How to remove a key from a laptop - detailed instructions

Just like desktop computers, a laptop keyboard can fail. Keys can also stick, fall out or break. Even a simple attempt to clean the keyboard can lead to loss of keys, not to mention spilled tea, coffee or other liquids. If there are pets or small children living at home, this adds two more reasons for the keyboard to malfunction. Below we will consider a method for removing the keys for cleaning, as well as returning the keys to their place and several ways to fix a minor breakdown.

How to remove a key from a laptop

Types of fastenings

Let's look at the types of key mounts in a laptop keyboard

membrane - the cheapest and most common;
switches are a more stable, reliable, and at the same time expensive type of key. Much less common than membrane;
capacitive - transmit a signal by closing contacts. The second most common type after membrane. Not the most reliable type of keyboard;
touch is the most expensive type. In addition, to repair it, you will need to remove the entire touch panel, and this is impossible to do at home.

Cleaning the keyboard at home

Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully remove all the keys. Before doing this, don’t forget to take a photo of the keyboard.

After this, we turn the keyboard over and find all the screws that hold its two halves together. Unscrew them with a Phillips screwdriver. Most often, this is the screwdriver you will need.

Having removed the top plastic part from the keyboard, you can safely take it to the kitchen and wash it with detergent. The main thing is to rinse it thoroughly under running water.

The keys that you removed from the keyboard must be placed in a regular disposable bag and filled with water. You need to add a detergent to the water, but not a very toxic one. Tie the bag and leave the keys for another hour. When the keys are a little wet, shake them thoroughly. Just do it carefully so as not to tear the bag. We wash each key under running water.

Now that all the elements are clean, you need to give them time to dry. Only after this can you put the keyboard back together.

I'm sure you can handle such a procedure as cleaning your keyboard.

And it doesn’t matter whether it’s on a laptop or a regular one for a PC. The main thing is to do everything carefully and gradually, without skipping any of the points I described.

Installing regular keys

Important! Record the order in which the keys were located. Otherwise, they will have to be rearranged again.

Install the “swing” on the membrane. First, place the antennae under the larger part, then - by applying slight pressure - they will go in on their own.

We place the antennae under the larger part and press a little so that they go in further on their own.
Raise the “swing” using a fairly thin object (a paperclip, a thin knife, a screwdriver or a ruler).
Place the button and press until it clicks.

We put a button

Find out detailed instructions on how to clean your laptop keyboard, as well as the best cleaning methods, in our new article.

How to remove a separate button on a laptop

Removal methods differ for different keys.

ATTENTION. We remember the order in which the elements are located. This will prevent confusion during reassembly. The fastest way would be to take a photo of the diagram.

Types of push-button fasteners

There is a difference between regular and special keys.

Standard buttons are attached using a pattern of two latches and a rocker. The last part is often called the “sled” and consists of two parts (“antennae”) with a hinge in the middle. With the help of lugs it is held in two grooves.

Standard mount

The special buttons have an excellent design. They are kept from distortion by metal stabilizers. The pressing force is distributed by plastic guide elements. The clamp consists of two latches.

The Space key is reinforced with two brackets.

Standard keys

Let's prepare the tool first. You will need a screwdriver with a thin tip, preferably a curved one. Can be replaced with a bent paper clip, an awl, or a crochet hook. With their help, the elements are easier and faster to pull out.

Thin screwdriver with curved tip

Place a screwdriver under the top edge of the plastic (on the side). Press the opposite part tightly with your finger. Lightly pull the part up and to the side.

Screwdriver under the top edge of the key

ON A NOTE. The force should be minimal and applied to the central part of the component.

Then place the screwdriver under the near edge of the button.

Near edge of the button

Carefully pull the screwdriver handle down. A clicking sound indicates that the part has been removed from the fastener. Let's pick it up and pull it up.

BY THE WAY. There are situations when an element is removed along with the “swing”. This is not dangerous, but before reinstalling, do not forget to first separate the mount.

Special buttons Shift, Win and others

Manipulations with such keys have their own specifics.

First, carefully pry the element off on one side.

First latch

Let's pay attention to the location of the internal clamps in the resulting space. We reach for them with a screwdriver and snap them off.

Let's move on to the second clamp.

Second latch

We move the freed part up.

Removed key

Keyboard repair

Let's look at ways to repair keys on a laptop keyboard

There are two ways.

First way

If any fastening is broken, you can try to restore it using a needle from an insulin syringe:

the needle is applied to the damaged part. It is better if it extends two to three millimeters beyond the edge of the breakage;
Use a soldering iron to heat the needle and carefully fuse it into the plastic;
Carefully bite off the excess plastic using side cutters.

Second way

If you don't have any tools, you can use superglue:

heat the needle with a lighter;
make a groove using lint from a comb or similar objects. The main thing is that the size of the groove allows the lint to enter;
fix the lint with superglue;

On a note! The result can be checked in about an hour. Typically, the process takes about forty minutes to an hour.

Video - How to repair and insert laptop keyboard buttons

How to remove the keyboard from a laptop

The complexity of the work is determined by:

nature of the malfunction;
type of fastenings;
the need to remove individual keys;
the dimensions of each button (the smaller they are, the smaller the size of the fastener and the more difficulties).

ON A NOTE. Despite the differences between models from different manufacturers, there are standards observed by all companies. The general algorithm of actions does not change.

In what cases will dismantling be required?

The procedure is carried out if:

the keyboard is covered with dirt and dust, which reduces its performance;
mechanical damage occurred (problems with the keys, fasteners or keyboard cable);
liquid spilled (tea, coffee);
The cooling system does not work or is clogged;
The thermal paste on the processor needs to be replaced.

Types of fixations

The devices are presented in two versions:

Fastening in the form of 1-2 screws is rare (mainly on outdated laptops). It is usually located under the battery or decorative plate (next to the display).
Plastic latches - used in all modern PCs. Can be in quantities of 4-8 pcs. (depending on manufacturer, model). They are carefully recessed into the grooves, invisible to the eye.

Removing the keyboard

Let's move on to action.

Let's first turn off the power to the laptop. Unplug the plug from the socket and remove the battery.

ATTENTION. If water or any drinks are spilled on the laptop keyboard, you should immediately turn it off from the network. Liquid that penetrates the keys can damage the hardware of the laptop.

Let's consider the first method, when the keyboard is secured with plastic clips. To work, take two thin screwdrivers (or two awls).

Thin screwdriver

Using one of the tools, lightly press the latch located above the top row of keys (as an option, there are side fasteners).

Top latch

As a result, the corner of the structure is freed. Use another screwdriver to pry it off.

We pry up the corner

Then we sequentially dismantle the other fasteners. When we work with one screwdriver, we hold the structure with the second.

Another disassembly option is if the panel is secured with screws. We just unscrew them. All that remains is to pry the top edge with a sharp tool, the plastic will easily come out of the grooves.

IMPORTANT. During the work process we act carefully and carefully. The keyboard and its parts are made of fragile materials. We avoid unnecessary efforts and do not try to speed up the process with our hands. We only use screwdrivers. We place a thin flat thing (ruler, plastic card) under the lower part of the mechanism. Such precautions will protect against possible cracks.

Let's move on to the train. This node is the connecting link between the keyboard and the motherboard. It is secured with a special lock. The lock is often made in the form of lugs, a spring latch or a fastener. The ears will need to be lifted, other structures are simply detached.

This is what the train looks like

NOTE. The train requires careful handling. Inaccuracy can lead to disruption of its contacts.

Warning

A malfunction resulting from the ingress of liquid requires high coordination, accuracy and attentiveness from self-repair. Too much force or the wrong cleaning agent can completely destroy the conductive path. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this work to a specialist.
Removing and installing keys does not cost much (around 500 rubles), independent removal requires great skill, care and accuracy. Excessively sudden and careless movements can damage the fastenings. Carry out the procedures only if you have the necessary skills and are unable to take the laptop to a service center
The fastenings in small keys are also small. If you are not confident in your vision and the necessary dexterity, it is better to entrust the work to a service center
Working with a soldering iron requires not only care, but also knowledge, skills and experience. Careless movement can lead to damage to the entire device.
Superglue can get on the conductive path, rendering it inoperative. Work very carefully.

Removing the "Space" from the mounts

Detach the metal reinforcements from the sides.
We disconnect the metal amplifiers from the sides
Open the latches on the front of the key (the one facing away from the monitor).
Open the latches from the front of the key
Open the latches from the inside.
Open the latches from the inside
Remove the key.

Cleaning the keyboard when it's lightly dirty

The presence of dust and small dry debris is light contamination that requires superficial cleaning. For this cleansing you need:

Disconnect the PC from the power source. On a desktop computer, disconnect the keyboard. Remove the battery from the laptop.
If the computer is normal, turn the keyboard over and shake it. This will get rid of large crumbs. For a laptop, you need to skip this step.
Use a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner to blow out small crumbs and dust. In this case, you can help remove dirt with a soft paint brush.
Wipe the buttons with special wipes or a damp cloth.

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Easy surface cleaning

If the device appears slightly dirty, you can clean it without disassembling it. Any user can clean the keyboard.

Turn the keyboard over and shake it gently. Tap the body. You'll be surprised how many crumbs and debris you can get out. This procedure should be carried out regularly. Just remember to disconnect the device from the computer (or turn off the power to the laptop).

If there are greasy sticky spots on the keys, proceed as follows:

Pour 1-2 tbsp into a saucer. l. vodka or alcohol. You can also take ammonia.
Dampen a cotton pad or old toothbrush.
Clean the keys thoroughly. Impurities will literally dissolve.

It's okay if a couple of drops of alcohol get inside; alcohol is not as dangerous for electronic parts as water. But you shouldn’t be too zealous. You can also clean your mouse and mouse pad with alcohol.

It is convenient to clean the gaps between the buttons with a special brush, or you can take a regular one for painting. The soft bristles will not scratch the elements and will effectively remove debris.

A mini keyboard vacuum cleaner helps a lot. However, not every user has such a device. Instead, you can use a regular hair dryer to dry your hair.

Direct the air stream at the upside-down keyboard, paying attention to the space between the keys. Then shake

This way you can remove crumbs, hair and other debris.

How to remove dust from the inside of the device?

Dust is a critical issue in most office spaces today. Getting rid of it is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance

To remove dust, we recommend using a small soft brush. It easily penetrates the holes between the buttons and quickly eliminates traces of dust adhering to the side edges.

A more convenient device can be considered a mini-can of compressed air or a miniature vacuum cleaner that easily fits in your hand.

If the dust settles more densely, try using a vacuum cleaner attachment that can remove it.

If cleaning is needed

If the laptop is left open for a long time, it may become dusty. During operation, a lot of hair, household debris and food crumbs get into the keyboard. If you need to clean up such debris, you can easily do it yourself by carefully vacuuming the device.

At the same time, the main thing to consider is that it is best to use a specialized vacuum cleaner with professional attachments and brushes; if you have to use a regular one, then you cannot use high power.

The laptop does not connect to wifi, it says limited access. Read on for what to do.

The keyboard is the main data input device. Most users like to drink tea or coffee while sitting at a computer or laptop, without interrupting work or entertainment. As a result, it suffers from damage from all kinds of liquids.

In this case, you cannot do without disassembling the device. It is necessary to dry and thoroughly rinse the keyboard, otherwise over time this will lead to “sticking” of the keys or complete inoperability of the device.

Video: remove the keyboard from a laptop

Cleansing moderate pollution

If you notice small debris under the buttons and the buttons are greasy, then this is a medium level of contamination. To eliminate such contamination you need:

Promptly disconnect the PC from power. Disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Remove the battery from the laptop.
Turn the keyboard of a regular computer over and shake it. This way, get rid of large crumbs. For a laptop, you don’t need to carry out this procedure.
Use a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer to blow out dust and small crumbs. You can use a soft paint brush to remove dirt.
Remove fatty deposits from the keys with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

It is advisable to clean the device with alcohol once a month. At the same time, you will get rid of not only fat, but also germs.

Important! Before cleaning with alcohol, make sure that the liquid does not erase the letters!