You’re unsure of How to fix keyboard keys that have fallen off. Don’t worry. It’s likely repairable and you won’t need to purchase a new one. Since every keyboard is unique, there is no single maintenance manual. Can keyboard keys be repaired? The answer could be YES. You can do it yourself at your own pace.
How To Fix Keyboard Keys That Have Fallen Off?
When you press a keycap on a keyboard, the rubber nub or switch underneath it is also pressed. Therefore, if a key falls off, the problem may not just be with the keycap; it also could be with the keyboard’s internal components.
However, keys falling off the keyboard are a very common problem, and different keyboard types have different fixes. So, in this post, we’ll look at the detailed procedures for replacing a key that has fallen off a laptop, desktop, or Mac keyboard. Let’s guide you on how to fix a key on a keyboard.
What Are The Key Components?
Let’s first learn the various components comprising the key that are necessary for each key to operate properly.
- Keycap
- Switch
- Rubber Nub
- Retainer Clip
1. Keycap
It doesn’t matter what kind of keyboard you have, each key will probably have a keycap. The construction of these varies for your Laptop, desktop, and Mac keyboards. In fact, they serve as a cover to shield the inner parts of a key. In addition, a keycap’s face features imprinted letters, symbols, numerals, and other special characters that aid users in selecting the right key to press. On the other hand, a plastic injection is included on the back face of the keyboard that aids in attaching keycaps to it.
2. Switch
The most vital part of a mechanical keyboard is a switch. It’s interesting to note that each key has a separate switch under the keycap. It sends electrical signals to the computer when pressed, telling it that a user has entered a key.
3. Rubber Nub
In contrast to mechanical keyboards, most laptop and membrane keyboards have a rubber nub or cap that functions as a switch. When we press a particular key, the rubber dome beneath our keys sends electrical impulses to the computer.
4. Retainer Clip
A laptop keyboard’s retainer clips, also known as hinge clips, are located below the keycaps. Actually, it is they who attach your keycap to the keypad. However, depending on the manufacturer, retainer clips on various laptops can vary.
How To Fix Keyboard Keys Falling Off?
Knowing the different components of a key now will help you fix a key that has fallen off by making sure you take into account every component. Can’t get the key back on the keyboard? Don’t panic. You are not alone. The steps you must take to get your key working on various keyboard types again are covered in this section.
If you are not confident enough to do it by yourself, you can contact Techyuga for Laptop keyboard replacement or other laptop repair services.
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How To How To Fix Keyboard Keys Falling Off From Laptop Keyboard?
There’s a chance that one or more keyboard keys fell off if you actually dropped your laptop. In order to learn How to fix a laptop key, read the following guide. Here’s how to fix the keyboard keys for Laptop.
Step 1: Inspect The Back Side Of The Keycap
- First, see if the keycap is damaged. Check the connectors primarily on the back side to make sure they are in good condition.
Step 2: Check The Retainer Clip
- Next, look for any potential damage if the retainer clip has come off.
Step 3: Check The Rubber Nub
- After that, determine if the rubber nub is intact or damaged. You can glue it if it doesn’t appear to be in its proper location so that it adheres well to the PCB.
Step 4: Put The Retainer Clip Inside The Keycap
- If all three appear to be in good condition, insert the retainer clip into the keycap in such a way that you hear a click sound.
Step 5: Reinsert The Keycap On Your Keyboard
- Place the keycap carefully on your keyboard surface after they are attached. As before, when it is placed, you will hear a click.
- Press the key repeatedly to make sure it is in the proper position.
- Afterward, launch any text editor and check to see if the key that was fallen off is now functioning properly.
There’s a chance that the keycap, retainer clip, or rubber knob on your laptop keyboard is broken if it doesn’t function as it once did. Surprisingly, a Key Replacement Kit is available that includes all three of these parts.
2. Mechanical Keyboard
If the keycap is not properly positioned, the keys will fall off on their own. The switch’s malfunction could also result in such a scenario. In order to fix it, you must do the following:
Step 1: Check The Switch
- First, see if the switch has any problems. If you’re unsure, take another key off your mechanical keyboard and compare the two switches.
Step 2: Remove the Switch
- Use a switch puller to gently remove the switch in case of any issues.
- Alternatively, you could use your keycap puller as shown in the picture by putting it on the switch’s two ends and gently pulling.
Step 3: Replace The Switch
- If your computer is hot-swappable, then replace the switch with a new one.
- When positioning the switch, make sure the edges are to the right and apply light pressure.
Step 4: Check The Back Of The Keycap
- Next, check to see if the plastic injection or keycap is cracked. If that is the case, you might have to use a new one.
Step 5: Put Back The Keycap On Your Keyboard
- Reinstall the keycap on the keyboard surface at this time.
- Press the key several times to make sure it has been inserted properly.
- Open a text editor to check your key’s functionality.
3. Membrane Keyboard
Compared to mechanical keyboards, membrane keyboards are more affordable and silent. Thus, it is frequently used for general purposes. Unfortunately, these keyboards have a shorter lifespan because the rubber dome is so easily damaged. Moreover, if even one rubber knob is harmed, you might need to replace the entire sheet. So, let’s look into how to fix keyboard keys that have fallen off.
Step 1: Check The Keycap For Any Damage
- The keycap on a membrane keyboard typically has an extended plastic injection that aids in making contact with the rubber nub. Therefore, inspect it for any flaws or cracks.
Step 2: Check The Rubber Nub
- Next, determine whether or not the rubber nub is damaged. In that case, you’ll have to purchase a new rubber-dome sheet.
Step 3: Flip Your Keyboard
- To remove all the screws, flip your membrane keyboard over and use a screwdriver.
- Take out the bottom section of the membrane keyboard carefully
- Next, unplug the connector to ensure your safety.
Step 4: Replace The Rubber Dome Sheet
- The damaged rubber dome sheet should now be removed, and a new one should be inserted precisely where the old one was.
- After that, re-plug the connector
- Close the bottom section and tighten each screw.
- Place the broken keycap now directly over the rubber knob. Make sure you have it properly aligned while doing this.
- Next, gently press down on the key a little until you hear a click.
- Once the keycap has been properly adjusted, keep pressing it continuously.
- Open a text editor and see if the key is back in working order.
How To Fix Mac Keyboard Key Fell Off?
Here are the steps in order to fix the Mac Keyboard key that fell off.
Step 1: Check For The Keycap Damage
Even though the solution may be simple and quick if your key cap has simply fallen off, you should make sure you aren’t facing a more serious issue. The majority of Apple keyboard covers are typically attached using a tiny plastic bracket that clips into the key. This bracket should be able to be clipped back into place if it is whole and has no pieces missing from it. However, if your clip is broken, you’ll probably need to buy a new keycap and/or clip.
Your cap will make contact with a tiny rubber nub that protrudes from the bottom of the keyboard. If this rubber piece is undamaged, replacing the cap should restore the key’s functionality.
Checking the metal connectors on the keyboard side of the device to make sure they are not bent or warped in any way is also a good idea. You should be able to try putting your key cap back in place if everything seems to be in working order.
Step 2: Repairing The Keycap
You can probably fix the key cap yourself if it does appear to be a clean break and none of the parts are damaged. You might need a paper clip or a small flathead screwdriver to do this. Basically, you’ll need to swap out the bracket and then the cap.
You must be able to recognize how the bracket fits in the metal areas of the keyboard in order to replace it. The bracket should lay flush with the keyboard once the various arms have been snapped into position. You should be able to press the keycap back down after the bracket has snapped into place in order to hear the keycap snap into place as well.
If you are successful, you should be able to test the keycap’s pressure and bounce and make sure it matches the keys around it by pressing it a few times.
It may be necessary to take the keyboard to an Apple Store for repair or replacement if you are unable to put the keycap back on it. The ability of the store to replace the keycap and bracket for you will depend on its resources. In the unlikely event that they are unable to repair it for free, ordering a replacement keyboard from the Genius Bar will result in a small discount off the list price.
Conclusion On How To Fix Keyboard Keys That Have Fallen Off
Keyboard keys falling off may be a common issue and if you trying to fix it yourself may save you valuable time and money. If you’re unsure about what to do if a key falls off? how to fix a keyboard key that keeps coming off, how to fix a keyboard key that came off? , then we strongly recommend you to contact TECHYUGA. Feel free to drop the comments below
If you are not confident enough to do it by yourself, you can contact Techyuga for Laptop keyboard replacement or other laptop repair services.
