Key Board Repair

I have just got a CF-19 mk6. It has an issue with the left Shift button on a lighted board. It has to be pressed very hard to make contact, I have messed up a couple of password call's. I'm using the right Shift button at the moment but my brain has a problem coping. Can I remove the button to see if there is any thing under it?

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/replace-keys-chicony-mp-03103usd8141-chiclet.501723/

There's also a part 2.

Does the key feel crunchy? (potato chips)

 

Ok thanks Sheepman, so I have to remove the key board first?

No the key does not feel crunchy, just solid, hard to push down. So hard in fact you can see the board flex.

 

It's not difficult to remove a key, but I guess chances to solve your problem are low. I have 2 dead (drown) backlit keyboards and there is no way to open it.

 

What operating system are you running on your new to you 19?
You might be able to utilize an on screen keyboard in Linux and Windows if you don't want to tackle your sticky key.
Other options include using an external keyboard with or without a docking station.
Wireless keyboards work also if you have blue tooth.

 

There's a YouTube video "How to Replace Panasonic Toughbook Keys" should have what you need.

 

I just watched the video & it doesn't show how to remove a key, probably because the original is broken off at the click-locks/barb-locks. They're tiny and fragile.
I'd probably try sticking some double sided tape to it and then stick my thumb to the tape to lift it gently while working the key gently sideways/up/down to try and release the tiny barbs, rather than poke around blindly with a screwdriver.
I think the usual reason for replacing keys will be broken barb locks so lots of care will be needed.
Mine usually just have breakfast/lunch/dinner/other crap trapped under a key so I use a compressed air blow gun - I cover the key with a ruler on edge to stop it blowing away with the pressure.

 

Looked again at the video and best guess is push the key gently upwards towards the Caps Lock and then lift the top edge first.
Installing keys the video shows inserting the bottom edge first then pressing down.

 

I've done it with keyboard installed.

The key will flex up a tiny bit. I put a tiny screwdriver under the front of the key. (the side nearest the handle.) Gently now....blindly try to get under the crossbar to flex it out of the pivots by rotating the screwdriver 90 degrees.

If you break the tabs on the keyboard then that's a problem.

Do it on a practice board a few times.

Hard to explain.

 

Thanks guys, I will play with it in a few days. I have Win10 1909 on it UNCNDL1. I think I may just get a new board in a month or 2, spent a bit to much over the last few weeks, good job for the tax return .
When I get a new one I will play with this one, I'll have a few spare keys!

 

Removing keys always makes me nervous.I have removed some without incident, but always hairy.

 

Access to some may be from the side. Just experiment.

 

Well I took the plunge and went for it.

The Key came off easy in the end, you have to lift up the bottom so its just higher than the board, then push the top towards the bottom. There is a swiveling U spring that runs around the two sides and the bottom of the key top. The ends of the spring fit into two metal flaps with holes in on the board. There are also a couple of nylon clips that attach it to nylon frame on the board.

The problem with mine was that; the nylon frame is in two parts, the center part of the frame has 2 pins that fit into holes in the outer frame. One of the pins had come out of its hole. So with a big hammer I reset it . Ok I just prized the 2 apart with a very small flat head screw drive and popped it back in. So confident was I now that I changed the other Shift key top and put it on the left side.

At 70ish my eyes are not what they use to be, I have a big lighted magnified glass. Also my hands shake a bit so a shot of Jack helps.

I took photos but not sure how to down load them yet, will try tomorrow.

 

Some of the photos were blurry, so this is what I have:


Under side of Key.


Pin out of its hole.


Pin back in after hammer job?


Key Board with Shift Keys flipped over.


The wear on the now right Shift key says to me that this has always been like this.

On reflection, I think the key could have been removed by flipping the top up and un-clipping the nylon clips, then pulling the springs out of the flaps. Live and learn.

 

I thought everyone was 70. At least the ones with intestinal fortitude.

Good job.

 

Thanks Mate