Fixing a spilt-upon keyboard

Grandmaster Jogurt · Post by **Grandmaster Jogurt** » 2006-09-27 07:41pm

A few days ago, I accidentally spilt some milk on my laptop's keyboard, and though I tried to clean it up as well and fast as possible, some of my keys (specifically the bottom three arrow keys) are no longer functioning. I've tried cleaning under the keys themselves to get rid of some of the gunk, but that didn't fix it.

Is there any way to fix it without bringing it somewhere for repairs? They're not essential keys, but they're nice to be able to use.

Uraniun235 · Post by **Uraniun235** » 2006-09-27 07:45pm

If you're willing to take a gamble, you could take off all the key caps, then run the keyboard through the dishwasher, then let the keyboard dry out for a couple of days. (don't use the heated dry cycle on the dishwasher and don't use detergent)

I did that for one of my keyboards after I accidentally spilled a glass of chocolate milk on it, and it still works fine.

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2006-09-27 07:52pm

Depending upon the model, removing keys from a laptop keyboard can be a real PITA.
It might just be easier for you to look up the disassembly instructions and see if you can find a replacement KB cheap on ebay.
Failing that, remove the KB and soak it in hot water and let it dry thoroughly before reassembly.

Grandmaster Jogurt · Post by **Grandmaster Jogurt** » 2006-09-27 08:56pm

Putting it in... the dishwasher? Huh.

Maybe it's all the Ninja Turtle cartoons I watched as a kid where the robots exploded from stepping in puddles, but I'm cautious about putting any part of my computer near water. Still, since it apparently works, I'll try that this weekend when I have time.

Thanks!

Post by **Beowulf** » 2006-09-27 08:59pm

You have to be very careful to let the board thoroughly air dry before you put it back. Also, it's advisable to only put the keyboard through, not any other parts of said laptop. Good luck.

Stark · Post by **Stark** » 2006-09-27 09:07pm

You can use those evaporative cleaners to clear off the last of the moisture... but I wouldn't be too optimistic.

Uraniun235 · Post by **Uraniun235** » 2006-09-27 09:22pm

Oh, wait. I didn't see "laptop keyboard". Crap.

I would imagine that it would survive the dishwasher but I personally wouldn't try it with a laptop keyboard.

Sorry. I'm not sure what to suggest then.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2006-09-28 01:49am

Being more careful with your rather expensive replacement keyboard. Sure, you can try washing it off, but my success rate for laptop keyboards with that is precisely nil.

RThurmont · Post by **RThurmont** » 2006-09-28 04:05am

Unless you have a really great keyboard (such as a vintage IBM "M series" or one of those hot new backlit gaming keyboards), I would suggest you trash it, and take advantage of this rare opportunity to get a really great keyboard. I like the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPlus USB keyboards with UltraNav-essentially, a ThinkPad keyboard replete with touchpad and trackpoint, sans the ThinkPad. However, they are a tad pricey, at $99-$129, and have the annoying FN/CTRL inversion and no Windows key. I use one nonetheless, and it helped me avoid carpal tunnel-and it also looks fabulous.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2006-09-28 04:46am

RThurmont wrote:Unless you have a really great keyboard (such as a vintage IBM "M series" or one of those hot new backlit gaming keyboards), I would suggest you trash it, and take advantage of this rare opportunity to get a really great keyboard. I like the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPlus USB keyboards with UltraNav-essentially, a ThinkPad keyboard replete with touchpad and trackpoint, sans the ThinkPad. However, they are a tad pricey, at $99-$129, and have the annoying FN/CTRL inversion and no Windows key. I use one nonetheless, and it helped me avoid carpal tunnel-and it also looks fabulous.

I have one of these, it is better

:

http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cf ... /id/227787

Only cost 75$ too- alas, in gray/olive instead of black- the black one available now is hideously expensive at 175$. And quality isn't as good as the really old ones, but that's the price you pay for having a builtin trackpoint. Kind of annoying that the trackpoint stick is a little loose and not firm like the one on my thinkpad though.

Edward Yee · Post by **Edward Yee** » 2006-09-28 01:53pm

Not sure what to do about the keyboard either -- might be easier to "abandon" the onboard keyboard if it were a tablet PC and use a USB keyboard full-time, but if not I don't know...

For that matter, due to excessive pulling and interal attachment points (hooks?) going out of position, I've actually lost my Up key with no ability to reattach it, so I have to press the contact point by hand...

Glocksman · Post by **Glocksman** » 2006-09-28 02:40pm

Laptop keyboards can be replaced, but you'll probably pay a fortune for a shop to do it, as they'll order the part from the manufacturer and pay list price for it plus charge you at least an hour's labor.

I've had good luck with ebay for laptop parts odds and ends (hard drive caddies, power supplies, etc) and it's usually a lot cheaper than buying from the manufacturer.
Just check the guy's feedback and as long as he's got a lot of positives, you're golden.

If you're comfortable with a screwdriver, you can probably replace it yourself.
Check your manufacturer's tech support site for service manuals dealing with your model.
For example, Dell has the service manuals online for most of their laptops, and the manual basically shows you how to strip it completely apart and reassemble it.

You Can Do It™

Netko · Post by **Netko** » 2006-09-28 03:57pm

If you are handy with electronics, I think you could even strip it without a manual, with a little tinkering and being careful to follow the golden rule of not using force to dislodge things and being mindful of static electricity.

I've stripped down parts that are even less user fixable in theory (DVD burner for example), not to mention a few laptops (including a mod of an very old one, 386, where I replaced the battery with a direct 12V plug for usage on the family sailboat) and I never had problems with it except when I idioticly used force.

If you go down that route (tinkering) have patience. While most of the stuff is usualy connected quite logicaly, there are always sooner or later a screws or latches in strange places that are not obvious at first glance. Keep looking around - force is never needed. Also be mindful of the need to reassemble the thing. Keep notes if needed, especialy if you run into a time wasting problem (like there being a hard to find latch/screw). Keep screws that are used for certain parts (HD, keyboard, motherboard, battery, casing, etc.) seperate - it helps troubleshooting why you wound up with extra screws after finishing the work greatly (and don't think that won't happen).

RThurmont · Post by **RThurmont** » 2006-09-28 07:04pm

Apparently there is one company that bought IBM's patents to the M series and is still making them. However, the ThinkPad keyboards are utterly fantastic, to the point where I would rather use of them than a traditional desktop keyboard. I also have a post-M series IBM keyboard that came with a Y2K IBM desktop that I recently bought used as a guinea pig for putting Linux on, and it is certainly an acceptable keyboard.

I've heard really bad things about the new Apple keyboards, and from my experiences with them in the Apple store, the complaints could be valid. I remember the Apple keyboards from the 80s were outstanding, but the new ones seem quite a bit mushy, yet not in the soft supportive way of the new Dell keyboards (which, while diametrically opposed to the IBM designs in terms of design philosophy, are also quite enjoyable).

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » 2006-09-28 11:07pm

I'd grab a used one off ebay and insert, ala glocks man.