How to carefully remove buttons from a laptop keyboard: instructions for beginners and professionals

The laptop keyboard is one of the most vulnerable components, which over time becomes dirty, sticks or fails. Removing the buttons may be necessary to deep cleaning, replacing damaged keys or repairing pads. However, incorrect dismantling often leads to broken latches, damage to the cable, or even failure of the keyboard.

In this article we will look at step by step methods removing buttons for different types of keyboards (scissor, butterfly, membrane), we will tell you about the necessary tools and warn against common mistakes. You will also learn how distinguish keys with metal latches from plastic ones - this is critical to choosing the right approach.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

Before you begin dismantling, make sure you have everything you need. Lack of the right tools is a leading cause of damage.

You will need:

• 🔧 Plastic pick (or guitar) is the safest instrument for prying the keys. Metal screwdrivers scratch plastic and break fasteners.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) - for cleaning contacts and buttons. Do not use wet wipes or water!
• 📦 Key storage container — small details are easily lost. A plastic tray with cells or a magnetic substrate will do.
• 🔍 A magnifying glass or magnifying glass will help you see microcracks on the latches.

Important: if you remove the keys on a laptop from backlit (For example, ASUS ROG or MSI GS66), disconnect the battery 10–15 minutes before starting work. Residual voltage may damage the LEDs.

⚠️ Attention: Some models Lenovo ThinkPad And Dell XPS have keyboards with ultra-thin mechanisms ("butterfly" from Apple or "scissor mechanism 2.0"). Their buttons are removed differently - a special extractor key is required.

Types of laptop keyboards: how to determine yours

The design of the keys depends on the laptop model and year of manufacture. An error in determining the type of mechanism leads to broken latches.

Keyboard type	Examples of models	Features of dismantling
Scissor mechanism	HP Pavilion, Acer Aspire, Samsung Notebook	The keys are attached to two plastic “scissors”. Removed by prying on both sides.
Butterfly (Apple)	MacBook Pro (2015–2019), MacBook Air (2018+)	Thin metal latches. An extractor key or a special spatula is required.
Membrane	Budget laptops (For example, Irbis or Digma)	The keys sit on a silicone membrane. They are easy to remove, but the membrane is fragile.
Mechanical (rare)	MSI Titan, Alienware m15	Similar to desktop keyboards. The buttons are removable Cherry MX.

To determine your keyboard type, look at the side of the key (for example, Shift or Space). If two plastic staples are visible, this is a scissor mechanism. If the key is almost flat and thin, it is most likely a “butterfly”.

How to check the keyboard type without disassembling it?

Press the key Caps Lock or Enter from the side - if it bends evenly and returns with a soft click, it is a scissor mechanism. If the stroke is short and hard, and the sound is dull, it is probably a membrane one. Butterfly keyboards make a distinctive metallic click when pressed.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove scissor keys

Scissor mechanisms are the most common. Their buttons are held on by two plastic brackets that cling to the base.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect the battery (if it is removable).
2. Select the key to dismantle. Start with F1 or Esc — they are smaller and easier to remove.
3. Insert a plastic pick under top edge keys and gently lift it up. Don't pull to the side!
4. When the key rises, slide the pick to the next mount and repeat.
5. After removing the key you will see two plastic “scissors”. Carefully remove them and place them in a container.

Important: do not apply force if the key does not budge. Perhaps you are prying from the wrong side. On the keys Space, Shift or Enter Often there are additional metal stabilizers - they need to be removed separately.

I photographed the location of the buttons|Disconnected the power and battery|Prepared a container for parts|Checked the type of keyboard|Using a plastic tool

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⚠️ Attention: On some models HP Omen And ASUS TUF keys WASD have reinforced springs. They cannot be removed without fixing the stabilizers - otherwise the spring will fly out and be lost.

Features of removing butterfly keys (MacBook and analogues)

Apple's butterfly keyboards are notoriously fragile. Even in service centers they are cleaned with care.

To remove you will need:

• 🛠️ Special extractor key (sold in MacBook repair kits).
• 🔥 Hairdryer (to soften the glue on the keys Space And Enter).
• 🧲 Magnetic backing - the parts are very small and magnetic.

Process:

1. Heat the key with a hairdryer (temperature 60–70°C) for 10–15 seconds.
2. Insert the extractor key into the groove on the side and turn it counterclockwise.
3. Lift the key and carefully remove the metal latches with tweezers.

Warning: on MacBook 2016–2017 Butterfly keys often break during dismantling. If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service.

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Before assembling the butterfly keyboard, apply a thin layer of silicone grease (such as Krytox 205g0). This will reduce noise and increase the service life of the mechanism.

How to remove large keys (Space, Shift, Enter)

Large keys have additional elements - metal stabilizers or springs. Their dismantling requires special care.

General algorithm:

1. Remove adjacent keys (for example, for Space — Alt And Win).
2. Carefully remove the stabilizers on both sides. They are secured with latches or small screws.
3. Pry the key on one side and lift it, holding the stabilizers so that they do not pop out.

On laptops Lenovo Legion And MSI Raider key Space often has two springs instead of one. They need to be removed one by one, otherwise the key will warp.

Key	Typical problems	Solution
Space	Sticks when pressed from edges	Check the integrity of the stabilizers and lubricate them
Shift	One side sags	Adjust the height of the springs or replace the latches
Enter	Doesn't return to original position	Clean contact pads from dust with alcohol

Cleaning and assembly: how to avoid mistakes

After removing the keys, you need to clean them and the contact pads. Use only lint-free wipes And isopropyl alcohol.

Procedure:

• 🧼 Wash the keys in warm soapy water (not for membrane keyboards!).
• 🔥 Dry them in the air or with a hair dryer in cold mode.
• 🧴 Apply alcohol to the keyboard contact pads and wipe with a napkin.
• 🔧 Make sure all “scissors” or latches are intact before assembly.

During assembly:

• Start by installing the mechanisms (scissors, springs).
• Secure the key by pressing on all four corners until you hear a click.
• Check the key stroke - it should be pressed smoothly, without distortion.

⚠️ Attention: On keyboards with backlit (For example, Razer Blade) Do not use acetone or solvents - they will damage the light guides.

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If after assembly the key falls through or does not lock, check the integrity of the plastic latches on the mechanism. Most often, the bottom bracket breaks; it can be replaced with a donor part.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to broken keyboards. Here are the most common:

• 🔨 Using metal tools — scratches the plastic and breaks the latches. Always use a plastic pick.
• 💦 Cleaning with wet wipes — leaves streaks and can cause corrosion of contacts.
• 🔄 Incorrect assembly — if you confuse the top and bottom of the scissor mechanism, the key will stick.
• 🔋 Operation with power on - risk of short circuit, especially on backlit keyboards.

If you break the latch, do not try to fix it with glue - this is a temporary solution. It’s better to order a replacement key (for example, AliExpress or at a service center). For popular models (eg MacBook Pro 2018) repair kits with new mechanisms are sold.

What to do if the key breaks off completely?

If the plastic key pin has broken off, you can try to glue it with superglue (for example, Loctite 401), but this is short-lived. The best option is to replace the entire key. For laptops Dell Latitude And HP EliteBook Keys from other models of the same series are often suitable.

FAQ: answers to popular questions