Laptop Keyboard Key Replacement
It is possible that at some point, the keys on your laptop will eventually become loose and give you a hard time typing. However, you can always get a replacement for the specific keys or for the whole keyboard depending on where the problem is. When getting a replacement for your HP laptop keys or keyboard, here are a few things you should know:
What types of keyboard keys are available?
Prior to purchasing a single key or a new laptop keyboard, it is important to note that there are two common types of keyboard keys: island style and mechanical style.
- Island styles keys - These types of keys are also referred to as the Chiclet keys due to their appearance. They are small, flat, and square in shape. They feature rounded corners and straight edges, just like the Chiclets, a chewing gum brand in America. Having a keyboard with these type of keys makes it easier to clean and maintain the keycaps. The keys also save on space due to their small nature. Typing with these keys may prove to be a challenge if you're new to them.
- Mechanical keys - These are the traditional type of keys that are built with durable key switches. The switches are made of several moving parts including a hard plastic stem with two metal contacts and a spring underneath. They are also familiar to many users compared to the chiclet/island style.
How should you replace a key on the HP laptop keyboard?
Replacement of the laptop keys is a simple process. What you need for the installation is a screwdriver, keycap, and the retainer. The basic procedure for any model with the chiclet-style keys is as follows:
- Use a screwdriver to cap off the loose laptop key and remove it from the base of the keyboard. You can also remove the retainer (scissor-switch) from the socket if the replacement keys come with their own.
- Determine the orientation of the retainer by examining the underside of the removed key. You can also observe the metal hooks on the keyboard where the key was located.
- Orient the plastic hinge retainer (whether new or old) to align the holes with the metal hooks.
- Position the keycap over the hinge and press down to the rubber nub as gently as possible. The key should snap perfectly. If this is not the case, try pressing at the corners till it fits well and see if it works.
How do you remove the HP laptop keyboard for replacement?
If you instead opt to replace the whole damaged keyboard rather than single keys, the following procedure should follow:
- Make sure the laptop is turned off and detached from the power supply before beginning.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the screw on the underside of the laptop that holds the keyboard in place. Usually, there are three of them, two on the sides and a single one in the middle.
- Open the laptop and locate the latches that lock the keyboard. These are four in number and among them are the function keys that are at the top of your HP laptop.
- Push the latches down using your fingers to lift the keyboard out then pull it off and flip over.
- Detach the ribbon keyboards that connect the keyboard to the motherboard. Do this carefully ensuring you don't damage the ribbons. From there you have the keyboard removed and you can install the new one.
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