How to Change Keyboard on MSI Laptop: Complete Replacement Guide

Accidental coffee spills, key wear after years of use, or mechanical damage are situations that many owners of gaming and office laptops face. For brand devices MSI characterized by high maintainability, however, the design of the keyboard may differ significantly depending on the series. In some models this is a separate removable module, in others it is part of the top cover, which requires a more complex approach to repair.

Whether you own a popular series MSI GF63, powerful MSI Raider or thin MSI Prestige, the replacement process requires care and understanding of the device. Ignoring the nuances of disassembly can lead to damage not only to the new keyboard, but also to the motherboard. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of dismantling and installation so that you can safely return your laptop to functionality.

Preparing tools and diagnosing faults

Before you start disassembling, you need to make sure that the problem really lies in the mechanics of the keyboard, and not in a software glitch. A visual inspection will help identify stuck keys, broken tracks or signs of corrosion. If the keys cannot be pressed or are not typing correctly, cleaning the contacts with alcohol is often enough, but if the damage is serious, replacement is inevitable.

For quality repairs, you will need a set of specialized tools. A regular screwdriver can scratch the frame or strip screw slots, so it's best to use a precision screwdriver set. You will also need plastic picks or spatulas to carefully release the latches without damaging the case.

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (phillips PH0, PH00 and flat)
• 🔧 Plastic spatula or pick for opening the case
• 🔧 Tweezers with antistatic coating for working with small parts
• 🔧 Isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs to clean contacts
• 🔧 Magnetic mat for sorting screws of different sizes

It is important to note that some thin models MSI the screws are hidden under rubber feet or warranty seal stickers. Before starting work, carefully inspect the bottom cover. If you see a serial number sticker covering the screw, you will have to carefully peel it off, which may void your official warranty. In this case, it is worth weighing the risks of self-repair.

⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work, be sure to unplug the laptop and remove the battery. Even when the device is turned off, residual voltage in the capacitors can cause a short circuit if the cable is carelessly touched.

Choosing a Compatible Keyboard for Your Model

Laptop keyboards MSI are not universal. Even visually identical models may have a different number of keys, location of USB ports on the board, or type of connection connector. An error when ordering will result in the new part simply not fitting into the case or not working. Therefore, identifying the model is a critical step.

There are two main types of keyboards used in the line MSI. The first type is a free-standing keyboard mounted on a frame under the top cover. The second type is an integrated topcase, where the keyboard is already glued into the plastic base of the top cover with a touchpad. In the latter case, replacement occurs entirely, including the housing.

Use the device serial number or exact model to find the part you need. There is usually a sticker on the bottom cover of the laptop with a code, for example, MSI GF65 Thin 9SE. Enter this code into the search bar of the spare parts store along with the name "keyboard" or "keyboard". You can also check the part number, which is often located on the back of the old keyboard under the cable.

• 🔍 Check the number of keys (usually 78, 80 or 82 depending on the region)
• 🔍 Check the backlight placement (solid RGB, peripheral or full)
• 🔍 Specify the type of cable connection (top or bottom, number of contacts)
• 🔍 Please note that there are additional control buttons in the top row

⚠️ Attention: When ordering a backlit keyboard, please make sure your motherboard supports RGB backlight control. In some budget series, the keyboard may be backlit, but there is no controller on the board, which is why it will not light up.

Removing the bottom cover and disconnecting the battery

The disassembly process begins with removing the bottom panel. Remove all screws securing the cover and store them in a safe place. Please note that the screws may be different lengths, so it is best to write down their locations or take a photo. Some models MSI Screws with a grip are used that do not fall out when unscrewed.

After removing all the screws, carefully pry the edges of the bottom cover with a plastic spatula. The latches can be quite stiff, so go slowly as you work your way around the perimeter. Do not use metal tools to avoid damaging the plastic casing or internal components. Once the cover snaps open, remove it.

Immediately after opening the case, find the battery. This is the first element that needs to be disabled. Locate the battery cable connector on the motherboard and carefully disconnect it. If the train is glued or secured with tape, carefully pry it off with tweezers. Under no circumstances pull on the wire itself, only on the plastic connector.

Power off is a safety measure that protects electronics from power surges caused by accidental shorting with a screwdriver. Even if you plan to change only the keyboard, access to it often requires removing the cooling system or other modules where the risk of touching contacts is high.

⚠️ Attention: If the battery in your laptop is built into the case and does not have a removable connector, you must first disconnect the main cable, and then, if necessary, remove the screws securing the battery itself to the case.

Removing the top cover and dismantling the keyboard

Further steps depend on the design of your laptop. In most gaming models MSI The keyboard is secured with screws on top, which are visible after removing the bottom cover. In other cases, the keyboard has to be removed from the top, after first removing the top cover of the case. We will look at the most common option with bottom access.

Locate the screws that secure the keyboard to the case. Usually there are 4-6 of them, located in the corners and in the center. Unscrew them and put them away. After this, the keyboard can be held in place by the latches. Using a flat tool, carefully pry it up through the top edge of the keys or through the ventilation holes if access from below is difficult.

Once the keyboard lifts up a little, you will see a cable connecting it to the motherboard. This is the most crucial moment. Cable connectors in laptops are very fragile. You need to fold the locking tab (lock) of the connector up or down, depending on the type of fastening, and then carefully pull out the cable.

• 🔌 Inspect the connector: L-shaped or straight type
• 🔌 Determine the direction of fixing the lock (raise or lower)
• 🔌 Pull the cable strictly parallel to the board, without distortions
• 🔌 Check the contacts on the cable for contamination

If you have a model with an integrated topcase, the process is more complicated. You need to unscrew the screws connecting the top cover to the bottom frame and carefully separate them without damaging the touchpad and keyboard backlight cables that often pass through the screen hinges. In such cases, it is better to use video instructions specifically for your model.