Keyboard key responds only if pressed hard

[OriginsA]

Hello, I'm looking for some possible solutions to an issue I'm currently having with my keyboard.

I was recently typing out a paper when my "d" key on the laptop suddenly stopped working. After completing the already suggested tips from HP, such turning off and on, and reinstalling the keyboard driver, I determined it must be a hardware issue.
I have removed the keycap and surrounding keycaps an made sure each area of the keyboard was clean an free of dust before replacing the keycaps. I discovered that the key could still activated by pressing hard and a downward motion on the key.

I would normally send in to HP, but my warranty has expired a few days ago.

Is there anything I can do to remedy this problem without purchasing and replacing the keyboard? Thank you.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@OriginsA Greetings from the HP Community!

Did you drop liquid or have any accidents with the keyboard?

Did you check with an alternate user account or an external keyboard to check if all the keys on that work?

I recommend the below steps:

• Clean the keyboard with compressed air (blow compressed air in the gaps between keys). This removes some lint and dust. 
• Shut down the laptop, remove the battery and cable for a moment, press and hold the start button for 60 seconds, reconnect the battery and check if it works better,
• if the issue persists, run a hardware test to identify any issues with the keyboard: Click here for details (Interactive test) under component tests - keyboard.

If the interactive test fails, You may order the replacement parts on the HP Parts Store, use the HP Parts Surfer to find the part number and If you've already looked for it and couldn't find it on the HP Parts Store, you may want to get it locally at the online store such as Amazon or eBay, etc...as the part numbers are universal.

I hope that answers your query,  

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Have a great day ahead.