P150EM Broken Key Retainer Clip

So today one of my P150EM keys decided to pop out by itself. I went away from the laptop for a couple of minutes, and when I came back I noticed the "F" key popped out of the keyboard. While inspecting it, I found the retainer clip broken. While it still snaps into place, it's much looser than the rest of the keys, and eventually pops out again with this or that keystroke.

Any idea if I can fix it, without getting a new keyboard? I'm 99% sure I can't, but I'd like to be sure. It also saddens me a bit that a 4 month old laptop that I supposed being durable, is having issues, even if small ones, one after the other.

 

There isnt a way to just replace the single key or its retainer, you will need to get a new keyboard.

 

happened to my old laptop too, you will have to replace the keyboard entirely or get used to pressing the little rubber domes like me haha. you can usually find broken laptops that people are selling for parts and try and pick up only the keyboard or go back to your reseller for a brand new one with warranty.

 

While installing a new keyboard is fairly easy, it is unfortunate that you cannot replace individual keys. It's probably best you send the laptop in to the manufacturer so that they can take care of it for you while you're under warranty. Or if they will not void your warranty upon you replacing the keyboard yourself, you can ask for a cross shipment.

 

Ok, I did send an e-mail to the laptop's reseller yesterday, 6pm now and no reply so far. I guess I'll have to wait a bit.

Edit: got a reply. They will mail me a new key.

 

never seen that before, they are going to mail you an individual key?

 

Yes. I'd say from a spare laptop. I was told they have a few, when I bought mine. In fact, my gtx670m came from one of them (from a returned laptop, still has the 2 year warranty).

 

Some resellers don't mind parting with spare parts like that. We've done it before with spare keys as well, but it's very subjective to the situation and component. There's not much sense in telling an end user to send in a laptop if it's a really simple fix.

Only problem that comes up is when they try to do it themselves, and things don't go well, haha. Then it has to be sent in.

 

Well my previous job was in the laptop repair business, so I have no problem with that. Oddly enough, while I was the only one in the company that could easily pop a key back, I was told to never do it, and to always fit a new keyboard (didn't like this not-so-honest dealing, honestly. one of the reasons i left). Hence why I asked if someone actually does sell individual keys.

 

I think since these keyboards are made for so few machines they don't tend to stock spares for them.

 

@jonny27 I have a favour to ask. Would you be able to take a photo of the underside of the key and the scissor mechanism(if that's what this keyboard uses) that the key fits into? I want to rearrange some keys on mine but I'm worried about breaking the clips off completely and having to replace the entire keyboard. That is, if you haven't go the replacement yet. If you've already reattached it don't bother pulling it off and whatnot.