Member Avatar for NotThereAnymore

I have a Gateway MP6954 Platinum Edition laptop. In a rush to go to the bathroom, I dropped my book on the keyboard. The "a" key fell out & I have been struggling to put it back in. How can I put my "a" key back?

  • 3 Contributors
  • 6 Replies
  • 104 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by The Dude

Dani AI

Generated

Short, practical steps and what to try next, since the white scissor/retainer and the rubber membrane look intact (from the earlier posts).

Start slow and look closely. Line up the tiny hooks on the underside of the keycap with the matching slots on the plastic retainer. Seat the back edge first so its little lips catch, then press the front edge straight down until you hear or feel a soft click. Use a fingernail or a flat plastic tool (credit card edge). Metal picks can snap the clip or scratch the case.

If the cap stays crooked or the key feels mushy:

  • check that the retainer halves (the two small plastic pieces) are fully engaged with each other and with the keyboard posts. A half‑latched retainer makes the cap tilt.
  • make sure the rubber dome is centered under the contact area. If the dome moved, nudge it back with a dry cotton swab.
  • blow out lint with compressed air and inspect the keyboard area on a bright light. Tiny broken plastic bits often hide on carpet; retrieve them before they jam other keys.

If a clip is cracked or the retainer came apart, avoid permanent fixes like glue unless it’s an emergency. Glue can foul the action and prevent future proper repairs. Better options: swap a rarely used keycap temporarily or order a replacement retainer/keycap for the exact Gateway model. If opening the case (as suggested) is ever attempted, do so only with the right tools and on a hard, clean surface. As noted, different laptops have slightly different seating motions; photographing the parts before further disassembly helps reassembly later.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for The Dude

Have to tried to open the unit and carefully lay the keys out on the tray before closing it??

Should be easy enough to remove the case..

Good luck :)

Member Avatar for NotThereAnymore

I can't remove the case; I do not have a screwdriver & I'm in a college dorm with three people & a carpet floor. Can I fix it without taking the case off? I know the plastic white hinge is still on the back of the key.

Member Avatar for NotThereAnymore

The membrane is in place too. I just need to put the key itself back on.

Member Avatar for jbennet

you just need to push it on. On my thinkpad the key kinda pushes and slides at an angle

Member Avatar for NotThereAnymore

Thank you so much! I tried pushing it in at a slight angle and it worked. It's a little crooked, but it works. :)

Member Avatar for The Dude

Excellent :)

Easier than i thought!

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.