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Parts for Individual Keys ...

  Why buy a whole keyboard when you can repair by replacing just 1 or 2 keys?
 Replacing a key is easy, avoid the hassle and expense of installing a keyboard.
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MacBook Pro, PowerBook G4 Laptop Key Replacement Help

[MacBook Pros are pre-unibody (shipped before 0ctober 2008).]

Firstly ... can you fix your key position?

This question simply boils down to whether the key position's contacts are still active. In other words, does the key position work when you press it's key-cap or, if the key-cap is missing, does the key position work when you press it's "nipple" contact? So, go ahead and open up an application such as your word processor and test whether the key position is still working. A "nipple" contact is highlighted below at a key position with a missing key-cap.

key position with scissor mechanism in place

If the key position is not working, there is no point in buying a key-cap and "scissor" mechanism for the position: If this happens you can either try to live without the key or you should think about replacing the entire keyboard.

OK, the contact works, it's a go!

  • Don't worry!
  • Key replacement is simple!
  • No tools are required!
  • It's usually done in seconds.

Let's do it!

Note : The key-cap, key scissor and keyboard parts used to illustrate this help guide may differ in subtle details from those you use in replacing your laptop key. These differences should not make key replacement much different.

Removing a Key-cap

Simply slide a fingernail, or similarly flat, stiff edge, under one corner of the key-cap and pull up gradually until the key-cap "pops" off. 		slide a fingernail under one corner of the key-cap gradually pull up one corner of the key-cap gradually pull up one corner of the key-cap

The key-cap usually comes off with the scissor mechanism still attached to the keyboard.
If so, jump to the section "Replacing a Key-cap."

However, sometimes the scissor mechanism comes off attached to the key-cap.
If so, go to the next section "Replacing Scissors."

Replacing Scissors

(This is not usually necessary.)

Each key position should have a scissor mechanism attached (the very large space bar has 3 scissors). These scissor mechanisms are attached to each position at 3 points: a small metal "tongue" flange and 2 two small metal loops (see top middle image). Each scissor mechanism has a corresponding "tongue hold" position and 2 loop nobs (see top right image). To attach a scissor mechanism maneuver it over the key position then slip the "tongue" over the "tongue hold," then slide each "loop nob" into its loop (one at a time), a little pressure is needed. To remove a scissor mechanism reverse this process. 		key position with key-cap and scissor mechanism removed key position with loops and tongue flange labelled scissor mechanism with loop nobs and tongue hold labelled key position with scissor mechanism placed next to it key position with scissor mechanism's tongue hold placed under the tongue flange key position with scissor mechanism's loop nobs placed in the position's loops

Tip: When right-side-up the "tongue hold" notches in.
When wrong-side-up the "tongue hold" bulges out.

Replacing a Key-cap

Line up the replacement key-cap and press down to "click" the key-cap onto the scissor's 3 "click points." Pressing down on the 3 "click points" can either be done one point at a time (as shown) or by pressing down on the middle of the key-cap to "click" on all 3 points at once.

Tip: If you are having trouble with the "click down" then you probably need to flip the cap around (turn through 180 degrees).

key position with scissor mechanism in place key position with key-cap placed over it finger clicking down on key-cap click point finger clicking down on key-cap click point finger clicking down on key-cap click point key-cap correctly placed in key position

Slight Variations

There are no qualitative differences in key replacement. The only slight differences are that some key-caps and scissor mechanisms come in different sizes and aspect ratios and that the very large space bar is attached to 3 scissor mechanisms. The larger keys include shift, tab, return and caps lock keys and the space bar: The undersides of these key-caps include wire reinforcement. Smaller keys include the function keys as well as the cursor and escape keys: The scissor mechanisms for these keys are usually turned through 90 degrees relative to the others.

Disclaimer

This help guide is provided as is and irithm takes no responsibility for any injury or damage done to yourself or your laptop through actions that include opening the interior body of your laptop or inserting or removing anything into or from any its ports (USB, ethernet etc.) or through the use of laptop key parts (key-caps and key scissors) not purchased from irithm through ebay.com or through irithm's own website for keyboard key parts (home page at http://www.irithm.com).

Laptop key replacement should not affect warranties but you have to check your own warranty to be sure.
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