Accidentally spilled coffee or a crumb stuck under the keyboard are frequent companions for owners of gaming and office laptops. MSI. In such situations, there is an urgent need for cleaning, which requires careful removal of individual buttons. Many users are afraid to do this themselves, believing that the mechanism will break at the slightest effort, but this is not always the case if you know the design features.
Keyboard series MSI (especially models GF63, GL65 and GE75) use specific mounting feet that differ from standard solutions of other brands. Understanding the operating principle of these mechanisms allows you to quickly return the laptop to working condition without contacting a service center. The main thing is to act slowly and carefully, excluding any sudden movements.
Features of MSI keyboard design and types of mechanisms
Before you begin dismantling, you need to understand what type of mechanism you are dealing with. In laptops MSI Most often, scissor mechanism legs or their modifications are used, where a plastic frame holds the key by applying pressure to a rubber membrane. Each button has a unique size and mounting shape, so there are no universal tips for all models.
It's important to note that the space bar and arrow keys often have additional detents or retention bars that are different from the standard keys. If you try to remove them the same way as the letter "A", you are guaranteed to break the fragile plastic. Study the structure of a particular model before starting work by looking at the side edge of the key at an angle.
To do the job, you will need a thin tool, such as a plastic pick card or a thin screwdriver with rounded edges. Using metal objects without protection may scratch the case or puncture the rubber pad under the key, rendering the button inoperative.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the leg structure at an angle to see the snap points.
- 🛠️ Prepare a soft tool to avoid scratching the surface of the laptop MSI.
- ⚙️ Learn the differences between a regular key and a key with a stabilizer (spacebar, Enter).
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pry the key from the very edge if you see that it has a complex shape. This can lead to deformation of the metal bracket, which is responsible for uniform pressure.
- GF Series
- GE Series
- GL Series
- GS Series
- Other model
Preparing the workplace and necessary tools
The success of the procedure depends 90% on preparation. You need to create conditions under which small parts will not be lost and the laptop will not suffer additional damage. Unplug the device and remove the battery if it is removable to avoid the risk of a short circuit if the contacts are accidentally touched.
The work surface should be clean and well lit. A large table with a plain tablecloth is ideal, where the contrasting details of the keyboard will be clearly visible. Spread a soft cloth so that if the keys are accidentally dropped, they will not be scratched on a hard surface of the table.
Prepare a container for the removed parts. If you plan to clean only one key, there will be no problem, but if you completely disassemble the keyboard without marking the parts, you risk not putting everything back together. Use clear trays or small jars.
☑️ Preparing to remove the key
Step-by-step instructions for removing standard keys
The process of removing regular keys (letters, numbers) on laptops MSI requires precision. Pry the bottom edge of the key with a plastic spatula to a depth of no more than 2-3 millimeters. You will hear a characteristic click when the latch releases. After this, the key should rise up easily.
If the key does not budge, do not force it. Most likely, you caught the wrong latch or did not release the mechanism completely. Try prying the key on the other side, alternating sides until it is completely free. The pressure should be upward and slightly to the side, not just vertical.
After removing the key, you will see a plastic fastening leg and a rubber membrane. Never touch the rubber membrane with your fingers unless necessary, as oil and dust from the skin may impair its conductivity or stickiness. If the membrane is dirty, use a cotton swab lightly moistened with alcohol.
- 👆 Pry the key from below, applying force straight up.
- 🚫 Do not use metal tools without a plastic cover.
- 🧼 Clean only visible dirt without smearing it across the membrane.
What to do if a key is stuck?
If the key does not budge, try pressing it from above and then sharply prying it from below. Sometimes the mechanism “sticks” due to dried glue or dust. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid breaking the plastic bracket, as replacing it requires a complete reassembly of the keyboard.
Removing keys with stabilizers: Spacebar, Shift, Enter
Large sized keys such as space, Shift, Enter and hands are equipped with additional metal stabilizers. These bars hold the key straight and prevent it from sagging at the edges. Dismantling such elements requires special care, since metal brackets are easily deformed.
First, pry one side of the key until it clicks, then immediately the other. The metal bracket should remain on the laptop body or on the key itself, depending on the design. If the bracket remains on the key, it must be carefully removed without bending the ends. If the staple remains in the laptop, check to see if its hooks are stuck.
When reinstalling, first secure the metal bracket to the key, then slide it onto the body, making sure that the ends of the bracket fit into the grooves. Press the center of the key until you hear a characteristic click. If you install it crookedly, the key will stick or not be pressed all the way.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them during dismantling
The most common mistake is trying to remove a key without first studying its design. Users often think that all buttons are the same and forcefully pull them up. This causes the plastic tabs on the stem to break and the key no longer holds.
Another common problem is using tools that are too sharp. A sharp screwdriver can pierce the rubber membrane or damage the contacts on the board. Even if the key remains in place, the laptop will no longer recognize keystrokes, and the entire keyboard will need to be replaced.
Improper installation back can also cause damage. If you do not hear a click during installation, it means that the latch is not seated. Continued use of such a key will cause it to fall off the first time you press it, possibly with broken elements.
| element | Features of dismantling | Risks of error |
|---|---|---|
| Standard key | Pry from below, one click | Broken mounting ear |
| Space / Shift | First one side, then the other | Deformation of the metal bracket |
| Arrows | Often have a double lock | Loss of stabilizer |
| Enter | Often has a long staple | Poor fit during assembly |
⚠️ Attention: If you see that the plastic leg is cracked, do not try to glue it. This is an unreliable solution and can cause the key to become stuck and damage the membrane.
Correct installation of the keys back
Assembly requires no less attention than disassembly. First, make sure that the plastic foot on the laptop body is intact and clean. If you removed the foot from the key, carefully return it to its place by turning or pressing until it clicks into place. Make sure it is level.
Place the key on the leg, aligning it in the center. Press the center of the key until you hear a distinct click. Do not press on the edges as this may cause distortion and breakage of one of the latches. If the key is installed correctly, it will be pressed softly and return to its original position without sticking.
Check the operation of all removed keys. Press each of them several times with different amounts of force. If the button moves or does not press, remove it and check whether the foot is installed correctly. Often the problem lies in the fact that the latch is not completely seated in the groove.
A correctly installed key should make a clear click when pressed and return to its original position instantly, without delays or backlash.
When to contact a service center
There are situations where independent intervention can only worsen the problem. If, when trying to remove a key, you hear a crunching or crackling sound, and some of the plastic remains in the mechanism, it is better to stop. Trying to pull out the fragments may damage the contacts on the board.
It is also worth contacting the service if the key cannot be pressed even after replacing the leg. This may indicate damage to the rubber membrane itself or the conductive paths underneath it. In such cases, professional diagnosis and possibly replacement of the entire keyboard module is required.
If you are not confident in your abilities or are afraid of damaging an expensive laptop MSI, entrust the work to professionals. The cost of replacing one key or cleaning it is usually lower than the price of a new keyboard module, which you will have to buy if it breaks.
- 🛑 If a metal bracket breaks, do not try to straighten it with pliers.
- 🔌 If the key does not work after cleaning, the problem may be with the board.
- 🔧 If you lose the retainer, it cannot be made at home.
⚠️ Attention: The most critical mistake is trying to insert a key without checking the cleanliness of the plastic grooves on the case, as debris can prevent the latch from working and lead to it falling off again.
Is it possible to remove a key on an MSI laptop if it is glued?
In some laptop models MSI special fasteners are used that may appear glued due to strong friction. Do not use glue to hold the keys in place. If the key does not come off, try carefully prying it off from both sides at the same time. If it does not respond, perhaps this is a design feature of the model, and replacement requires dismantling the entire keyboard.
What to do if the mounting leg breaks?
If the plastic leg is broken, the key cannot be put back. You will have to look for a compatible part at a disassembly site or in specialized spare parts stores. In some cases, you can try replacing the stem from another key if it fits, but this is a complicated procedure.
Is it possible to clean the keyboard without removing the keys?
Yes, you can use a can of compressed air or a special brush to remove fine dust and crumbs. However, for deep cleaning, especially if liquid has been spilled, removing the keys is necessary. Compressed air is not able to wash away dried dirt from under the keys.
How to distinguish an original MSI key from a compatible one?
Original keys for laptops MSI They have a specific backlight color and the shape of the legs, which fit perfectly into the slots on the board. Compatible keys may differ in the thickness or shape of the detents, resulting in poor press performance. Always check compatibility using your laptop model number.