Keyboard Flexing

Hi,

I recently bought a Novatech X40i laptop, I now know that it is a Clevo M54 notebook, I am really really pleased with it.

The only thing I don't like is the keyboard, well the right hand side is excellent. But the left seems to make a cheap clickly noise when used. I can live with it but I wanted to know if there was any fixes for it.

I have seen notebook keyboards flexing, and the solution is to tyoe really slowly and really lightly. I can't really do that as it would take me forever!

I did see it on the model in the store, it didn't seem as loud. Probably because it was really busy.

I would be grateful for anyone to come up with a clever fix.

Thank you,

Nick.

 

You can try to reseat the keyboard... which can show you what could be holding down the keyboard incorrectly, or is sticking up under the keyboard to create the flex.

 

I don't want to take it apart, like all laptops have some flex.

Anything that won't require such major surgery?

Thank you anyway, it is useable just seems cheap.

 

The Clevo keyboards are easy to remove, no screws or anything to mess with.

I am not entirely sure on the Clevo Keyboards for 15.4", but all of the 17"+ models all have the same way to remove the keyboard.

Hopefully it should be similar.

I have went over this a couple of times.

Make sure the system is off. Not plugged into AC. Remove battery for precautions.

Its simple for Clevo keyboards. All you need is a basic (small) flat-head screwdriver.
There are 4 pieces of retractable plastic holding down the keyboard.
Look at the picture that I have attached.
Just push the plastic pieces gently upward (toward the lcd screen) which would retract them to release that part of the keyboard. This should only take less than 30 seconds.

After the keyboard is released, you will find a cable under it (connects to motherboard), you can remove it if you want, just remember its position.

Thats it.

Pic here of the location of tabs:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4612&d=1164575463

 

try manually reseating the keyboard as suggested by Gophn if the flex is pretty bad. I get some flexing on my NP2090 and I tried manually reseating it but it still flexes. I guess that just how it is.

 

It does seem simple, just out of interest how do I post a picture? Just for you to double check! Thanks!

Then should I put some card or something inside to stop it from moving?

Thank you so much!

Nick.

 

you can save a pic, and add attachment

or you can post the pic on www.imageshack.us and then copy/paste the direct link here.

 

Thanks I may have a go, once the keyboard is out how do I get it back in?

Will it void my warranty?

Nick.

 

its too simple, it will definitely not affect your warranty.

 

it just clips back in. sit the front in first you will see the tabs then lay the back part down and press lightly the sprint loaded tabs will snap back over it once it is down far enough

 

I am going to speak to the OEM, maybe I can check it in for a service.

I just have not got the experience of taking a laptop apart.

Thanks,

Nick.

 

Could it be the clip has broken? I spoke to the OEM and they said it could be the clip? Is that possible?

 

it could be possible.

But again, I must insist that you learn and understand as much as you can [comfortably] about your system so that you will not fear or think that its taboo.

the keyboard is easy to do... as simple as install memory. So you do not have to get it serviced.

 

Okay, so the 3 clips at the top need to be pushed in with a flat headed screwdriver.

The the keyboard will lift up, I stick a piece of card down? And try and put the keyboard down again.

Is that what I need to do???

Nick.

 

examine the keyboard to see if there is any flex in it.

if there is, you can try to see if you can gently bend it straight.... i would not recommend to stick any card or foreign object under the keyboard.

If the keyboard still flexes after your attempts to straighten it, then I would recommend to just contact the vendor to send you a replacement, and it should take less than a minute to swap it yourself.

 

I got a friend to take it apart for me, and the keyboard is dead straight. And the clips are perfect.

What could it be?

I am typing really lightly and the keyboard seems to be fine??????????

Is this a design fault?

Nick.

 

its a faulty keyboard, just replace it.

 

on my 5791 i know its a different machine but under the keyboard there are a lot of spots where it is empty so the keyboard can sink in those spots, i made a very thin piece of aluminum and cut it to the shape i wanted to. i drilled a number of holes to allow air flow and place that in before sitting the keyboard in and now its solid a a rock and there is no flex at all. it may not have been the right way to fix it but its imo the best thing i could have done for the keyboard it feels awesome now.

 

No the keyboard is fine, just a stupid circular hole, the keyboard is quite thin.

The hole is to somehow release some heat??? I looked at the keyboard and it is fine.

Just the keyboard kind of sinks in the hole. Interesting design, I also went to the store same problem. But a little less.