How to Replace a Laptop Keyboard Button
Frequent typing, accumulated debris and extended use can cause many keyboard keys to stick or break off completely. Desktop computer owners can simply purchase a new keyboard if their current one loses a few keys, but laptops do not provide the same option. However, you can learn how to purchase identical or similar keys to replace broken laptop keys and regain full use of your keyboard.
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Instructions
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Contact your laptop's manufacturer for your laptop model's replacement keys. Search e-commerce sites like eBay or specialty laptop keyboard stores like Laptop Key, if the manufacturer lacks replacement keys (see Resources). Type your computer's manufacturer and model number into the search field to locate the proper replacement kit. Ensure the kit you purchase includes key retainers for a secure fit (see Laptop Repair reference).
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Remove the cap from an adjacent properly functioning key by placing a small screwdriver or finger nail under one corner and pushing up. Make sure the retainer remains connected to the keyboard. Observe the retainer for the working key. Notice that the retainer connects to the keyboard at four distinct points (see References).
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Clean the area surrounding the broken key with air spray to remove any debris that may interfere with fitting the new key. Tilt the spray can at an angle 2 to 3 inches away from the keyboard and never turn the bottle upside down (see References).
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Notice that the working key's retainer connects to the keyboard at four metal hooks. Use a pen or razor to push the smaller part of the old or broken retainer toward the larger part until it pops out of the two smaller metal hooks. Grab the retainer by the free end, then pull it up and away from the larger metal hooks.
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Examine the larger plastic piece of the new key retainer. Two large sticks are at the top corners and two horizontal holes are in the middle (see References).
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Observe the smaller plastic piece of the new key retainer. Two small sticks are at the bottom corners and two horizontal sticks in the middle with a bar at the top (see References).
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Fit the smaller plastic piece's horizontal sticks into the larger plastic piece's horizontal holes to combine the pieces (see References).
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Assemble the retainer for the broken key, using the retainer for the working key as a model. Turn the smooth part of the combined piece away from the keyboard, and fit the larger sticks into the keyboard's large metal hooks (see References).
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Lay the piece flat on the keyboard. Use a pen or razor blade to stretch the key retainer toward the smaller metal hooks and click the smaller sticks securely into the smaller metal hooks (see References).
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Place the key on top of the retainer; press firmly on all four sides of the key until you hear them click (see References). The clicking sound indicates the key snapped in place securely. Repeat this process to replace the properly functioning key cap (see References).
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Tips & Warnings
Remove the key and retainer carefully from a key you rarely use, and install this key in place of the broken one if you cannot find a match for your missing key.
Compressed air contains toxic chemicals, so exercise caution during cleaning (see References).
References
Resources
- Photo Credit hand on laptop keyboard image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
