Is this keyboard issue normal?

[gok2]

I've received this brand new laptop hours ago and noticed during installation that some keys feel like they are not properly placed.

Pressing some keys from different angles or with different levels of pressures produce clicking sounds that other keys do not have. Here's a video of me demonstrating it: (keys 1, 2 and 3 feel faulty, 4 feels normal and I pressed it for comparison) 

imgur link

My question is that, is this a rather common issue regarding the build quality or do you think that I should send it back for inspection?

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @gok2 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

That’s definitely not the kind of first impression you want from a brand-new laptop—and I’m really sorry it’s giving you trouble right out of the box. The fact that keys 1, 2, and 3 feel different and produce inconsistent sounds compared to others like 4 suggests a possible mechanical alignment issue or manufacturing defect in the keyboard assembly.

While occasional variation in key feel can happen due to design tolerances, what you’re describing—especially with multiple adjacent keys behaving oddly—leans more toward a hardware flaw than a normal quirk.

Here’s what you can consider:

🔍 What You Can Check

• Compare key travel and sound across the entire row to see if any others feel off
• Gently press the affected keys from different angles to confirm if they’re loose or misaligned
• Avoid trying to pry or reseat them manually, as that could void your warranty

📦 Should You Send It Back?

Yes—since the laptop is just hours old and the issue affects multiple keys, it’s absolutely reasonable to request an inspection or replacement. You deserve a flawless experience, especially with a fresh purchase.

Most sellers will honor a return or exchange window for hardware concerns like this, and it’s best to act quickly while that window is open.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye