Replacement key

[Benthamite]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 17.3" optimus xi. The machine is running great, but I've noticed that the 'e' key is loose and occasionally pops free of the keyboard. I've checked and it looks like one of the two plastic clips on the back of the key has partially broken. This should be a very easy fix - all I need is a replacement 'e' key to clip on.

PCS are however telling me that they can't send a replacement and that I need to send the whole machine in for a service, which I would much prefer to avoid as I rely on it for work on a daily basis. Does anyone know which model keyboard PCS use for this setup and where I could pick up a cheap single replacement key?

 

[SpyderTracks]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 17.3" optimus xi. The machine is running great, but I've noticed that the 'e' key is loose and occasionally pops free of the keyboard. I've checked and it looks like one of the two plastic clips on the back of the key has partially broken. This should be a very easy fix - all I need is a replacement 'e' key to clip on.

PCS are however telling me that they can't send a replacement and that I need to send the whole machine in for a service, which I would much prefer to avoid as I rely on it for work on a daily basis. Does anyone know which model keyboard PCS use for this setup and where I could pick up a cheap single replacement key?

It may be a built in keyboard which is why they need it returned, it’s not like on other machines where you can actually remove the keyboard and replace it. Their usual policy is just to send a replacement keyboard out via next day for the user to fit themselves so the only reason I can think they’d ask for you to send it in is if it’s fixed to the chassis on that model.

 

[Benthamite]

It may be a built in keyboard which is why they need it returned, it’s not like on other machines where you can actually remove the keyboard and replace it. Their usual policy is just to send a replacement keyboard out via next day for the user to fit themselves so the only reason I can think they’d ask for you to send it in is if it’s fixed to the chassis on that model.

That's what they say, but the actual keyboard isn't the issue - just the removable plastic clip-on key itself.

 

[SpyderTracks]

That's what they say, but the actual keyboard isn't the issue - just the removable plastic clip-on key itself.

Yes, but it’s not a modular keyboard, so you can’t get replacement keys for it, that’s the point, it’s not like modular keyboards.

 

[Benthamite]

Yes, but it’s not a modular keyboard, so you can’t get replacement keys for it, that’s the point, it’s not like modular keyboards.

I'm not quite sure I understand. I am able to remove any other key from the machine and then replace it without issue. The only problem is an isolated plastic clip on one of them. It seems like overkill to replace the whole keyboard. Are you saying that single keys for this kind of fitted keyboard are simply not produced?

 

[SpyderTracks]

I'm not quite sure I understand. I am able to remove any other key from the machine and then replace it without issue. The only problem is an isolated plastic clip on one of them. It seems like overkill to replace the whole keyboard. Are you saying that single keys for this kind of fitted keyboard are simply not produced?

Yes, as it’s not a modular keyboard, they don’t supply replacement key caps. It’s just not a thing, doesn’t exist.

 

[Tony1044]

It may be a built in keyboard which is why they need it returned, it’s not like on other machines where you can actually remove the keyboard and replace it. Their usual policy is just to send a replacement keyboard out via next day for the user to fit themselves so the only reason I can think they’d ask for you to send it in is if it’s fixed to the chassis on that model.

Yeah I have a Dell like that - have to take the whole thing apart to change the keyboard (I know as I put a backlit one in). It's under the motherboard!

 

[SpyderTracks]

Yeah I have a Dell like that - have to take the whole thing apart to change the keyboard (I know as I put a backlit one in). It's under the motherboard!

It's part of this "thin and light" endevour... as far as I'm concerned if that's the trade off, it's not a feasible sacrifice. Keyboards just have to be modular, it's a basic necessity for easy repair. Especially on something as wearable as a keyboard.

But that's just me, I'd always take a thicker, better cooled, fully modular chassis over thin and light.

 

[Tony1044]

It's part of this "thin and light" endevour... as far as I'm concerned if that's the trade off, it's not a feasible sacrifice. Keyboards just have to be modular, it's a basic necessity for easy repair. Especially on something as wearable as a keyboard.

But that's just me, I'd always take a thicker, better cooled, fully modular chassis over thin and light.

Totally agree. I'd also ideally like to be able to buy key caps, like the OP.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Totally agree. I'd also ideally like to be able to buy key caps, like the OP.

Yeah, that's also a given. When they're modular, you also get the option for aftermarket keyboards and caps too, so if the OEM stops selling them they're still fairly easy to source.

 

[Benthamite]

Yeah, it's extremely frustrating having something as simple as a broken key cap and finding out this needs a full service, when the keyboard itself is in perfect working order. I could fix the issue myself in seconds if key caps were sold individually. I rely on the machine for work so I'm not thrilled about having to go without it for another week or so over something so small.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Yeah, it's extremely frustrating having something as simple as a broken key cap and finding out this needs a full service, when the keyboard itself is in perfect working order. I could fix the issue myself in seconds if key caps were sold individually. I rely on the machine for work so I'm not thrilled about having to go without it for another week or so over something so small.

As a last chance attempt, what's the chassis model number, should be on a label on the underside of the laptop? I'm not sure if it's a clevo or another brand.

I've been basing this all off what you've been told from PCS, it's possible they've given you bad information as we have had a spate of that today. I'll do a search on the model number.

 

[Benthamite]

Chassis number is a GK7N

This is the keycap in question. There are no electronic or mechanical connections to the keyboard, and other keys pop on and off easily for cleaning/repair. It's a very simple plastic clip. You'd think it would be easy to provide replacements, but I don't know the industry so I'm sure there are other factors.

 

[SpyderTracks]

Chassis number is a GK7N

This is the keycap in question. There are no electronic or mechanical connections to the keyboard, and other keys pop on and off easily for cleaning/repair. It's a very simple plastic clip. You'd think it would be easy to provide replacements, but I don't know the industry so I'm sure there are other factors.

No, there's nothing at all I'm afraid for that chassis on the internet. Tongfang don't have a public website for laptop spares like clevo do, it's unfortunately going to have to be an RMA.

 

[Benthamite]

That's a shame. I've arranged an RMA and it's being picked up tomorrow, so hopefully the issue is fixed relatively quickly. Thanks for the help!

 

[SpyderTracks]

That's a shame. I've arranged an RMA and it's being picked up tomorrow, so hopefully the issue is fixed relatively quickly. Thanks for the help!

Fingers crossed they'll get to it quickly.

Keep us posted if you can, would love to know the process.

I'd like to feed this back as a general point of contention for builds with built in keyboards, see if perhaps PCS can communicate with TongFang to get some spare keycaps in stock.