Keyboard bulge in P370SM/NP-9380

Been using my P370SM for a week and everything's good. But jus yesterday as I was cleaning the keyboard I thought something "looked funny", and after looking at it from different angles I realized the keyboard is buldging slightly in the region where the TYGH keys are. The entire diagonal section from 4-F and 6-H seems to be raised, but the area around TYGH is most noticeable. I estimate the buldge is around 2-3mm, it's not the most obvious, but enough to make you take a second look.

Just wanted to ask if other P370SM/NP-9380 owners have the same issue, see if I'm being too picky or this is truly a defect.

 

If it's quite noticeable then you could always remove the keyboard and see if there is somthing stuck below it or it needs re-seating.

 

Agreed with Meaker, possibly a cable bent the wrong way.

 

Here's my best attempt at some pictures:



Not sure if you can see much but try to focus on the RTFG keys.

Normally I'd politely ask if an RMA is possible, but one of their live chat agents told me this was completely normal and he also saw this bulge on their systems. Then another P370SM owner (who bought from the same company no less) informed me that his keyboard didn't have the bulge I described. So yeah not sure what to think.

UPDATE:/b] After opening the keyboard bezel and playing around with the tension on each screws, the bulge has decreased. I can still tell iit's there if I look hard, but it's definitely not as noticeable as before. I think the 2nd left screw (screw 4 according to the service manual) may have been over-tightened,

UPDATE 2: Now it appears there's a small dip where the KL keys are. Two ownders have independently confirmed that their keyboards are completely level,maybe it's just my luck?

 

The bulge is difficult to make out in the pictures. When you took the keyboard out to reseat it and examine the cable, was the keyboard itself (and the keys in question) flat? Most importantly: does the keyboard work without any hitches?

 

The keyboard may have bent slightly due to being in the wrong position for a long time, you could try placing a small piece of foam to help stop in dip in the right place.

 

After removing all 5 screws I tried taking the keyboard out, but either I'm doing it wrong or there's a hidden latch somewhere. It just doesn't want to come out, and I didn't feel like forcing it. From what I've seen it should lift out without a hitch, not in my case.

Keyboard works fine, but I've noticed a few keys seem to "squeak" on occassion.

 

The keyboard does come out rather easily once you remove the top panel and the 5 screws securing the keyboard (or at least, it's suppose to). If you do manage to get it out, just be very careful with the cable! Otherwise, have your supplier check it out and request a new keyboard from them - especially if you don't feel comfortable with removing it at this point. As long as you haven't inflicted any accidental damage, they shouldn't grumble.

 

It will have a couple of latches either side of the keyboard.

 

I can't really see any buldge in the pictures. Is it very slight, and maybe other owners wouldn't notice it? Maybe another picture with a ruler placed across the keys might show it better. If you open it, just don't yank on the keyboard as the cable is short and not the strongest.

 

I know the sort of bulge he means, it's hard to see but easy to feel.

 

To be totally fair the bulge is almost unobservable if you view it under natural lighting, but shine a light source directly above the keyboard and it becomes much more visible (which is indeed how I discovered it in the first place). Thankfully I don't seem to feel the bulge much; if anything the dip in certain keys is more noticeable (relatively speaking).

My supplier has yet to respond to my further inquiry, and the only response I have so far from live chat is that "it's normal and we see it on our systems as well". This is in contrast to what other owners have told me (although there is the possibility that it's just not that noticeable, as I've said above). At this point I don't even think I care anymore, I just want a response from my supplier, but I'm guessing from their perspective this is a resolved issue since I already have an answer from live chat and there's no point repeating what's already been said. Still, kinda feels like I've been left in the dark

UPDATE: Supplier got back to me saying they'll send me a new keyboard, so hopefully all works out.

 

+1

Really cant tell by the pictures, looks as flat as my P370SM keyboard to be honest.

That sucks mate.

On one hand they do have a point, if its noticeable on their systems as well then there isnt really anything they can do to help you since you arent the only one in this boat. Perhaps the flaw on your machine is just more noticeable than it is on others...

However, its a big price to pay for these machines and I would surely not be too pleased if my keyboard looked out of place after I saved for a month then paid out over £1,350 for a laptop thats supposed to be built perfectly.