[SOLVED] Help me fix a broken keyboard

[Murrquan]

The 's' key on my IBM Thinkpad R51's keyboard is missing. The top part and the assembly have snapped off, and the rubber cap just beneath that was torn off when I had someone else look at it. >.< I'm typing using the raw touchpad alone, and it's making my fingers sore because of the metal thingies where the key is supposed to snap in.

I tried snapping it back in, multiple times, but I could never quite get it in all the way. Now the plastic hinge mechanism is so worn down that it won't stay locked in place at all. And, like I said, the rubber cap has been torn off.

I still have all the parts, but that 's' key is totally shot. The only thing I can think of to do is buy a replacement keyboard -- plenty of them on eBay, including for this model of notebook. But that's a lot of money to spend for just one missing key. Everything else on this 4+ year old machine works perfectly (well, except the battery).

Is there any way I can make this thing work without tossing a nearly-perfect keyboard and buying a new one?

[Whiffle]

If the rubber part is shot, then I think you'll need a new keyboard. I actually got a pebble stuck under my arrow key once and screwed up the key and the little deck chair looking pieces underneath when i tried to put it back together. I bought a new key with all the pieces for about a dollar.

[Murrquan]

Where'd you buy it at? I could glue the rubber back on if I was careful maybe >.>

[Whiffle]

ebay!!

[Murrquan]

Thanks!

And I didn't kill your father, just so you know ^.^;

[Whiffle]

I don't mean to pry...






...but you don't by any chance happen to have six fingers on your right hand?