Over time, when a laptop or desktop computer gets used, the keys loosen up and may fall off suddenly. In other situations, the laptop or desktop computer may get physically hit, and the keyboard may get affected. In such cases, one or more of the keys gets loose, and it will be necessary to reattach it.
To reattach the keys back to a laptop, keep the keycap, keypad, and key retainer in good condition. Otherwise, the keys won’t reattach to the keyboard. In the case of a desktop, the plunger and the keycap must also not be damaged. Once the parts are intact, you should insert them properly into their slot to reattach them.
This article will explain reattaching keys to laptop keyboards and mechanical keyboards. You will also learn how to maintain a keyboard and improve its lifespan.
How To Reattach a Keyboard Key
There are two primary types of keyboard keys: the laptop keyboard and the mechanical or desktop keyboard.
The below show you how to reattach the keys on each type of keyboard.
How To Reattach a Keyboard Key to a Laptop
Before reattaching the keyboard keys on a laptop, you have to take note of the three parts that make up each key. We have the keycap, keypad, and key retainer. If any of these parts are damaged, you must replace them with an unbroken or new one before they are reattached.
Here is how to reattach a loose keypad on a laptop.
- Gently press down the keycap on the side where it got loose. You will hear a snap sound when the keypad reattaches to the keycap.
- Using your thumb or index finger, even out the keycap by lightly pressing it down on all four sides.
If you don’t hear a snap sound, you can gently remove the keycap, keypad, and retainer and reattach them. Also, the key retainer is likely damaged if it still doesn’t attach to the keyboard after reattaching the keycap.
If the key retainer is damaged, you should get a new one and fix it.
Here is how to reattach the keys on a laptop with the retainer.
- Fix the key retainer into its slot. When inserted, the retainer will lie flat.
- Fix the keypad into its slot on the retainer.
- Place the keycap over the retainer and the keypad and gently press down on it. You will hear a snap sound signifying that the keycap is now in place on the keyboard.
- Using your index finger, gently press down all surfaces of the keycap. This action ensures that all sides of the keycap are fixed firmly to the retainer.
How To Reattach a Keyboard Key on a Desktop (Mechanical Keyboard)
The keyboard architecture of a desktop is different from a laptop; the desktop keyboard is also known as a mechanical keyboard.
The desktop keyboard has a keycap and a plunger. The keycap inserts into the plunger through a lock and fits the model.
To reattach the back to the keyboard, you must ensure that any part of the keycap or the plunger isn’t broken. Otherwise, you will need to replace it with a new key or plunger.
Here is how to reattach a key on a mechanical keyboard.
- Check that neither the plunger nor keycap is broken. If broken, replace it with a new one.
- Take the fallen key and insert it into the plunger. You will hear a snap sound showing that the key is fixed correctly.
- Gently push down the keys and read them through your monitor screen several times. This action ensures that the correct key has been properly inserted.
You should ensure that the key is oriented correctly and not in an upside-down position. You should note this for keys having letters with perfect symmetry. For example, the letters H, I, O, S, X, and Z.
How To Maintain a Keyboard
There are simple steps to follow to maintain the lifespan of your PC keyboard and prevent the keys from being damaged.
Here are some ways to maintain a keyboard.
- Occasionally clean your keyboard using a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust. A dust vacuum cleaner can also help you remove dust.
- Clean in between keys using a cotton swab.
- Avoid fluids such as water and other spillages from contacting your keyboard.
- Don’t delay fixing the keys of your keyboard if you find out that any of them is no longer functioning. You should take it to a computer repairer to diagnose and fix the keyboard.
- Finally, do not punch the keyboard too hard when typing, as doing so could loosen it faster.
Conclusion
Laptop and desktop keys often get loose after many use, and we will need to reattach them to the keyboard when they get loose. To reattach the keys to their keyboard, you should ensure that the key parts are not damaged. Otherwise, you should replace them.
When the key parts are intact, you should gently reinsert the keycap and other components into their slot to reattach them.
