Fixing Laptop Key

[Bl1zz4rd]

I recently bought a Samsung NP350V5C laptop. As soon as I took it out of the box I noticed that the spacebar on the keyboard squeaked loudly, every time I pressed it. I then noticed that a panel at the bottom was loose, and returned the laptop, receiving another of the same unit in exchange. The new one's panel is fine, but the spacebar squeaks just like the last. Seeing as though this is the 2nd unit to do this, I don't even think there's any point in returning it, as the next is likely to have the same problem.

I've had a look online, and it seems that a number of other brands have laptops that do this too. Is it common? Is bad manufacturing the cause?

I tried to find out if there was anything I could do to fix it myself, but I can't figure out whether chiclet keys can be removed, and which lubricant to use.

What would be the best way to rectify this?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Harvey]

First, if your laptop is less than a year old, contact Samsung's support. It should be covered under the warranty. If so, it's free, and it's on them.

Last year, I had to replace the keyboard on my Compaq laptop, and I learned some things that may help you. First, the construction of many laptop keyboards does not lend itself to replacing small parts. It's easier to replace the entire keyboard assembly.

Second, searching Google for sources for laptop keyboard replacements brings up a lot of sites. Many of them aooear to be small outfits in China, and I was hesitant to give my plastic info to them. I was lucky to find one source in Orange County, Ca., laptoppartsexpert.com, that had the exact replacement for $25. Even better, they had a toll free phone number so I called them and spoke with the owner, Jeremy, who confirmed that they had the part in stock, and that they would be shipping it from their local warehouse. Even more better, they have a 5.0/5.0 rating on resellerratings.com (9.67/10 over 83 reviews). :thumbsup:

The bad news is, I just checked their site, and they don't list any parts for your machine. However, they were so straight ahead and honest with me that I would recommend calling them to see if they can get the part for your machine and, if not, whether they could recommend anyone else who may be able to help you. Their toll free phone numger is (866) 410-0620.

The most important lesson I took away from this exercise is that there are a lot of questionable vendors for small, after-market replacement parts listed online so do your homework before you give anyone your credit card info.

Before you try to install it, download the service mnual for your machine to guide you through disassembly and reassembly. It should be easy enough, but a navigational guide always helps.

Good luck.