How to carefully remove the keyboard from an MSI laptop: analysis of 5 popular models

Disassembling a laptop MSI replacing the keyboard or cleaning the dust often becomes a headache for users. Unlike desktop PCs, where the keyboard is connected via USB, in laptops it is integrated into the case and attached to latches, cables, and sometimes even glue. Mistakes during dismantling may result in damage touchpad cable, keyboard connector or the motherboard itself - and this is an expensive repair.

In this article we will analyze the process of removing the keyboard using the example of five popular series MSI: gaming GF63/GF65, ultrabooks Prestige 14/15 and flagship GS66/GE76. You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, cable break due to incorrect opening of the latch on the ZIF connector) and what to do if the keyboard is glued to the case. For clarity, we provide a comparative table of fastenings and video instructions.

What tools are needed to remove the keyboard?

Before you begin disassembly, prepare your work area and tools. You will need:

• 🔧 Plastic picks (or guitar picks) - for carefully prying the latches. Metal screwdrivers may scratch the housing.
• 🔨 Screwdriver set: cross PH00 (for most screws) and flat 1.5 mm (for prying off the covers).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or a container for screws - so as not to lose small parts.
• 📸 Smartphone — photograph every step, especially the location of the cables.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and a lint-free cloth - for cleaning the cable contacts if the keyboard did not work.

For some models (eg MSI Stealth 15M) may be required hair dryer - if the keyboard is glued to the case with hot glue. In this case, warming up the edge of the keyboard by 50–60°C will help you separate it carefully. Do not use sharp objects to pry - there is a risk of damage flexible cable or backlight too high.

Preparing a laptop: what needs to be done before disassembling

Improper preparation is the main cause of breakdowns during DIY repairs. Follow this checklist to avoid mistakes:

Turn off the laptop and disconnect the charger

Remove the battery (if it is removable)

Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds (static electricity discharge)

Place the laptop on a soft surface (such as a towel) with the screen facing down

Take photos of the location of all screws and stickers -->

Pay special attention battery. In models MSI GF63 Thin And GS66 it is often secured with screws under the back cover, and in Prestige 14 can be glued. If the battery is non-removable, work with the laptop unplugged, but remember: risk of short circuit remains. To minimize it, use antistatic wrist strap or periodically touch the metal case of the system unit (if it is nearby).

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop MSI Under warranty, disassembling it yourself will void it. In this case, contact a service center - even if you carefully remove the keyboard, traces of opening the case will be visible.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove the keyboard on different MSI models

The process of removing the keyboard differs depending on the laptop series. Below are detailed instructions for five popular lines.

MSI GF63 Thin / GF65 Thin (and other models with snap-on bottom lid)

1. Remove the back cover by unscrewing all the screws (usually 10–12 pieces, 5–8 mm long). The screws are under the rubber feet - don't forget them!

2. Disconnect the battery by disconnecting the cable from the motherboard (pull the black tab of the connector).

3. Find 4–6 plastic latches around the perimeter of the keyboard. Gently pry them up with a pick, starting from the top edge (touchpad side).

4. Lift the keyboard and turn it over. Underneath you will see ZIF cable (white connector with lift-up latch). Open the latch and remove the cable.

What to do if the cable latch is broken?

If the plastic latch on the ZIF connector is cracked, do not try to force it closed. Instead:

1. Carefully insert the cable into the connector until it stops.

2. Secure it with a drop of hot glue (don't overdo it!).

3. Press for 10-15 seconds.

This method is temporary - replace the connector as soon as possible.

MSI GS66 Stealth / GE76 Raider (premium gaming models)

In these laptops, the keyboard is often glued around the perimeter. Algorithm of actions:

1. Remove the back cover (the screws may be hidden under stickers!).
2. Disconnect the battery and the touchpad cable (it goes under the keyboard).
3. Warm up the edges of the keyboard with a hairdryer (temperature 50–60°C, no higher!).
4. Pry up the keyboard with a plastic card, starting from the upper right corner (there is usually less glue there).
5. After removal, clean any remaining adhesive with isopropyl alcohol.

⚠️ Attention: B MSI GE76 there may be an additional one under the keyboard metal screen for cooling. Do not lose it or bend it during assembly - this will impair heat dissipation.

MSI Prestige 14/15 (ultrabooks)

For these models, the keyboard is mounted on double-sided tape and 2–4 screws under the cover. The main difficulty is thin backlight cable, which is easy to damage. Proceed like this:

1. Remove the bottom cover (the screws may be of different lengths - remember where they were!).

2. Disconnect the battery and touchpad cable.

3. Gently pull the keyboard up, starting from the right edge. If you feel resistance, warm it up with a hairdryer.

4. Under the keyboard you will find two connectors: the main cable and the backlight cable. Disable them one by one.

1. Is the backlight cable inserted correctly (it is thinner than the main one).

2. Are there any dirt on the contacts (wipe with alcohol).

3. Is the backlight enabled in the BIOS (Advanced → Keyboard Backlight).-->

Table: comparison of keyboard mounts in MSI laptops

Model	Mounting type	Number of latches	Features	Removal difficulty (1–5)
GF63 Thin	Latches + 2 screws	6	ZIF cable, removable battery	2
GS66 Stealth	Glue + latches	4	Requires heating with a hairdryer, metal screen	4
Prestige 14	Double sided tape	0 (glue only)	Backlight cable, fragile design	5
GE76 Raider	Glue + screws	8	Additional cooling screen	4
Modern 14	Latches	4	No backlight, simple design	1

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when disassembling. Here are the most common:

• 🔌 Loop break — occurs if you pull the keyboard by force without disabling the ZIF connector latch. Always open the latch before removing the cable!
• 🔩 Lost screws - screws in MSI often of different lengths. Use a magnetic mat and label them (for example, "A - 5 mm, B - 8 mm").
• 🔥 Overheating when peeling off - if you use a hairdryer at a higher temperature 60°C, you can melt the plastic or damage the cable.
• 💡 Forgetting to disconnect the battery - this is fraught with a short circuit, especially if you touch the motherboard with a screwdriver.

Another common problem is broken keys after assembly. The reasons may be different:

• The cable is not fully inserted into the connector (check if the latch is latched).
• The keyboard membrane is damaged (if you pressed hard when removing it).
• The contacts have oxidized (wipe them with alcohol).

What to do if the keyboard cannot be removed

If the keyboard does not budge despite your best efforts, do not use force - this will only make the problem worse. Here's what you can do:

1. Check all screws - sometimes the keyboard is secured with hidden screws under stickers or rubber feet.
2. Use a plastic spatula — metal tools can scratch the case or break the cable.
3. Warm up the glue — if the keyboard is glued, warm it evenly with a hairdryer (keep it at a distance of 10 cm, the temperature is not higher than 60°C).
4. Refer to disassembly diagram - for popular models MSI There are detailed videos on YouTube (search by exact model name).

If the keyboard still won't come off, it may be attached hidden latches under the touchpad. In this case, you will first have to remove the touchpad (usually it is held on by 2-4 screws under the stickers).

⚠️ Attention: In laptops MSI Titan And GT76 The keyboard can be soldered to the motherboard. In this case, independent dismantling is almost impossible - you need a soldering station and experience working with SMD components.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove the keyboard without removing the back cover?

No, in 99% of models MSI The keyboard is secured with screws or cables that are accessible only after removing the cover. The exception is some budget models (for example, Modern 14), where the keyboard is held in place only by latches, but even there the risk of damaging the cable is too high.

How to check if the keyboard works after removal?

Connect it to the motherboard (insert the cable into the connector and snap the latch), then turn on the laptop without assembly. If the keyboard does not respond:

1. Check if the cable is inserted correctly.
2. Clean the contacts with alcohol.
3. Try connecting the keyboard to a different connector (if you have a spare one).

If the problem persists, the keyboard is faulty.

What should I do if the backlight does not work after assembly?

Most likely, you did not connect or damaged the backlight cable. In models Prestige And GS66 it comes separately from the main keyboard cable. Re-disassemble the laptop and check:

• Is the backlight cable connected (it is thinner than the main one).
• Is it bent (this can lead to breakage).
• Is the backlight enabled in the BIOS (Advanced → Keyboard Backlight).

How much does it cost to replace a keyboard at a service center?

The cost depends on the model and type of keyboard:

• Budget models (GF63, Modern 14): 1,500–3,000 ₽ (with work).
• Gaming (GS66, GE76): 3,500–6,000 ₽ (due to the complexity of disassembly).
• Backlit: +1,000–2,000 RUR to the base price.

Replacing it yourself will cost less (the keyboard costs from RUB 1,000), but the risk of damaging the laptop is high.

Can I wash my MSI laptop keyboard?

Yes, but only after complete dismantling! Do not wash the keyboard connected to the laptop - this will cause a short circuit. Cleaning algorithm:

1. Remove the keyboard (as described above).
2. Wash it with warm water and soap (do not use aggressive detergents!).
3. Dry with a hairdryer at minimum temperature or leave for 24 hours in a dry place.
4. Before installation, check that there is no moisture under the keys.

Use isopropyl alcohol (90%+) to clean contacts.