The Grey Nomads Forum

Replacement Laptop Keys

Happywanderer said
05:10 AM Feb 17, 2012

The most used keys on my laptop have no identification left on them. The letter has completely worn off. Its a Toshiba.

Does anyone know if you can take the keys off and put new ones on and where would I get them if that is so?

old briney said
05:19 AM Feb 17, 2012

should be 3 or 4 screws in the bottom of laptop (small keyboard diagram) remove them with a small flat screwdriver lift (gently) the keyboard at the bottom between plastic and keyboard, once the k/b is lifted a smallconnect can be removed then replace in reverse

Sheba said
05:30 AM Feb 17, 2012

If you know what letters etc. have disappeared Marj, why not print them on with White-out Fluid, or White Paint, then when dry, give them a coat of clear Nail Polish ?

Cheers,

Sheba.

Happywanderer said
05:47 AM Feb 17, 2012

Thanks Sheba, I could do that but with Black as they have worn white. Thank god I learned Qwerty at college. lol 5 have completely gone and another 4 are nearly gone.
Thanks Brian and Sue, do you know if its easy to get the replacement keys and where from?

_wombat_ said
10:10 AM Feb 17, 2012

what series and model of Toshiba do you have?

you can only replace the whole keyboard, or do as Jim suggested.

you have 5213 post here on GN, and I don't know how many post's on other site's, you could save the print on your keys by not typing as much biggrin

just found this one for you, will it help? see pic below, this is only for use when you get a message click any key.

-- Edited by _wombat_ on Friday 17th of February 2012 10:41:26 AM

Attached Files:

any key1.jpg

dorian said
02:02 PM Feb 17, 2012

I doubt that key caps would be available (keyboards are serviced as an assembly), but why not use an engraving tool to etch the character into the keycap, and then use black touch-up enamel to fill in the etch.

jimricho said
02:52 PM Feb 17, 2012

This doesn't answer your question I know, but you most likely would be able to connect an external keyboard (the type one uses with a normal desktop) via the USB socket.

_wombat_ said
02:55 PM Feb 17, 2012

Happywanderer wrote:
smart ass wombat eh!!!
Couldn't I use that one on all of them and save time.

which ones are missing? and I will make some up for you biggrin would go like this

-- Edited by _wombat_ on Friday 17th of February 2012 03:03:28 PM

Attached Files:

ChiChi1 said
03:45 PM Feb 17, 2012

HW, Just recently, the "n" wouldn't work on mine. Let my inhouse technician have a look and he replaced the whole keyboard section for me. Said he just ordered one from Sony. (mine is a sony) Probably the same for Toshiba. I don't think it would have been all that expensive because mine is very old. Maybe try the internet.

_wombat_ said
03:45 PM Feb 17, 2012

heres some info for you, it's very easy to change a keyboard and some tech guys will charge you $150-$200 for a 15 min job, don't let them rip you off.

Tell me the unit's model number and I can look for more specific info.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcM9knr_P4Q

here's one keyboard for $26 they are all about that price

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Keyboard-Toshiba-Satellite-A300-A305-L300-M200-M300-Blk-/290666461532?pt=AU_Laptop_Accessories&hash=item43ad12395c

-- Edited by _wombat_ on Friday 17th of February 2012 03:47:43 PM

gst said
05:02 PM Feb 17, 2012

If you get on to www.laptopkeyboard.com this will help you to change your keys or key board

Happywanderer said
05:20 PM Feb 17, 2012

Thanks guys, all good advice.
Yes I do have a separate keyboard from my old computer, in the drawer jimricho. Might have to get that out. I did use it when I first got a laptop as I preferred that shape of keyboard then.
So far have used permanent marker to write the letters on the worn keys. Will look into that website gst, thankyou.
The engraving tool sounds a great idea dorian.
There is a Toshiba computer shop in town, could always ask there too Chichi about a replacment.
Lots of options there.