How to fix a dead spacebar on Framework 13

Framework Laptop 13 Linux
1

Hi all,

My Framework 13 (AMD Ryzen 7040 Series, running NixOS) suddenly developed a dead spacebar this morning. Every other key works perfectly — it’s only the spacebar that’s affected.

What I’ve checked so far:

  • Removed the Input Cover and reseated the keyboard ribbon cable (connector latches properly, no visible damage)
  • Tried to inspect under the spacebar keycap but did not remove it — afraid of breaking the clips/hinge mechanism
  • The key feels normal when pressed, but the backlight only works on one side of the spacebar (the other side is dark)
  • No liquid damage, though I used a non-conductive contact cleaner spray earlier while the spacebar was already acting up
  • Laptop was apart a few weeks ago for a RAM upgrade and worked fine until today

The question: Is this a known issue with a fix (e.g., a specific membrane/ribbon contact point I can clean or adjust without removing the keycap), or is the switch itself dead and I need to replace the entire Input Cover?

I’d really appreciate any insight before I order a replacement — thanks in advance!

1 Like
2

I am personally not aware of any known issues in that regard.
The backlight issue + dead key sounds like liquid damage to me.
The fact that the spacebar was already acting up seems like foreshadowing and that it now stopped working completely, also sounds like liquid damage to me :frowning:
Maybe you have kids around?
My suggestion would be to watch a video on how to remove key cap, so you have a better idea on how it looks below it.
If you really want to try to clean it, you will need to take the cap off.
The key is dead anyways, so you have nothing to lose.
However it is borderline impossible, to clean the contacts, due to how a membrane keyboard is built.
I personally tried and failed.

In case the key is irreversibly dead, there is a blessing in disguise: You have a Framework.
No need for the whole input cover, just get a new keyboard :slight_smile:

2 Likes
3

I have looked at everything and also opened it up. The downside is the Input-cover looks fine. I reset all the connectors, only not the one that’s glued down and the blue one. I know this is the keyboard, but I was too scared because it was a bit harder to open the black clip. If someone thinks I should try it, please tell me. Thanks (spacebar now CapsLock)

4

likely something got underneath the rubber dome.

not much you can do really, and .. contact cleaner wouldnt help. in fact it can make things worse.

5

That’s the way it’s supposed to be (there is only one LED underneath the symbol for the spacebar, see Marketplace photo of the illuminated clear keyboard).