OMEN Laptop 15-ek0xxx - "r" no longer working

[Jason203]

The "r" no longer is working on my OMEN Laptop 15-ek0xxx. I read online that if I hold down the "d" key, the "r" key will sometimes work. This worked for a few weeks... but no longer. I read that it is common for the "r" on this module keyboard to have this problem... because it overheats in that spot. Is there a recall for this laptop? It is no longer under warranty. Is there a place I can buy a replacement keyboard for it?

[erico]

I suggest using the HP PC hardware diagnostics utility to test the keyboard.

From an off state press the power button and immediately tap the F2 key to invoke the diagnostic utility.

At the menu select Component tests and at the next menu choose keyboard test.

Perform the test and let us know what the result of the test was.

If the keyboard has issues there will be an error code.

Usually a key no longer working is because something sticky is obstructing the mechanism and preventing the key work as it should.

There is no recall for the keyboard.

You can't purchase a replacement keyboard separately. The keyboard is part of the top cover.

Maintenance & Service Guide
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c06638089.pdf

Ch 3, pg18, table 3-1, item 2.

Match your keyboard with the specific omen features yours has.

You can also try using the HP Partsurfer with your laptop's serial number to see which one yours has. 

https://partsurfer.hp.com/partsurfer?searchby=swp

[Jason203]

Thank you for your feedback. I used the HP PC hardware diagnostics utility to test the keyboard. It said, "Keyboard Test: FAILED", "FAILURE ID: RSGA3Q-A6KBM2-MFPU3G-G53S03", "PRODUCT ID: 2A137UA#ABA", "PS" and "r" keys failed.  I did some research and found that many people are having the same issue with the same exact key, "r" with this model OMEN Laptop 15-ek0xxx. Someone on Reddit mentioned that the keyboard in this model is defective and overheats to easily. This causes the adjacent "d", which is on the same circuit to get confused with the "r" key. They said that if you hold the "d" key down for a while, this fixes the "r" key for a little bit. That being said, I did just that.... I held down the the "d" key for around 20-30 seconds (as well as pressed it a few times), and then the "r" key will start working again and it will work consistently. However, the second I press the "d" key again, the "r" key fails. When I first bought the laptop, the "r" key sometimes didn't work... and I thought it was just me... so, I didn't report it. However, now, it no longer works (with the exception of hold down the "d" key). After doing lots of research, so many people have this same exact problem with this laptop. This should be recalled... especially since we can't fix it... and I'm wondering if this is a fire hazard since the keyboard does get really hot.