Keyboard Breakdown (Newer Dell model)

[Ticonderoga]

Did a quick search about keyboards as one of the computer techs at work just mentioned getting ready to toss a bunch of keyboards and mice into the dumpster. I was like -- hmm I bet can get some money for the cord or so. A quick search of the board showed where most people toss the new boards, others cut only the cord, very few break them down. Most of the ones broken down are older style boards if not "clicky" boards to be sold as-is. I didn't see any pictures or details on a keyboard breakdown. So I spent 3 mins or so to break a newer Dell keyboard down to see what was inside.



This keyboard resulted in:

1) USB end
2) Low grade wire - 1 oz
3) Ferrous metal plate - 7.3 oz

[wdaddy]

Well, if you're going to do all that remember to save all the mylar sheets, they can be sold in large groups for silver recovery. Also save the little circuit boards. Not sure if the will be med grade or low grade.

[ozzy214]

Personally I dont bother with unscrewing them. I wack it very hard right of the corner of my plastic 55 shred barrel. One or two whacks it is apart. Then pull 2 screws to retrieve the board and mylar sheets. As the other guy said there is silver in them sheets. There is buyers both here on the forumn as well as ebay who pm them to retrieve the silver.

[Dumpster-Dee]

Thanks for taking the time to do that. It was very nice of you to share.

[Gnraxlrose88]

Pardon my stupidity, but isnt the metal piece stainless? I have a couple now that dont stick to magnets...and yes its a powerful magnet....

[Ticonderoga]

Some types may be stainless. The one out of this dell keyboard stuck to even a weak magnet. I just took the time to unscrew everything to make the pictures cleaner.