Omar Khalid
If your plastic keyboard keys are broken, you may be able to fix them without having to buy a new keyboard. The first step is to identify the issue. If the keys are simply dirty, you can try cleaning them. If they are sticky, you may need to replace the entire keyboard. If the keys are broken, you can try to remove the broken keycap and replace it with a new one. You can buy individual replacement keys online. You will need a few tools, such as tweezers, a screwdriver, and a cotton swab, and you should make sure your computer is turned off and unplugged before beginning any repairs.
How to replace broken plastic keyboard keys
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to replace | When one or more keys fall or break off the keyboard, or when they become unresponsive or dirty |
| Tools | Prying item (e.g. plastic card, spudger, butter knife, flathead screwdriver), cotton swab, toothpick, tweezers, container, super glue or epoxy |
| Preparation | Find a clean, flat workspace, turn off and unplug the computer, ground yourself |
| Cleaning | Use a damp cotton swab to clean the area around the key, including grooves; remove any obstructions |
| Inspection | Check the back of the key for damage, inspect the base of the keyboard to ensure it is intact (including the rubber nub and metal/plastic hooks) |
| Removal | Use tweezers or a screwdriver to gently lift and remove the key, taking note of the position of internal parts |
| Replacement | Purchase individual replacement keys online, snap the new key's carriage into the key slot, lay the key at a 45-degree angle and press down firmly until it snaps into place |
| Enhancement | For better responsiveness, use a plastic straw cut to size, fold it in half, and insert it into the bottom of the key |
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What You'll Learn
How to remove a broken key
To remove a broken key, you will need to first find a clean workspace. It's best to find a flat, clean, indoor area, such as a kitchen table or a counter, on which to perform your repairs. Make sure that your computer is turned off and unplugged from its power source before you begin. You may also want to remove the computer's battery, if possible. It is also good practice to ground yourself before attempting any repairs to avoid damaging your computer's internals with static electricity.
Next, clean the area around the key. Use a damp cotton swab to clean the area between the key you want to remove and the surrounding keys. If your keyboard is sticky or grimy, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on the cotton swab to help remove the grime. Use a toothpick to gently scrape the grooves beneath the key to remove any loose dust or grit.
Now, you are ready to remove the key. You can do this by prying up the bottom of the key at a 45-degree angle and then pulling it away from the keyboard. A flathead screwdriver can be used to get the key out. Get the tip of the screwdriver under the key and push down on the other side. With a bit of leverage, the key will pop right out.
Before reattaching a new key, inspect the back of the broken key for damage. Turn the key over to make sure that the part of the key that latches onto the keyboard is still in place. You should see a small plastic piece that attaches to the keyboard base. Compare the key to the base of the keyboard to make sure that this latch is present. If it isn’t, then you may need a replacement key, which can be purchased online.
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Finding a replacement key
If you have a broken or missing key, you can purchase a replacement kit instead of replacing the entire keyboard. You can find replacement keys online on websites such as laptopkey.com, laptopkeys.com, or Amazon.com. These websites offer a wide range of replacement keys for different laptop brands and models, including Acer, Apple, Compaq, Dell, Sony, Gateway, HP, IBM, Lenovo, and Toshiba.
When searching for a replacement key, it is important to identify the correct type of hinge or retainer clip for your keyboard. Even if keyboards look identical on the outside, the hinges beneath the keys may differ and are not interchangeable. Therefore, you should carefully examine the hinge type under your keyboard keys to ensure you purchase the correct replacement.
To find the right replacement key, start by searching for your laptop brand and model number on the website. Then, select the image that matches the hinge type of your original key. This will ensure that you receive a replacement key that fits your specific keyboard model and hinge type.
Additionally, you can refer to video guides or tutorials on websites such as laptopkey.com, which provide visual instructions on how to replace laptop keyboard keys. These videos can help you identify the correct replacement key and guide you through the process of installing it.
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Cleaning the key slot
To clean the key slot of your keyboard, start by turning off your computer or laptop and disconnecting its charger. Place a paper towel beneath the keyboard to catch any dirt or debris.
Compressed air is an effective tool for blowing out dust and debris from between keys. However, if you don't have compressed air, you can use a toothbrush to sweep away dirt and dislodge crumbs from the key slots. Go row by row, angling the brush so that the bristles are taut and can reach into the tiny spaces around each key. You may need to slightly dampen the bristles to effectively remove dirt and crumbs.
For mechanical keyboards, cleaning under the keycaps can improve performance and extend the keyboard's lifespan. However, for membrane keyboards, it's usually sufficient to clean around the keys unless there is visible contamination underneath. If there is stubborn dirt underneath the keycaps, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) to clean the area.
Regular cleaning of your keyboard can extend its life by preventing the buildup of oils, grime, and debris that can damage internal components. It also improves the aesthetic of your keyboard, making it look more professional and pleasant to use.
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Reattaching the key
Reattaching a keyboard key is a simple process, but it does require some care and attention. Before you begin, ensure you have a clean workspace and gather your repair equipment. It is also good practice to ground yourself before attempting any repairs, to avoid damaging your computer's internals with static electricity.
First, you need to inspect the key and the keyboard base to ensure that the parts required for reattachment are still intact. Turn the key over to check that the latch is present; this is a small plastic piece that will attach to the keyboard base. On the keyboard, you should see a small tube-like plunger in the centre of the base, which moves up and down as you type. If either the latch or the plunger is missing, you will need to source a replacement key.
If all the parts are present, you can begin the process of reattaching the key. First, detach the key and clean the area around it with a cotton swab. Then, line up the key with the switch, ensuring that the little plastic or metal posts on the underside of the key are correctly positioned. Gently push the key into the slot at a 45-degree angle, then lower the rest of the key into place. Press down firmly on the key until it snaps into place.
If the key does not snap securely into place, you may need to use a retainer clip. This is a separate piece that is usually clear or opaque white and fits inside the key base. Push the retainer clip gently over the rubber gasket until it snaps into the proper place on the keyboard. Finally, snap the key cover back on by gently pushing until you feel it snap into place.
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What to do if the plunger is broken
If the plunger is broken, repairing it is more complicated. If your keyboard is easy to disassemble, you can simply remove the switch and replace it with another one. Usually, this involves desoldering the switch from the base and soldering on a replacement switch, which is simple if you know how to solder.
If your keyboard is difficult to take apart, you may need to replace the entire keyboard. However, if you only need to replace a few keys, you can try using super glue or epoxy to fix them. Before using super glue, clean the area around the broken key with rubbing alcohol. Then, apply a small amount of glue or epoxy to the plunger of the new key and press it firmly into place.
If your keyboard has accumulated dust, dirt, or other debris, you can try gently cleaning the keys with a soft cloth or using compressed air to blow away any build-up. Be sure to hold the can of compressed air upright, as holding it upside down could potentially damage the keys.
If your keyboard is sticky or grimy, you can use a damp cotton swab to clean the area around the key. First, turn off and unplug your computer, and if possible, remove the battery. Then, gently swab the area between the affected key and the surrounding keys.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the key out. Place the tip of the screwdriver under the key and push down on the other side. You can also use tweezers to gently lift the key out.
Use a cotton swab to clean the area around the key. You can also use a toothpick to clean the grooves around the key. Make sure to disconnect the keyboard or laptop from its power source before cleaning.
First, ensure that the base of the keyboard is intact. The rubber nub in the centre and the metal hooks that hold the key should be in place. Then, place the replacement key's carriage in the key slot at a 45-degree angle and snap the key pad into place. Finally, press down firmly on the key until it snaps into place.
You can purchase individual replacement keys online from retailers like eBay or Amazon. You can also try using super glue or epoxy to fix the broken key. Clean the area around the broken key with rubbing alcohol, apply a small amount of glue or epoxy to the plunger of the new key, and press it into place. Allow 24 hours for the glue or epoxy to dry before using the keyboard.
