Spilling water or another liquid onto a laptop can be a nightmare. The immediate worry is that the entire computer could be fried and stop working completely. But even if the laptop still turns on after a spill, water damage can have lingering effects that show up over time.
One of the most vulnerable components is the keyboard. Laptop keyboards contain intricate electronics underneath each key that sense when a key is pressed. If those electronics get wet, the keyboard can become unreliable or stop working entirely.
Can water damage a laptop keyboard?
Yes, water can absolutely damage a laptop keyboard. The electronics embedded in the keyboard are very susceptible to moisture. Even a small amount of water or other liquid can short circuit the components and lead to keyboard failure.
Some of the potential damage includes:
- Keys not working or responding inconsistently
- Letters typing incorrectly or doubled up
- Keyboard no longer detecting key presses
- Short circuits that could damage other components
The longer the keyboard remains wet, the more extensive the damage could be. If left untreated, corrosion from liquids can eventually destroy keyboard electronics completely.
What causes water damage in laptop keyboards?
There are several common causes of water damage to laptop keyboards:
- Direct liquid spills – Drinks like coffee or soda can be accidentally spilled directly onto an open laptop, allowing liquid to seep down into the keyboard.
- Small drips/splashes – Even small amounts of liquid like drips from a water bottle or splashes from a sink can get into a keyboard.
- Humidity/condensation – Exposing a closed laptop to high humidity or condensation can allow moisture to build up inside the keyboard.
- Submersion – Dropping a laptop into a sink, toilet or other body of liquid submerges the keyboard in water and causes instant damage.
Can you fix a water damaged laptop keyboard?
In some cases, it is possible to fix a water damaged laptop keyboard and restore functionality. However, the feasibility depends on the extent of the damage and what keyboard components were affected.
Minor water damage may only impact a small portion of the keyboard electronics. This kind of limited damage can often be repaired by cleaning and drying out the affected area of the keyboard.
More extensive water damage that has corroded or shorted out entire sections of the keyboard circuitry is harder to repair. The entire keyboard may need to be replaced.
How to fix a water damaged laptop keyboard
If a spill occurs, immediate action is required to give a water damaged keyboard the best chance possible of being fixed. Here are the steps to try:
- Dry it off – Blot up any standing liquid from the keyboard using a clean towel. Try to soak up as much as possible before it seeps deeper.
- Remove power and battery – Shut down the laptop, unplug it from its power source and remove the battery to prevent shorts and further damage.
- Disassemble the laptop – Following a tutorial or service manual for your specific laptop model, carefully disassemble the laptop shell to access the keyboard.
- Disconnect the keyboard – Locate the keyboard connector cable and gently detach it from the motherboard to fully disconnect the keyboard.
- Dry components – Use compressed air to blow out any droplets between the keys or under the keyboard. Let it air dry completely for at least 24-48 hours.
- Clean corrosion – Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to gently clean any corrosion on the keyboard electronics or connector pins.
- Test functionality – Reconnect the dried keyboard to power on the laptop and test it for responsive, properly working keys.
- Complete reassembly – If the keyboard works adequately, reassemble the laptop casing and test again.
The key with any water damaged electronics is to dry them as quickly as possible before corrosion has a chance to set in. If drying the keyboard does not restore normal function, replacement may be necessary.
How much does it cost to fix a water damaged laptop keyboard?
The cost to fix a water damaged laptop keyboard can vary quite a bit depending on the model of laptop and what kind of repair is needed. Some factors that affect the cost include:
- Keyboard replacement vs repair – Replacing the entire keyboard is usually more expensive than trying to clean and repair the existing one.
- Labor costs – There is a wide range in labor rates to have the keyboard professionally repaired by a computer technician.
- Parts costs – Replacement laptop keyboards can range from $50 to over $200 depending on the make and model.
- Extent of water damage – If moisture reached other components like the motherboard, additional repairs may be needed beyond just the keyboard.
Basic keyboard repairs often start around $100-150 if no parts are needed. Full keyboard replacements typically cost $200-300 when parts and labor are factored in. Liquid damage reaching other components could require $500 or more in repairs.
Keyboard replacement cost by brand
| Brand | Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Apple | $150 – $300 |
| Dell | $100 – $200 |
| HP | $100 – $250 |
| Lenovo | $100 – $200 |
| Acer | $100 – $180 |
| Asus | $100 – $250 |
Can you replace a laptop keyboard yourself?
In some cases, it is possible to replace a water damaged laptop keyboard yourself rather than taking it to a professional repair shop. However, keyboard replacement DIY requires technical skill.
The steps usually involve:
- Ordering the correct new OEM keyboard for your specific laptop make and model.
- Following a disassembly guide to access the internal keyboard components.
- Unplugging the small, delicate keyboard connector cable from the motherboard.
- Removing any screws or adhesive securing the keyboard to the laptop frame.
- Installing the new replacement keyboard in reverse order.
- Reassembling the laptop casing around the working new keyboard.
Self-repair is possible but also risky. Damaging other components when disassembling a laptop or improperly installing the new keyboard can end up costing more in the long run. For anything beyond basic cleaning, having an experienced repair technician handle keyboard replacement is usually recommended.
Can you repair individual water damaged keys?
Sometimes water damage only impacts a small number of keys on a laptop keyboard. Is it possible to repair just those affected keys?
Replacing individual laptop keyboard keys is technically possible, but challenging. Each key is held in place with delicate plastic clips that are easy to break. Proper disassembly and installation of the key mechanisms requires finesse.
Steps to replace an individual laptop key include:
- Identifying the correct replacement key – Match the keycap and underlying scissor mechanism.
- Using a plastic spudger tool to detach the key retainer clips.
- Sliding the key up and off the retaining mechanism.
- Cleaning any corrosion on the key clips or contacts.
- Installing the replacement scissor mechanism and keycap.
- Carefully snapping the plastic clips back into place.
Individual laptop key repairs are cheap – usually $5-$10 per key. However, the specialized tools and dexterity required makes this a difficult DIY project. Getting a professional to replace individual water damaged keys has a much higher success rate.
Troubleshooting tips for water damaged laptop keyboards
If a laptop keyboard stops working properly after coming into contact with liquid, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
- Let it dry out completely before powering on – Liquid inside needs time to evaporate.
- Try lightly cleaning the keyboard with isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs.
- Check for stuck, dirty, or damaged keys and clean or replace.
- Inspect the ribbon cable connector for signs of corrosion.
- Remove the keyboard to look for visible corrosion on the key mechanisms or circuit board.
- Connect and external USB keyboard to see if the issue is isolated to the built-in keyboard.
If the above steps do not restore normal keyboard operation, then replacement or professional repair may be necessary.
Can you prevent water damage to a laptop keyboard?
While accidental spills can always occur, there are ways to help prevent liquid damage to a laptop keyboard:
- Keep drinks away from the laptop when working.
- Don’t eat over the open laptop where crumbs or drips could get in the keyboard.
- Close the lid when transporting your laptop so spills don’t get directly on the keyboard.
- Use a laptop cover when working outdoors or in the kitchen and other wet areas.
- Carry the laptop in a protective case to minimize the chance of drops and liquid exposure.
- Never submerge a keyboard or clean it under running water or other liquids.
While not completely foolproof, following common sense precautions can go a long way towards avoiding many situations that typically lead to keyboard water damage in laptops.
Conclusion
Water and laptop keyboards clearly do not mix well, as even a small amount of liquid can severely damage the intricate electronics under each key. However, if caught quickly, taking immediate action to dry out a water damaged keyboard can possibly restore it to normal functioning.
For minor spills limited to only a few keys, DIY cleaning and repair techniques may solve the issue. But more extensive water damage will likely require either professional repair or full keyboard replacement to fix. This underscores the importance of both prevention and quick response when liquids and laptops come into contact.