Broken keyboard switch, options to fix

I have an AMD framework 13 (7840u). My toddler threw a tablet at my laptop and knocked out a couple of keys. I pushed them back on but one of them is not being very responsive now. What are my options for repair? Do I need to replace the input cover or can I buy the keyboard module. I did find one thread where someone 3d printed a replacement but I’ve never worked with one nor do I have one (though I hear you can get access to them at various community places). Would appreciate help with this! Ideally I’d like to avoid excess waste but I also kind of want a quicker fix it possible because I use this laptop for work. Thanks!

If it’s for work and / or you just want it fixed easier, I recommend just buying the input cover. The keyboard is not quick to remove, and worse, if screws get stripped it could turn into a problem. The keyboard is attached with a lot of tiny Phillips screws. I believe that’s done to provide stiffness, without adding undue thickness.

To reduce waste you could offer up the old input cover on the marketplace.

1 Like

Thanks for the input! One other temporary fix I am considering is to swap the butterfly component from another key (maybe one of the control or alt keys since there’s two?) though looking at it I’m not totally sure if the modifier keys are the same size as the letter keys. It feels like they’re ever so slightly smaller to me.

I believe they are the same. They’ve posted pictures of the keyboards which appear to be to-scale drawings & they look the same size there.

Thanks! I actually ended up picking the “broken” key off and reassembling the plastic butterfly structure and it seems to work better now. Previously hitting it was a 50% chance of success and now it seems more like 95%. It still feels a little lower in one corner so I imagine the plastic is a little bent or damaged but it’s working much more reliably now.

I’m realizing if the problem is just the key switch (or whatever the plastic part is called) I could probably buy a replacement keyboard and cannibalize that part for spares. But I think for now my immediate problem is solved.

Thanks for the help!

1 Like