How to replace a single broken key on a keyboard?

[RangerWickett]

I dropped something heavy on my keyboard and broke off part of the 'down arrow' key. I can still press it, but it's a little weird. I was wondering how I might acquire a single key for a keyboard. Does anyone know?

 

[Merkuri]

Keyboards are so cheap that you could probably just buy a new one for less trouble. Besides, it's possible you broke something below the key as well (though unlikely, if it still works).

If you know anybody in a computer-related industry (like software development, or any company that has a lot of computers) you could probably ask them if they have any spare keyboards. I know my company always has a few hanging around. You can either pop a key off the keyboard they find for you or just take it as your new keyboard.

If neither of those sound like a good idea you could probably find someplace online that'll sell you replacement keys.

 

[fba827]

Yeah, I was going to post what Merkuri said.


1) If it's just the plastic cap to the key that's off/broke, find a spare keyboard and pop it off that and snap it on the keyboard in question
2) just get a new keyboard (though that's easier if the computer has a USB input available... ifyou _need_ an older PS2 or something keyboard then that's a little harder to come by)

 

[RangerWickett]

I guess you're right. It's just that the computer (and keyboard) are only six months old, and are so nice and clean still. I have an old crappy keyboard, but I like this one. Wait, it's probably under warranty still.

Hm. I've never actually, y'know, used a warranty. Do I just bring it into the Best Buy I got it from, or what?

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

I dropped something heavy on my keyboard and broke off part of the 'down arrow' key. I can still press it, but it's a little weird. I was wondering how I might acquire a single key for a keyboard. Does anyone know?

Remove all parts of the computer except the keyboard. Attach everthing to a different keyboard. Throw the first keyboard away.

Keyboards are cheap - or at least can be. You can spend a hundred bucks or five, but none of them are really made to be "serviceable". They are all disposable regardless of price. One option to consider, however, is to buy a seperate USB keypad if your keyboard is expensive and you gotta have what it provides otherwise.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

(though that's easier if the computer has a USB input available... if you _need_ an older PS2 or something keyboard then that's a little harder to come by)

Nonsense. PS2-USB adapters are just as readily available and cheap. In fact, many (most?) USB keyboards will ship with one.

 

[Thanee]

I guess you're right. It's just that the computer (and keyboard) are only six months old, and are so nice and clean still.

Good for you! New keyboards tend to be nice and clean as well.

Hm. I've never actually, y'know, used a warranty. Do I just bring it into the Best Buy I got it from, or what?

Not sure if the warranty covers "I dropped something heavy on my keyboard", but it's always worth a try.

Yeah, just wrap it up (in original packaging if you have it) and go to where you bought it (with the bill/receipt, of course).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Merkuri]

I guess you're right. It's just that the computer (and keyboard) are only six months old, and are so nice and clean still. I have an old crappy keyboard, but I like this one. Wait, it's probably under warranty still.

Take the key off your old and crappy keyboard and put it on your new one, then.

 

[Syntallah]

I have the same problem with my laptop (the left [SHIFT] key). Any suggestions there?

 

[Merkuri]

I have the same problem with my laptop (the left [SHIFT] key). Any suggestions there?

Same as above. Get a new keyboard, or pull the key off of an old keyboard.