Can I replace A505-S6969 keyboard?

I really like the backlit keyboard on the A505-S6965 and it looks like it should fit - would this work? And where could I get the part?

 

No, it will most likely not work. I thought I might try the same thing in my M700 and it turns out there are a couple of issues: 1) for some reason the keyboard connectors are not compatible... when connected it was not recognized; 2) There is an additional cable that I can only assume is for the backlight. Now, I assume you could probably draw power from a 5v (or whatever) source on the motherboard, but to get it to work would take some soldering skils.

If you wanted to try it you can get the keyboard off of ebay.

 

It should work for your A505-S6969 because it has same mobo and BIOS. national parts depot (845)469-4855
it is $80 plus $10 shipping
part#V000190720
http://www.nationalparts.com/Parts.aspx?mfg=Toshiba

 

Now I'm embarrassed... I didn't notice the model number in the title.

Damn

 

I actually bought one of those keyboards for my Qosmio and there was a port for the additional ribbon cable where it should have been but it still wouldn't work because of the BIOS I think.

 

Looks like they raised the price to $96
http://www.nationalparts.com/product.aspx?ProductID=93446

 

Thanks - wow, you guys are quick How do you know the listed part is backlit? I had been on the national parts site and couldn't tell what I was what.

 

I called national parts depot and told them i needed a replacement keyboard for my A505-S6965 and they sent me one after charging $90 to my card.

 

Cool - I'll order one and give it a try. Thanks for your help.

 

Did this work for you, or did you take the plunge? Anxious S6969 owners want to know!

 

Well, even though it was inferred that it would work since the S6969 has the same board and BIOS as the S6965, I wasn't fully convinced that it would work until someone posted a success story.

I can say now that it does, in fact, work. The backlit keyboard part for the A505-S6965 is compatible with the A505-S6969. I installed it, the keyboard lights up, and everything's peachy. The function key menu that appears in windows has even automatically detected the new keyboard and added a backlit keyboard "Z" option, though you'll have to go to Start->Toshiba->Utilities->HWSetup, then in the Illumination tab, configure the settings to get the fn+Z toggle features to work. Mine was set by default to illuminate then turn off after 15 seconds of inactivity.

I ordered through www.ExcelComputerInc.com instead of the original site (National Parts Depot Inc.) because they wouldn't have the keyboard in stock until Nov 6th. I don't like the waiting game...

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread for their helpful (and hopeful) information and assistance.

Update:

Excel is also out of the part http://www.excelcomputerinc.com/html/details.asp?ref=1480&category=keyboards

 

Sorry, just noticed this. The part was back-ordered and just shipped yesterday. I'll let you know.

 

Anyone know if the S6986 can upgrade to backlit keyboard? I'm interested in doing this. What should I check to see if it is possible?

 

Did you ever replace your a505-s6968??? I want to do mine this week and I too am looking for a success story