"A" Key on HP Omen X 17t Laptop unresponsive

[Gavin_Magnus]

The "A" key on my Omen X 17t laptop now no longer provides any input to the computer.  The other keys work fine, so I do not think that this is a software problem.  The key itself does not appear to be stuck; it depresses to the same extent that other keys do, snaps back, and makes the same clicking noise.  However, when pressed the computer does not register that the key has been pressed.

It's worth noting that at first the key would work unreliably.  That is, in the hour before this happened it would occasionally not register a key press and then work fine for several presses after that.  Then it stopped working completely.

I have tried clearing any debris from around or under the key, and there doesn't seem to be anything major there (though of course there's probably some dust and stray hairs/eyelashes, etc. as you usually get with a keyboard).  I haven't removed the key because I am worried about breaking the key and not being able to put it back on the keyboard (this happened to me with a previous laptop). 

Is there anything which could be causing this other than something physically jamming the key?  And if it is something under the key which I need to remove by removing the key, are there are any guides or tips for how I can do that without damaging the keyboard?

[Gavin_Magnus]

I've used a USB keyboard with the laptop and the "a" inputs fine from there so it is definitely something with the keyboard. 

I tried removing the key to directly clean under it.  With other laptops I have done this by placing a knife under the key and gently prying it loose on each side.  However, this did not seek to do anything but move the key around on its spring (or at least that is what it felt like).  I didn't want to apply more pressure since I don't want to break the key, especially if it cannot be replaced.

Is there any guide for removing/replacing the keys on  this laptop?  The only guides that I can find on the HP site pertain to other laptops, which don't have mechanical keyboards.

[Echo_Lake]

@Gavin_Magnus
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

• What is the product number of your device? Use this link to find it: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03754824  (Ensure you do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc...)

I would suggest if the keyboard is gone bad always you can ship it to HP repair service or you check with the local store. 

NOTE: HP does not recommend upgrading or downgrading hardware parts or software that is bundled with the product as It may affect the manufacturer's warranty and performance, however, you could change the configuration at your own discretion.

Also, Learn how to clean the keyboard on HP notebooks when keys are stuck and you cannot type as desired: Click here for the video.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[Gavin_Magnus]

The product number is 1PN84AV.  It is specifically an Omen X  17-ap0xx laptop.

I've seen that video, but the keyboard on this laptop is a little different.  The keys are directly adjacent to each other, and additionally the keyboard is mechanical rather than dome switch as shown in the video.  I tried prying the top of the key loose anyway, but couldn't get it to come off despite bending it at a larger angle than shown in the video.  Before I try applying more force I want to verify that doing so will not damage this specific keyboard.

[Echo_Lake]

@Gavin_Magnus

I would suggest don't try it too hard if its causing damage, rather you can take it to the computer specialist who can replace the keyboard for you.
however, you could change the configuration at your own discretion.

[Gavin_Magnus]

I tried following the video very carefully.  The issue was that the hinge on the key is on the side, rather than on the front, so I had to start lifting from the side.

Once the key was off I cleaned the switch, despite there not being any visible dust/hairs/etc. (I had used a lot of compressed air before taking off the key.  After doing that I started the computer again with the key off.  It will not input "a" even when I directly press down on the switch without the key.

Incidentally, I am having trouble getting the key back on.  When the key came off half of the assembly was on the key and half was on the keyboard.  I didn't hear any snap of plastic and I can't find any place where the plastic may have broken, so it should still be possible to put it back together again.  Any suggestions about how to do that?

Additionally, if this is the worst case scenario and the keyboard itself is broken (such as the circuit under the key), what would be the part number for the replacement keyboard?

[Echo_Lake]

@Gavin_Magnus
For better clarity and to assist you better, could you please share the screenshot of the keyboard layout. 

If one key is gone bad then the whole keyboard assembly should be changed.

[Gavin_Magnus]

I don't know what you mean by "screenshot."  Do you mean a picture?  I don't currently have a camera which I can easily take a picture with.

If you just want to know what the keyboard looks like, I found the following picture in a review:

Mine has the same layout.

[Gavin_Magnus]

(Though I guess I should note that mine doesn't have the Russian letters on the keys.  I couldn't find a review with an English version where the entire keyboard was visible.)

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@Gavin_Magnus

Thank you for the picture. 
This keyboard is called as Chiclet keyboard Unlike those on a desktop, each of the keys on a laptop keyboard have three components: the keycap, key pad, and the key retainer. This keyboard is not customer replaceable part. Hence you won't be able to replace these keys,  
If the keycap is loose but still attached to the laptop, it can often be fixed by pressing down on the keycap or else you must replace complete keyboard assembly. 

Hope this helps!
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.