Squeaky Spacebar

I am about 15 days into m15x ownership and it seems that I have encountered an annoying problem. My spacebar seems to squeak whenever I press it. After googling "squeaky spacebars," a quick fix seems to be to add a drop of WD40 to the hinges. Due to the m15x's lighting, I am slightly apprehensive about using some sort of substance that could damage the lighting aspect of the keyboard. Any ideas or thoughts on what I should do? Any previous experience with the dreadful squeaky spacebar?

 

Hi,
I imagine the squeak will go away over time. I wouldn't spray anything on the keyboard, as all liquids could damage it. You could call Alienware for a replacement, but they may not acknowledge it. If it doesn't affect its usability, or it isn't functioning improperly, they usually won't replace it.

Gabe

 

use earplugs..

 

and i would venture you would tell everyone around him to wear earplugs as well?

 

unless he wants to enjoy the sadistic pleasure

 

or the perpetual beatings....

 

you should just call tech to replace the keyboard. you dont even have to send the keyboard in before you get the new keyboard. just say something like the space bar doesnt work too well and you get a new keyboard.

 

Just to add to this, WD40 will not effect electrics, i use it on my Mini to protect the electrics against water in the engine. I will actually insulate against water so...

I'd put a drop on the end of a ****tail stick and brush it onto the hinges, it shouldntt be enough to drip that way.

Just my 2p...

OB

 

I can't recommend WD40 for ANYTHING...

It's actually, to the best of my knowlege, a degreaser, not a lubricant. There's stuff I use for my paintball equipment that I'd recommend, it's available at most major hardware stores (i think)... it's made for pellet guns, which are mostly plastic with some metal, so it's safe for both, the stuff is called pellgunoil, and a single drop (or less) in the area should fix the issue. my only recommendation is to remove the spacebar entirely before applying the oil... the keys are made to come off, and if you're careful, applying even, and steady pressure you should be able to pull off any of the keys on the keyboard without breaking them.

to reattach the keys, it's pretty simple, line everything up (in regards to the metal rod support for the long-key), and snap the supports back into place on the plastic bracket (that actually raises/lowers the key). apply firm pressure with the key depressed until it reaches full depression and it should be reattached. letting it come up and seeing if it's even with the rest of the keys should tell you if it's properly attached.

the process is relatively simple, but takes some willingness to try. the faint of heart will give up without even getting the key off the board, because it does take some force.

FYI it will SNAP out, as in, the clips will come free with a snapping sound, this is normal. inspect for damage in case any has been caused.

of course, consult AW before performing any maintainence to your machine.