Crunchy Left shift Key

[fefrie]

Well I did the unthinkable, I dropped my laptop off my bed onto the carpeted floor. I think it was in the closed position when I dropped it. It was in the closed position on the floor so I assume as such.

True to ibm, none the worse for wear.

However, I did notice that pressing the left shift key will occasionally have a crunching sound as if the key were being reseated on the white hinge assembly. The key was stable and although jammed a couple of times where it didn't work, it's now back to normal.

The left shift key did start acting kind of funny around the same time that I dropped it, but I'm noticing now that the area under the left shift key is unsupported by anything underneath. I can stick my finger in the pcmcia slot while pressing the left shift key and there is a lot of flex in the base of the keyboard material.

Has anyone else experienced a crunchy left key? I'm wondering if it's because I dropped it or what I think is more likely, the keyboard base starting to flex a bit more than it should.

I'm thinking of getting a dummy pcmcia slot to support the underside of the left keyboard. Hopefully that will stop the occasional crunching.

[uberT]

My "ALT" key was getting funky, not sure why. I suppose it was due to 4.5 yrs of use. I just bought a new keyboard and snapped it in. The keyboard was not expensive...I don't recall the price but it was around $60. I sold the old keyboard on eBay for $10 or soemthing.

[fefrie]

the keyboard was brand new, less than a couple of months old

[truk]

I have several keys that seem to "crunch". Personally, I doubt it was related to the fall unless the carpet was full of dirt. I have several keys that "crunch". Usually this is caused by a small piece of dirt or food stuck under the key, that pops out when you press it, and slides back when the key is released. You can try to clean the key, usually by removing it (not necessarily the best idea, as they can be hard to put back). As for the keyboard getting soft, I don't think it should be a big concern. The laptop keyboards are often quite flexible, as not to break during normal wear, cleaning, and maintenance/removal, you probably are getting a little paranoid (no offense, I am with my thinkpad). Even so, keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't keep getting softer, or develop a crack.

Hope I've been of some help!
Truk

[fefrie]

Dirt or food is probably the most likey reason. I wish I would have thought of that myself...

[phelix]

Try vacuuming the keyboard with an upholstery brush.

[jimmy274]

For me, the 'P' stopped working for no apparent reason. The keyboard is in excellent shape, and this had no sense at all.
What I did was vacuum it, and then the 'P' would be back to normal. Soon afterwards, it began to stuck again (not actually stuck - more like you can't press it, and if you do, it seemed like you breaking something underneath). Finally, I removed the key, and all the little plastic hinges that were holding it, and gave it a good wipe. It working fine ever since.
If it continues to make trouble, I suggest you remove it and clean it. It could be a little harder to get it back, but nothing you can't do in 5 mins of work...

[RealBlackStuff]

Rather than vacuuming it, buy a can with compressed air, and blow systematically under all the keys row by row.
For best results, take out the keyboard first (only 2 screws as per HMM).
You'd be amazed to find the meal that is hiding under your keys!