Sony Vaio F series - Keyboard keys sticking / unresponsive

VPC F12S1E

I think there's a design flaw in these keyboards. The laptop is about 5 months old, but I use it all the time and never close the lid (use if for work during the day and movies/radio when sleeping)

The first key to go was the left CTRL and Shift, which kept sticking. Then the problem spread to the S key, and then over the space of a few days, the A, Z, C, E, I, O.

Spacebar is unresponsive - I have to press it harder than normal. It´s basically all the keys I use most often that are sticking - the rest are fine.

Nothing has been spilled on it and I know it´s not a software problem because it happens in the BIOS menu - the cursor key are sticking aswell.

I have resorted to using an external USB keyboard for the moment.

Anyone else have this problem? I was going to remove the keyboard and try to clean it, but would that void the warranty? And if I do get a replacement keyboard, I´ll probably just have the same problem again in 5 months.

Does anyone have any tips on cleaning the individual keys? Is it possible to remove the actual key and clean the rubber contact?

Thanks.

 

Here is your reason number one! Where do you think all the dust has gone?? Always close the lid when not using it. this protects the keyboard and screen from dust and other stuff.

If you have never cleaned your keyboard - it is really really not a "design issue", but a maintenance issue
I clean each key whenever I feel there is something underneath that prevents proper functionality. You can remove each key individually and clean underneath. Just pull the key from the top edge towards the sealing - it will unclick and you will figure the rest out...

 

I would agree the most likely cause is dust and debris. This (keyboard problem) is not a common problem on the F series. Of course, you may have something defective that needs replaced, but from your description, dirt is more likely and the first thing to be checked. You can remove the individual keys first and if you want to remove the keyboard, I will edit this post in a minute with a link.

Here is how to remove the keyboard, if you want to take it out completely and shake it out, clean it more thoroughly and make sure the connectors are in place solidly: Vaio-F Series - How To Replace the Keyboard

 

omg o_o that tutorial has so many bugs and animals on the guys Vaio @_@

 

On Fri, a tech guy came and replaced my F11 keyboard due to broken key. He said he replaced a lot of them, and also a lot of power plugs.

Seeing the keyboard out, it is really pretty flimsy.

Overall, the warranty service experience (US) was excellent though.