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Laptop key broken

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by Stu--, Mar 26, 2009.

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  1. #1
    The "b" key on my laptop started playing up, so I took it apart and cleaned it. Now it's even worse. I actually broke off the metal hooks that hold the mechanism in place, this is part of the PCB i believe.

    However, now the key is harder to press than ever. I have to really push hard on the rubber thing to get a "b". It's getting less sensitive by the day.

    It's incredible how inconvenient it is to lose just this one key. If it stops working altogether, I'm screwed!

    I don't have a lot of money so cant really afford to send it in for repair.

    Any ideas?
     
    Stu--, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  2. dynashox

    dynashox Premium Member Staff

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    #2
    Use virtual keyboard. :D

    Seriously, if you don't have money to repair it, you can use a desktop keyboard with your notebook.

    - Dynashox -
     
    dynashox, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  3. Kerosene

    Kerosene Alpha & Omega™ Staff

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    #3
    Take it all apart again, and clean the springy rubber connection between the key and the pressure sensitive membrane under it. You've probably got hair, food, booze, and all sorts of other slimy ooze in there.

    If you need a replacement, laptop keyboards are surprisingly cheap to buy, and most of them attach to the motherboard with a simple ribbon cable - takes about 10 minutes to switch 'em over :)

    If you get really desperate, you can remap your B key to another key using something like AutoHotkey or KeyTweak.
     
    Kerosene, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  4. hbl

    hbl Well-Known Member

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    #4
    all you have to do is shut down the computer and get the key that broke off and press hard to get it locked it in place.
     
    hbl, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  5. aloksharma

    aloksharma Well-Known Member

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    #5
    If the above suggestions do not work, better way is to show it to a local computer dealer who specialises in laptops. May be he can fix it for cheap.
     
    aloksharma, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  6. GeeOne

    GeeOne Well-Known Member

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    #6
    In my view first try to find out the repairing cost.
    Then can decide affordable or not?
    Good luck :)
     
    GeeOne, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  7. Stu--

    Stu-- Active Member

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    #7
    Thanks for the great tips, especially Kerosene.
     
    Stu--, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  8. shintocool

    shintocool Banned

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    #8
    Is your laptop still under warranty? If it is you can send for repair at no charge.
     
    shintocool, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  9. Stu--

    Stu-- Active Member

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    #9
    No it's well out of warranty.

    The replacement keyboard looks like the best option. I'll reroute the key until then though.
     
    Stu--, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  10. teenwolf41

    teenwolf41 Peon

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    #10
    Buy a desktop keyboard for your laptop. Thats what I've had to do.
     
    teenwolf41, Mar 26, 2009 IP
  11. igotrealestate

    igotrealestate Member

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    #11
    I would have to agree. Use virtual keyboard.
     
    igotrealestate, Mar 27, 2009 IP
  12. aloksharma

    aloksharma Well-Known Member

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    #12
    I have a Logitech keyboard and its left Ctrl key was not working properly. I replaced it with a different keyboard but its keys where very hard and I started having problems with my palm.

    Y'day, I disassembled the Logitech keyboard, washed the round shaped rubber pads with silicon contacts with a detergent, also cleaned the flexible PCB & the actual keyboard and then dried it with vacuum cleaner.

    And my keyboard is now as smooth as earlier.
     
    aloksharma, Mar 27, 2009 IP