How to replace a single broken key on a keyboard?

[drothgery]

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

With a laptop, raiding an old keyborad is probably a lot less viable. If you typically use your laptop in one place, then an external keyboard's not a bad idea anyway (as even the best laptop keyboards kind of suck), but if you want to get it fixed, you're probably talking to the vendor.

 

[Merkuri]

Ah, sorry, missed that it was a laptop. I think you may be able to find replacement keys online if you look hard enough. Laptop keys are often hard to pop off but they go back on very easy. If you can't find keys online then you'll probably need to take it somewhere to get it repaired.

 

[Blackrat]

Ah, sorry, missed that it was a laptop. I think you may be able to find replacement keys online if you look hard enough. Laptop keys are often hard to pop off but they go back on very easy. If you can't find keys online then you'll probably need to take it somewhere to get it repaired.

I have the exact opposite problem with my laptop. The keys tend to come off too easily. Sometimes during a little heavier playing. And they are hell to get back on.

 

[Man in the Funny Hat]

Laptop keyboards are a different issue. You're then looking at going back to the manufacturer or a shop for replacement of the keyboard to fix loose/broken/missing keys. You should be able to order and install the replacement yourself if it's not under warranty but I've never heard of anyone doing that. Laptop repair doesn't quite work the way desktop repair does.

If you use the laptop AS your desktop though, an external keyboard (and mouse) not only gets around the key problem but has the advantage of not being as cramped and providing more options.