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Do you have an IBM ThinkPad laptop with a missing key on the keyboard? Not a problem, you can fix the keyboard without taking your laptop to a repair shop. It’s not even necessary to disassemble the laptop and replace the whole keyboard. If you have all the pieces from the fallen key, then the repair process shouldn’t take a lot of time. These instructions will explain how to assemble the key and install it back on the keyboard.
The key pieces are small and it may be very challenging to put them together, so be patient and have plenty of light in the work area.
If you are missing the key or one of the pieces, you can find them here. A single key assembly (including mounting hinges) will cost you about $5-$6 including shipping.
If you cannot find the right key but still want to fix the problem, then you’ll have to replace the whole keyboard. You’ll find keyboard replacement instructions in the IBM hardware and maintenance guide here.
Finally, if you still cannot figure out how to install the missing key back on the keyboard or if you have another laptop brand, check out this instructions for fixing keyboard keys.
February 9th, 2012 at 5:55 am
Does anyone know how (if even remotely probable/possible) to upgrade the keys on a ThinkPad with mechanical clicky keys reminiscent of the IBM Model M’s or Cherry Switches?
July 14th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Thanks so much, you saved me. I thought I need a keyboard replacement, but thanks to you help I could fix it.
June 6th, 2011 at 9:03 pm
VOILA! ..And it works like wonder! Tis is one good article. Thanxalot!
May 6th, 2011 at 8:15 am
I just replaced my keayboard because the key which came off got eaten by the dog and it was sticky from a spill. Well while locking the new keyboard in place I guess I dislodged the l key. It poped off today. I was so upset. I found your post and was able to re attch hopefully it stays and is not going to be a perpetual problem. Thanks.
January 6th, 2011 at 6:49 am
my friend takes laptop from me and he return with my enter key missing… should I take it to the shop to fix this or to buy a new keyboard…….
July 12th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Wonderful page.
Thanks a lot.
Alan
January 21st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
dextermat,
I guess you are talking about the key lifting mechanism, I call it a retainer.
If the retainer is broken, you’ll have to replace it with a new one.
Search for a new key on eBay. You can buy a new key with a new retainer together.
January 21st, 2010 at 10:25 am
Nice but what if the part where you assemble the key is damage.
On the thinkpad r60 you have little pieces of plastic sticking out and 2 out of 4 are broken….
i guess i need to change the whole thing
November 13th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Awesome. Thank You! My key was still intact, but your instructions showed me how to reinstall it…Invaluable
May 11th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Thanks, you saved me a trip to the supportcenter. Very tricky to get the small pieces in the right place. Now i can use the s button although it is not as it were originally. I think it is time to get a new keyboard anyhow.
/P