How To Install Laptop Keyboard Keys

Laptop Keyboard Key Install Guide

Did your kids pulled couple of keys of your work laptop? or Did your cat steal them? These are just two of the common causes of the missing key syndrome, but we are here to help.

Laptop keyboard key caps, and retainers clips often go missing, or break for one reason or another. The usual call to tech support when you have a missing key often ends up with them wanting you to send the laptop off for couple of weeks, and charging you upwards of $150 for a new keyboard. Manufactures do not sell replacement laptop keys.

If all you need is couple of keys, there is no need to buy a new keyboard, no need go through the hassle taking the laptop apart, just follow the simple steps in our laptop key installation guides. We will show you how to install your laptop key back on the keyboard.

In this blog, We will be posting laptop keyboard key installation guides for various Acer, Asus, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Sony, and Toshiba Laptops. We will also be taking requests for different models, Please leave your model request in the comment sections, include your laptop model number and what key you have missing.

Replacement Laptop Key - Install Guide #1 - Retainer Type HC28

DELL Studio 15 1535 1536 1537 1555 Replacement Laptop Key
Install Guide

In this install guide, we are showing you how to remove the original
laptop key, and retainer clip, and then back on again.  You can skip
ahead to step 4 if all you doing is installing the retainer clip.

As always, please make sure the laptop is turned off before you attempt
any kind of repair.

STEP 1. Replacing the worn keyboard key cap.

Most laptop retainer clips have 3 to 4 clip points.  Often 2 on top
and 1 on the bottom, or 2 on top, and 2 on the bottom.  You can
do this with a flat heat screwdriver or your finger tip.  Start by lifting
up the key at each corner until you feel the key cap has un-clip itself
from the key retainer clip.



STEP 2. Apply the same method to the other corner.  Pulling the keys
from the corners have a lesser chance of breaking the plastic retainer
clips under the key.



The laptop key is removed.



Inspect the back of the laptop key, and make sure all the clip points
are still intact, if the clips are broken it will not stay on the retainer
clip.  This one looks good.



STEP 3. Removing the laptop key retainer.

Here is where a flat head screwdriver will be handy.  The retainer clip
is currently being held in place by the metal tabs from the bottom of
the keyboard.  To remove the key retainer, first place the flat head
screwdriver underneath the retainer as shown in the picture, with my
finger I am applying light pressure to the retainer making it easier to
lift with the screwdriver.



Once you have the right corner loose, you can just unhook it from the
metal clips, do so by unhooking it at the bottom, and top left metal clip.



Here is a picture of keyboard without the retainer clip, showing you
the 3 metal prongs and "suspension" clear rubber nipple.



STEP 4. Installing the laptop key retainer.

IMPORTANT!

We are assuming you bought the replacement laptop key from us
individualkeys.com, if you did not, please take a minute to
inspect the retainer clip and the back of the key BEFORE you begin
to install it. 

Start by holding the retainer with the correct side up, or as shown
in the picture below.


 

Now loop the horizontal opening at the bottom of the retainer clip
around the metal prong, once you do that your retainer should be
laying nice and flat as shown below.



The retainer now has to be lock into place, start by applying pressure
with your finger pushing upwards, while pushing down the right
corner until the retainer locks to the metal prong.



Now repeat for the left side.



Great, your almost done, now we just need to install the key cap.

STEP 5.  Installing the key cap.

Align the key cap directly over the hinge, and equal spacing around
the surrounding keys.  Push down on the key cap until it snaps into
the retainer. 

If it does not snap right in, you may need to work one corner at a
time, start with the top corner and then the bottom.



That's it, your done, Good Job!  Thank you.