How accesible is the keyboard? Is this plausible?

Hey guys,

Some of the keys on my keyboard tend to creak when I press them. It's not really an issue per-say, but it does tickle the OCD in me. I imagine that if I could access the underside of the keys I could just lube it with some WD40 or similar product.

The problem is getting at the undersides of the keys... For this I had 3 ideas. Are any of them plausible?

1. I could spray WD40 directly down into the cracks. Would this harm the LED lighting or other hardware?

2. I could take the computer apart, and try to get at the keyboard from the back. If I did this, would it make any difference? Does the LED lighting block access from that back?

3. I could try to pop off the keys. Do the keys even pop off? Is there risk of damage in doing this? Do they pop back on?

Thanks for your thoughts/opinions guys!

 

I wouldn't risk it man. Call up the tech support and see what they have to offer. If it makes noise in the first place, it could be a minor issue on the keyboard.

Just see what the tech support has to offer.

 

Do number 2 - whats the use of this forum if your just gonna call a tech to take the fun away. Besides that, most Dell techs are pretty useless. Its really easy to tear apart an m17x. With practice, I can disassemble every part in 30 min and put it all back together in 30min. Make sure you go through the video tutorial, dig around the forum and ask if your stuck. Here's part 1 part 1 and here's part 2

 

If I were you I wouldn't put WD-40 anywhere near my laptop. It's not really the kind of lubrication you want on anything but rusted metal. It's mainly for breaking free rust and displacing moisture. Like rusty bike chain, or a squeaking hinge.

 

Good to know. Do you know what a suitable lubrication might be?

 

Nothing. Dust and dirt will stick to most kind of lube/grease.

Uhm..erotic lube's dont stick. But those arent for keyboard keys.

I wouls call Dell and have the replace the keyboard.

 

what he said. Actually WD-40 stands for Water Displacer Fromula 40. There is some product from CRC that evaporate and most importantly is dielectric, specific for electronic stuff. But even so, i wouldn't recomend it. Also the back of the keyboard is practically 100% closed by a metal plate. There are also the led inside. Quite messy i would say to take it apart. Try to blow it and use a soft brush within the keys.

Edit, as a matter of fact, i use WD-40 on my jeep steel frame after wheeling especially on seashore and dunes, it apply a nice coat and displace water, preventing rust to build up.. but i guess this is kind OT..