Replace missing laptop keys instead of replacing the entire keyboard.
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With normal use, it's not uncommon for a key to fall off of a laptop keyboard. If this happens to your IBM Thinkpad, replace the single missing key instead of replacing the entire laptop keyboard, saving time and money. Purchase a replacement Thinkpad key from several online retail websites and install the key yourself in a matter of minutes. A single key consists of four distinct parts: the U-shaped black plastic base piece, a silicon membrane, a plastic retainer and the key cap.
Step 1
Hold the U-shaped black plastic piece between your thumb and forefinger. Insert the bottom edge of the U-shaped black plastic base piece into the metal tabs at the bottom of the empty keyboard key slot at a 45-degree angle while continuing to hold the arms of the piece.
Step 2
Squeeze one of the arms inward slightly and secure it beneath the metal tabs on the side of the empty key slot. Repeat with the other arm until the U-shaped plastic base piece lays flat on the empty key slot, beneath the metal tabs.
Step 3
Place the silicon membrane in the very center of the key slot so that the narrow end points upward.
Step 4
Orient the plastic retainer so that the two black plastic tabs face downward.
Step 5
Insert the black tab in the left lower corner of the plastic retainer into the U-shaped base piece, then insert the black tab in the lower right corner of the plastic retainer into the U-shaped base piece until the bottom of the retainer is secure.
Step 6
Press down on the top of the retainer with your thumb to lock the upper tabs in place.
Step 7
Orient the replacement key cap so that the letter faces the correct direction. Place the key cap on the key assembly, and press down firmly and evenly with your thumb. Hear the key cap audibly "click" into place.
References
Photo Credits
- Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
