Gross but practical question: how do you keep your external keyboard / mouse clean? 

I've tried isopropyl wipes and it doesn't seem that effective.

I have the same keyboard at work and at home but the one at home feels 100x nicer since I use it so much less.

Is it a lost cause?

Keyboards are like leather shoes they need to be worn in. 

Over time the hair, skin flakes and food crumbs give your keys a nice soft response curve. 

Cleaning just destroys all the natural oils, and I don’t recommend it.

Technowatermelon. Elder Millenial. Building Farcaster. 

nf.td/varun

Keyboards, like leather shoes, need to be broken in for optimal performance. Natural oils and debris can improve key response. Cleaning may strip these benefits