Laptop keyboards are pretty great! They are easy to use, portable, and produce quality results. Unfortunately, they do not last forever. Eventually, you may need to purchase a new keyboard for your laptop. Your laptop will likely still function with the existing keyboard, but you will not be able to type effectively since the keys on your keyboard will not work as expected.
This blog post is all about whether you should be replacing your laptop or not and how much it costs to replace a laptop keyboard.
Factors Affecting the Cost When You Replace Laptop Keyboard
Here are five factors that can affect the cost of replacing a laptop keyboard:
1. Age of Laptop
The age of your laptop is an essential factor that determines how much it will cost to replace your broken keyboard. Suppose you have a high-end model that you purchased less than two years ago. In that case, the manufacturer may still be offering free repairs since this is typically the lifespan of electronic devices.
If you have a mid-range model that is more than four years old, the repair will likely be too expensive to justify an investment in fixing it.
2. Model Number
The make and model of your laptop will determine what kind of replacement keyboard you need to order. Some laptops may even have a standard QWERTY layout on their keyboards; others may differ by having extra keys or specialized functions – like multimedia function keys. The more complex or unique the keyboard, the more expensive it will be to replace.
3. The Condition of Your Laptop
If your old keyboard has not damaged other parts of your laptop, replacing it should not cost too much. But, if your old keyboard has caused damage to other components in your device, these repairs will add to the overall cost. For example, if some keys have fallen off and broken the motherboard, this will likely increase the price tag.
4. Location of the Shop
The location of the laptop keyboard replacement shop is another factor that can determine cost. It will be more expensive to get laptop keyboard repair done in a city than in the suburbs. Some shops offer their services at a discounted price because they are located in less populated areas. The cost of overhead expenses such as rent and electricity is lower in these areas; thus, they can offer their products at a lower price. In most cases, you should be able to find a local laptop keyboard replacement shop with a quick online search.
5. Warranty Status
If your laptop is still under warranty, you may want to contact the manufacturer to see if they can do the laptop keyboard repair work for you. Some manufacturers offer free or low-cost repairs during the first year of ownership.
Many third-party shops offer laptop keyboard repair services at affordable rates if you are out of warranty. Just make sure to research any business before using their services. You can usually look up reviews and ratings online for any company that does computer or electronics repairs.
6. Type of Laptop Keyboards
There are two types of laptop keyboards available: original and compatible. Original keyboards are made by the same brand whose logo is on your laptop, while compatible keyboards are made by a third-party manufacturer unrelated to your laptop’s brand. If you can afford an original keyboard, it is always wise to purchase one. Compatible keyboards are less expensive, but their quality may not be up to the mark.
Following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using compatible laptop keyboards:
Advantages
- Less expensive than original laptop keyboards,
- More variety in terms of colors, finishes, styles, and designs,
- Easy to install,
- Wide availability in the market.
Disadvantages
- Lack of quality as compared to originals,
- Easy to damage if not dealt with correctly.
Average Cost When You Replace Laptop Keyboard
Laptop keyboards typically cost $10-60 online but may cost $20-100 or more at a computer repair shop, depending on the factors mentioned above. However, if you are a do-it-yourself person, you can save money by replacing your laptop’s keyboard yourself.
5 Easy Steps to Replace Laptop Keyboard at Home
- First, power off and unplug your laptop and flip it over. Remove the battery if you can. If you cannot, try to keep any metal objects away from the motherboard.
- Then, unscrew the screws on the back of the computer that holds the keyboard in place.
- Now, flip your laptop back over, pull up gently on one corner of the keyboard, and remove it carefully.
- Put your new keyboard and screw it back in using the same screws you removed earlier.
- Finally, plug your laptop back in, power it on, and press each key to make sure they all react normally.
Tips for Choosing the Right Replacement Keyboard
Here are three tips to help you choose the correct replacement keyboard:
1. Choose the Right Keyboard
To choose the right keyboard, one must know your system’s component number, series, and model number. You can find this information on the bottom of your laptop. One can also search for it online.
2. Compatibility Issues
It is essential to ensure that any replacement piece is compatible with your system. The new laptop replacement keyboard may look similar but may not fit into your system. It is advisable to contact the manufacturer before purchasing a replacement keyboard if you are unsure about its compatibility with your system.
3. Hire a Professional to Replace Laptop Keyboard
If you do not know about opening up your laptop, you can hire a professional to get it done for you. You can find many professionals online who will fix it for you at a reasonable price. This will save you both time and money.
Key Takeaway
The cost of replacing the keyboard on a laptop can vary depending on your computer’s model and specific brand. However, as most laptops utilize standard keyboard technology, it should not be too difficult to track down laptop keyboard replacement parts at any local computer shop or online for significantly cheaper. The only caveat is that if your laptop is relatively old, you may have trouble finding compatible replacement parts. This varies significantly by brand, so be sure to research before buying any replacement parts.
Hiring a local professional could be more expensive than simply replacing your entire computer if you are not comfortable with DIY repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, the technician will have access to parts onsite to complete the laptop keyboard replacement within about an hour. If the technician does not have the specific part for your computer model on hand, they may need to order it from another source, which will add time to the process. In this case, it could take anywhere from 5 to 10 days for the part to arrive.
You might think that laptop keyboard replacement would require various tools, but it is pretty straightforward. Only a tiny head screwdriver and a plastic scribe are needed for this repair.
Before buying a new laptop or replacing your keyboard, think about how much money you want to spend and what kind of computer will best meet your needs. There are plenty of cheap laptops out there that are probably not much better than your current one. If you want something better, you will have to pay a little more.
