Switching Out Inspiron Keyboard for Vostro?

I know, why would I buy an Inspiron and then switch out the keyboard? Just curious if I could buy a Vostro 1700 keyboard and put it in an Inspiron 1720 since they're the same machine but different colors.

I was typing on an Inspiron at the store over the weekend and didn't like the gloss of the keys (felt slippery like) but heard the Vostro is more of a matte like I'm used to. If the Inspiron arrived and the keys were fine, then great. But I'd like to know beforehand if these two models keyboards are interchangeable just in case.

Also, is this a big task to change the keyboard? I've never cracked open a laptop, other than opening the bottom panel to add RAM. I saw videos of people removing the keyboard to put in RAM so I thought this might be easy to do while you're in there.

Thanks!

 

Uh the "gloss" is probably due to all the oils on the keys after a long period of use. D:

Before your warranty expires you can ask for a new keyboard and you'll get a new "matte" one

Just wipe it down and it'll be fine

 

I would say it is very easy as long as you are not forceful. It is also possible...

 

Yeah, I tried two different ones (both at BB) and my fingers kept slipping off of them while I tried to type. LOL

Between that and my ridiculous inability to decide between a Vostro and Inspiron, I haven't been able to buy my first Dell yet.

ETA: Thanks to both of you for responding. Reps coming your way.


How about this for a question...

Tonight I was watching a show from late last year and a girl was typing on a silver Dell that had a black keyboard. I have no idea how old her laptop was but what model could that have been out of curiosity?

 

probably an e1505

 

Yup

I have actually been trying to get a new top from dell.. want a pink or blue lid for my vostro... so far no luck... they refuse to sell me one

 

X2P, I just stumbled on this Dell parts site a couple of hours ago. Would this work?

http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=4408&prevaction=category&previd=141&prevstart=0

They have other colors but I didn't see pink.

ETA: Oh wait...I assumed you have a Vostro 1700 but I don't know that for sure. Here's the Inspiron line to choose the right model:

http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=141

Like I said, may not be what you were looking for but thought I'd throw that your way!

 

THANK YOU !!! +rep I shall buy when I come back to Canada in autumn break... only 1 week left so its not possible to get it here quick enough without paying too much but into book marks it goes

 

Oh wow! I helped. I thought that was a longshot.

Switching out the lid is a great idea. Will that be hard to do? I wouldn't even know where to start but I'm intrigued now!

 

Im not sure how hard it will be.

If I go through with this plan. I would have to find a way to change the silver in the hinge area to black...chop off vostro ones and find a way to stick em on? but other wise I think it should not be too hard.