@ lbkNhubert unfortunately Framework support has not been helpful. The last time I ran into this issue I found their conduct insultingly patronizing:
But at least they did replace the input cover.
This time, after leading me through a lot of pointless troubleshooting, they refused to replace the input cover.
I could pay $50 for a new keyboard or $100 for a new input cover, but have decided not to at this time - especially as I suspect that a third input cover would also have the delete key fail after some months.
Instead, I used the Keyboard Manager tool in Microsoft PowerToys to remap the Framework button (alternate for F12) to the Delete key. Now I am able to delete text and use ctrl+alt+del without an external keyboard, and all that button did was launch the Framework website anyway. (Note: Keyboard Manager describes this key as “Send Media”.)
@pinkhatbeard you are welcome to try various troubleshooting steps (reboot, update, blow canned air, and so on), but… yeah. Almost certainly the keyboard is at fault. Previously I was able to try a good and bad input cover with two different Framework laptops and verify that the problem is with the keyboard. I encourage reaching out to Framework support, assuming your laptop is within warranty.
Again, I also encourage everyone who ever has or ever will post to this thread to answer some diagnostic questions Broken delete key - like literally stopped working - #26 by Chad_Schultz if enough people answer, that might provide some clues as to why the delete key fails for some people.
Sorry to hear your frustration with the keyboard and input cover along with others. The silver lining I suppose is the Framework is extremely repairable. compared to other devices out there.
All the parts are covered by the 12 month warranty though correct? Or are you outside the warranty period again?
I do not know if I could use a keyboard without a functional delete key. Kudos to you for getting by with the F12 key as a substitute.
Good thought on the warranty! I just took them at their word that I was out of the warranty period. Knowing now that it’s a 12 month warranty, I realized my input cover was well within that period and pushed them to replace it.
We had some back and forth - Framework support argued with me, not wanting to replace it. Apparently they were trying to use the date of the very first Framework order I had ever placed (more than a year ago) instead of the most recent input cover I had ordered (less than a year ago).
Annoyingly, there’s still no indication that they have any intention to investigation and resolve the root issue.
@Chad_Schultz I wonder if we had a bad batch of input covers? I also ordered my now-defective one less than a year ago. Support has replaced it under warranty and the issue is gone.
That is entirely possible. If it was a bad batch, Framework should have been able to identify that from the affected customers, and should have been able to have the supplier told them what happened. One of my recommendations to them was exactly that, to communicate with the manufacturer and see if there was a known issue.
But I also wonder if the problem just hasn’t come back yet for you. Both times it happened for me it seemed to take a couple months to develop.
There are a numbero f possible causes. I still wonder if it could be related to me always plugging in the powered USB hub to the port near the delete key - wonder if somehow that fries the delete key over time. Ah well.
I wonder if you are on to something. I was just having this issue and after reading your comment I moved the module I was using for power to a different port and now my delete button works again.
Interesting! I know that for me the delete key was broken continuously, even while I was on battery power. I wonder if having power plugged in to that port gradually wears down something related to the delete key.
Thank you for this workaround and your communication on the issue, I’m experiencing the same thing. I didn’t purchase a new input cover because the problem seemed too oddly specific and I didn’t think that would fix it… it seems my fears weren’t unfounded.
13" or 16" system? 13"
Which mainboard? 12th gen
Which OS? Windows 11 Pro
Do you frequently use an external keyboard? No
Do you use a powered USB Hub? If so, which kind? No
Which port do you usually use when charging your laptop? Rear right
Thanks for sharing! I hope many others will likewise share lots of details.
Interesting that you, like me, use the rear right port for charging… the one closest to the delete key. But that’s just speculation at this stage. Hopefully more data will come in, and one day, eventually, Framework will take the problem seriously instead of refusing to investigate it.
Same issue on my Framework (12gen DIY Batch 2) - Seems to be a hardware issue as pressing the key hard registers an action but tapping it normally has no effect.
My trackpad click is giving out again too. This is my second input cover from that issue.
I’m so done with Framework’s absolute trash reliability and quality control. They even had to lock the thread I wrote about my laptop issues to hide the bad press.
The repairability mission just isn’t enough anymore. Repairability doesn’t help when the laptop needs to be repaired so frequently that you’re constantly shipping and replacing parts.
