A Problem With the 'Z' Key On My Keyboard

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Level 1

8 points

A Problem With the 'Z' Key On My Keyboard

As of roughly 30 minutes ago, I spilled a bit of milk on my keyboard. I proceeded to use a washcloth to dry said keyboard (without removing any keys), and as I was doing so, my 'Z' key popped off. I proceeded to put it back in its place, but after I did, it wasn't the same. It no longer has that satisfying "click" or "pop" you expect out of the key, and it's almost as if the key is leaning upward, like it's on a hill looking up. I imagine that, as I was cleaning my keyboard with the washcloth, my washcloth caught the edge of the key and pulled it off forcefully, thus damaging the joints of the key's underparts.

So, I suppose my question is this: what are my options as far as repairing it goes? I no longer have an AppleCare Protection Plan.

Early 2008 15" MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 20, 2010 7:50 PM

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Answer 1

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Sep 20, 2010 9:19 PM in response to Heart-A-Tact

To make sure of what you're seeing, pop off another of the letter keys and compare the scissor mechanism underneath it with the one for your Z key. If you find that the Z key's mechanism is damaged, you may need to replace the whole keyboard. The same parts suppliers I linked above can tell you definitively whether or not that's true.

This article concerns the older Powerbook keycaps; I don't know whether or not the mechanisms, hooks and pegs are the same in our MBPs. If that article doesn't help, this may. (Note: this link will directly download a PDF guide to keycap removal and replacement. It does not take you to a web page. Look in your normal Downloads folder or location for the PDF file.)

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Answer 2

eww

Level 9

53,052 points

Sep 20, 2010 8:35 PM in response to Heart-A-Tact

The first thing to do is pop the keycap off again and see whether it is in fact damaged. It may just not be pressed all the way back into position. But before leaning hard on it to accomplish that, you'll want to make sure no part of the little catches on its underside has gotten bent out of place and is preventing it from popping into place correctly.

If you do find anything broken, contact any or all of the following parts suppliers to see whether you can get a used Z keycap:

http://www.pbparts.com (parts and repair work)
http://www.dttservice.com (parts and repair work)
http://www.powerbookresq.com (parts and repair work)
http://www.tekserve.com (parts and repair work)
http://www.powerbookmedic.com (parts, repair work and instructional videos)
http://www.welovemacs.com (parts and used equipment)
http://www.ifixit.com (parts and excellent, illustrated online take-apart instructions)

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Answer 3

Heart-A-Tact Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 20, 2010 8:54 PM in response to eww

I do believe that the joints or catches that hold up the keycap itself are damaged, as I just did the things you instructed me to do, and the key still sits at an abnormal angle. The keycap itself is virtually undamaged, I believe. Should I be contacting the suppliers asking for a used keycap like you said, or should I be asking about the white things that hold up the 'Z' key?

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Answer 4

Heart-A-Tact Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 21, 2010 7:23 PM in response to eww

Well, I think I'll end up getting the whole of the keyboard replaced in due time, considering it bothers me so much. Thanks a lot for the help, eww. I really appreciate it.

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Answer 5

Dec 17, 2010 4:13 AM in response to Heart-A-Tact

Did you get your keyobard replaced? How much did that run ($$)? I would appreciate the info. I have several keys not working.

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