300C. Everything seems perfect, but the keyboard is stiff as a corpse. I really need to press the keys for them to register, making typing a huge pain. My plan is to pull the keyboard and clean it with some IPA, but I just ran across a Reddit thread saying IPA is not a good idea for Duo keyboards. So should I just pull the keys and dust it/clean out grime with an eraser and some air? Or is there another method that works well for these machines? Thanks in advance for any help.

Posted by: aladds on 2026-06-30 01:50:31 I have used keyboard lubricant to slightly improve a Duo keyboard before, but honestly they aren’t great keyboards. The biggest issue is usually the metal plate underneath which warps due to uneven heat from below. I think someone developed a replacement with modern keycaps, but I’m not sure if it has ever been “released” or the designs made public.

Posted by: Byrd on 2026-06-30 02:13:42 They were never amazing keyboards and over time the rubber domes contract/harden from age making key presses less precise and firmer. Yes, you can probably improve it by pulling the keys, cleaning the domes and removing any crud underneath with light lubrication at a final touch.

Posted by: MacUp72 on 2026-07-02 02:49:01 I dont know how many people here actually have succeeded in restoring a Duo keyborad fully working. I have cleaned and retraced the copper lines on the foil underneath but no, instead repleced it with an older Duo one. I think I have to live with three keys not working on my Duo 270c.

Posted by: AC Rempt on 2026-07-09 11:02:08 Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try and clean and lube the thing, and if that doesn't work, I'm not sure what I'll do.

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