Home > The Machina Library > Keyboard Key Installation Guides
A guide to repairing your laptop or notebook's keyboard
Yes, it is possible to replace individual keys on your laptop's keyboard! Note that the same laptop model can have several different types of hinge mechanisms under the key. Some colors in the pictures may differ for your model. That is fine, what matters most is the shape of the hinge piece.
Step 1: Orient the hinge
The plastic hinge mechanism must be oriented as shown for it to fit into the base of the keyboard.
Step 2: Insert the hinge into the base
Insert one of the top tabs of the hinge into the plastic socket on the base of the keyboard.
In this example, the top left tab is being inserted first.
Step 3: Set the hinge into the base
Insert the remaining top tab of the hinge into the plastic socket on the base of the keyboard.
It is recommended that you do this by pressing down directly on the hinge's remaining plastic tab
with a small tool, like a pair of needle-nose pliers. If you press down using only your finger,
the force will not be applied correctly and may break the plastic tab off of the hinge.
Step 4: Secure the hinge in place
Snap the bottom of the hinge into place, by pressing down evenly on the bottom of the hinge.
The bottom inner plastic hinge should snap into place under the wide plastic lip
on the base of the keyboard. You can now check that the hinge works by flexing it up and down;
it should pivot easily at it's axis.
Step 5: Place the rubber spring piece
If your keyboard is missing the rubber spring piece, place it in the center of the hinge.
It will be held in place by the surrounding key and hinge.
Step 6: Press the key into place
Align the key on top of its place on the keyboard, and press down evenly. All four corners
of the key should click into place.