How to Reattach a Keyboard Key

Inspect the damage beneath the detached key. Flip the key over to check if the key stabilizer is still intact. The stabilizer is a small plastic piece underneath that connects the keycap to the keyboard frame. Compare the key with the frame you intend to attach it to and see if the stabilizer is still in place. If it's missing, you'll need to replace it with a stabilizer from another key.

• You can purchase individual key replacement parts online.
• Laptop keyboards vary widely, so the replacement steps may differ slightly for each model. If your laptop key differs from this guide, visit https://laptopkey.com to find videos for your specific laptop model. Use the search bar at the top to locate your laptop model, scroll to the bottom of the page for your specific model, and click View Videos to watch repair technicians fix the keyboard.

Inspect the keyboard to ensure the key frame is intact. To reattach the key effectively, the frame must have all necessary components, such as the central rubber dome, plastic or metal hooks to connect with the key.

• The central rubber dome is where the key will attach.
• The metal hooks will align with the stabilizer beneath the key. If the metal hooks are bent to the point where you can't attach the clip on the stabilizer, use needle-nose pliers to gently bend them back into place. Remember to disconnect the laptop or keyboard from the power source before proceeding.

Replace the key stabilizer (if necessary). The stabilizer is a separate component (with two interlocking pieces) often transparent or translucent. It can be attached to the base frame or the keycap.

• First, if the stabilizer has two pieces, interlock the smaller piece into the larger one by aligning the hooks. The inner piece will snap into place once aligned correctly.
• Place the assembled stabilizer onto the base frame of the keyboard. Align it so the stabilizer frame fits into the base frame, then press down. You’ll hear a click, indicating the stabilizer is secured.
• If you struggle to attach the stabilizer, you can remove the central rubber dome from the base frame. Lift the rubber dome, attach it to the stabilizer, and then fit the stabilizer into the keycap until it clicks into place.

Attach one side of the key hook first. If the frame uses metal hooks, slide the hook into the stabilizer frame and then slide that side of the key into the frame.

• For plastic hooks, slide the key into the frame so one side of the stabilizer aligns with the hook on the base frame.

Press the other side into place. After attaching one side of the key to the hook, gently press the other side down. The keycap will snap into place with a click.

Press down several times to ensure the key is secure. Test by pressing the key a few times to confirm the keycap is firmly in place. The key should spring back after each press.

• If the key still doesn’t fit properly, take the device to a repair shop. For Mac users, visit an Apple Store.

Inspect beneath the key to ensure the stabilizer is intact. For mechanical keyboards commonly used for PC gaming, reattaching a detached key is relatively straightforward. Start by flipping the key over to check if the stabilizer is damaged.

• If the key is damaged, you’ll need to remove a replacement key from another old keyboard or purchase one from online retailers.

Check to ensure the key switch is intact. Examine the square frame where the keycap attaches to the keyboard. In the center of the base frame, there’s a small switch connected to the keycap. This component ensures the key returns to its original position after being pressed. The switch must be properly positioned and undamaged.

• Each key has its own switch. When you press a key, the switch registers that the character is being typed.
• If the switch is broken or missing, repairs become more complicated. If the keyboard is easy to disassemble, you can remove the damaged switch and replace it with a new one. Typically, you’ll need to desolder the old switch and solder a new one in place, which is straightforward if you know how to solder. If you’re unsure, it’s best to take the keyboard to a computer repair shop or purchase a new one.

Align the keycap with the frame and switch. Position the keycap directly above the switch. Press down slowly and observe from the side to ensure the keycap fits snugly into the frame (you can use your phone’s flashlight for better visibility). The keycap must align with the switch and fit perfectly into the frame.

Press the keycap onto the switch until you hear a click. Gently press the keycap into the frame. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could damage the switch. When the key snaps into place, you’ll hear a click.

Test the key several times to ensure it functions properly. The key should spring back smoothly without any resistance, providing a similar feel and movement as the surrounding keys.

• If the key’s movement feels obstructed, remove it and realign it. There’s a possibility the keycap or switch is damaged. If the key still doesn’t operate smoothly after several attempts, consider replacing the keyboard.