How to carefully remove a button from an MSI laptop keyboard: from preparation to assembly

Removing a button from a laptop keyboard MSI - a task that may be needed when the keys are stuck, physically damaged, or need to be cleaned from dust and dirt. However, this process requires caution: incorrect actions can lead to damage to the key mechanism, breakage of the cable, or even failure of the entire keyboard. In this article we will figure out how to dismantle the button without risk to the device, what tools are needed, and in which cases it is better to entrust the work to professionals.

Laptop keyboards MSI (especially in game series GS66 Stealth, GE76 Raider or GP66 Leopard) are often equipped with mechanical or semi-mechanical switches, which are more difficult to disassemble than budget membrane keyboards. In addition, some keys (for example, Space, Enter or Shift) have additional stabilizers, which complicates the process. If you've never done any electronic repair, start with less critical keys, such as letter keys.

Before you begin, please note that your laptop's warranty may be voided if you do it yourself. If the device is under warranty, it is better to contact an authorized service center MSI. Also remember that some models (eg. MSI Modern 14) have non-separable keyboards - in such cases, replacing a separate button is impossible, and a complete replacement of the module will be required.

Preparation: Tools and Precautions

To remove the keyboard button you will need:

• 🔧 Plastic spatula or a pick - for prying up the keys without scratches.
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (cross, 1–2 mm) - for unscrewing screws if you need to remove the entire keyboard.
• 📸 Smartphone with camera - to photograph the location of parts before disassembly.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70%+) and cotton swabs - for cleaning contacts.
• 📦 Container for small parts - so as not to lose springs or stabilizers.

Before you start, be sure to turn off the laptop and disconnect the battery (if possible). Even when turned off, there may be residual voltage on the board, which will damage components if it short-circuits. Models MSI with a non-removable battery (for example, MSI Prestige 15) just unplug the power plug and wait 5–10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal tools to pry up the keys - they may scratch the case or damage the conductive paths on the membrane. Also avoid applying too much pressure; if the key doesn't budge, you may have missed the detent.

If you are removing a key for cleaning, prepare your work area in advance: place the laptop on a soft cloth (such as microfiber) to avoid scratching the cover. The lighting should be bright - small parts (springs, stabilizers) are easy to lose.

Types of keys on MSI laptops: what you need to know before disassembling

Laptop keyboards MSI are divided into three main types, and the dismantling process depends on this:

Keyboard type	Laptop models	Features of dismantling
Membrane	MSI Modern 14, Summit E13	The keys are attached to a silicone membrane and can be easily removed, but are fragile.
Scissor-switch	MSI Prestige 15, Creator 17	Has a plastic scissor mechanism. Requires careful assembly.
Mechanical (or semi-mechanical)	MSI GS66, GE76, GT77 Titan	Keys with individual switches. More difficult to disassemble, they often have stabilizers.

The most problematic keys are the large ones: Space, Enter, Shift And Backspace. They are attached not only to latches, but also to metal or plastic stabilizers that are easy to bend. For example, in MSI GE76 Raider key Space has two stabilizers, and in MSI GP66 Leopard - one, but with an additional spring.

If you are not sure about your keyboard type, check the technical documentation on the website MSI or disassemble one of the rarely used keys (for example, Scroll Lock). Mechanical keyboards may have individual switches under the keys (for example, Kailh or Cherry MX), which cannot be washed with alcohol - only wipe with a dry cloth.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove a regular key

Let's start by removing the standard letter or number key (for example, A, 1 or F5). These buttons do not have stabilizers, so they are the easiest to remove.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Pry the key from the corner. Insert a plastic spatula under the top right or left edge of the key and gently press upward. You should hear a slight click - this means that one of the latches has come out of the groove.
2. Repeat for the remaining latches. Move the spatula to the opposite corner and pry again. The key should rise up.
3. Remove the key completely. Once all the latches are released, gently pull the button towards you. Do not pull upward as this may damage the scissor mechanism.
4. Remove the spring (if equipped). There may be a silicone spring or a plastic mechanism under the key. Place it in a container so you don't lose it.

If the key does not budge, do not force it. You may have missed one of the latches. In keyboards MSI with scissor mechanism (for example, in MSI Summit E13) there can be four latches instead of two. Also check if the adjacent key is interfering - sometimes they block each other.

⚠️ Attention: If there is a piece of plastic or a metal part left under the key, do not try to remove it with tweezers - you may scratch the membrane. Instead, use a magnet or tape.

Removing large keys with stabilizers

Keys Space, Enter, Shift And Backspace have additional elements - stabilizers that hold the button in a horizontal position. In laptops MSI Most often there are two types of stabilizers:

• 🔄 Metal (in mechanical keyboards, for example, MSI GT77 Titan).
• 🔳 Plastic (in scissor keyboards, for example, MSI Prestige 15).

The process of removing such a key is more complicated:

1. Carefully pry the key from one edge (for example, on the right side Space) and lift it 1–2 mm.
2. Lock the stabilizer. Under the key you will see a metal or plastic beam. It must be carefully removed from the grooves without bending. In some models (for example, MSI GE76) the stabilizer is attached to latches - they need to be pressed out with a flat screwdriver.
3. Remove the key completely. After releasing the stabilizer, the button will be removed as usual.
4. Remove the stabilizer. It can consist of two parts - the top (attached to the key) and the bottom (attached to the board). Place them separately to avoid confusion when assembling.

The most common mistake when working with stabilizers is their deformation. If the metal beam bends, the key will “dangle” or jam. B MSI GS66 Stealtheg key stabilizer Space has an additional spring that is easy to lose. If this happens, the key will not return to its original position.

What to do if the stabilizer breaks?

If the plastic stabilizer is cracked, you can temporarily replace it with a piece of thin wire or order a new one (part numbers for MSI are usually indicated in the service manual). Metal stabilizers can be straightened with tweezers, but this requires precision - even a slight bend will lead to uneven key travel.

Cleaning and repair: what to do after removing the key

After dismantling the key you can:

• 🧹 Clean it from dust and dirt. Use isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs. For mechanical switches (Kailh Choc in MSI GP66) it is better to use compressed air.
• 🔧 Replace the silicone spring. If it has lost its elasticity, the key will “sink.” New springs can be purchased in laptop repair kits.
• 🔄 Swap the key. If one button is erased (for example, W for gamers), it can be replaced with a rarely used one (for example, Scroll Lock).
• 🛠️ Restore the conductive layer. If the key does not work, the carbon layer on the membrane may have worn off. It can be restored with a special pencil (sold in radio stores).

For cleaning don't use:

• 🚫 Water - it can oxidize contacts.
• 🚫 Acetone or solvents - they will destroy the plastic.
• 🚫 Hard brushes - they will scratch the membrane.

If you notice that liquid has accumulated under the key (for example, from spilled coffee), don't turn on the laptopuntil the board is dry. B MSI with backlit keyboard (SteelSeries in GE76 Raider) liquid may cause corrosion of LEDs. To dry, use silica gel (bags from shoe boxes) - place the laptop in an airtight container with silica gel for 24-48 hours.

Assembly: how to install the key back

Installing a key is no less important a process than removing it. If the mechanism is not secured correctly, the button will wobble or not operate. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the integrity of the parts. Make sure all springs, stabilizers and latches are in place.
2. Install the stabilizer (if equipped). For key Space in MSI GT77 First, insert the metal beam into the slots on the board, then secure the top part to the key.
3. Place the key on the mechanism. Start with the top latches, then gently push down on the bottom until you hear a click. Don't press too hard - the plastic may crack.
4. Check the key stroke. Click on it several times. If it gets stuck or makes a squeaking sound, it means the mechanism is not installed correctly.

For scissor keyboards (MSI Modern 14) there is a small life hack: before installation, slightly heat the key with a hairdryer (no higher than 50°C). The plastic will become more elastic and the latches will slide into place more easily. But do not overheat - the part may become deformed.

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the key “falls through” or does not return to its original position, check whether the spring is twisted. In mechanical keyboards MSI (for example, in GE76 Raider) the switch may fall out of the socket - it must be inserted back until the key locks into place.

If you removed several keys, reassemble them in the reverse order - from the edges to the center. For example, first install Esc, then row with F1–F12, and only then the letter block. This will help avoid displacement of mechanisms.

When to contact service: signs of serious problems

Not all keyboard failures can be fixed on your own. Contact the service center MSI, if:

• 🔥 Keyboard is not fully responsive — the cable or controller may be damaged.
• 💧 The board shows signs of corrosion or oxidation - Soldering or replacement of elements will be required.
• 🔌 Laptop won't turn on after disassembly - you could damage the contacts or short the board.
• 🔄 The keys are “sticky” or work on their own - this may be a sign of membrane damage.
• 💡 Keyboard backlight not working - in MSI with RGB backlight (SteelSeries) this is often associated with an open LED circuit.

Cost of keyboard repair in authorized centers MSI varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the model and type of breakdown. For example, replacing the membrane in MSI Modern 14 will cost less than repairing a mechanical keyboard in MSI GT77 Titan. If the laptop is under warranty, repairs may be free - but only if you did not tamper with the design.

Official services in Moscow and St. Petersburg MSI available in most large network workshops (for example, "MSI Service Center" on Lev Tolstoy St. or "MSI Service" on Engels Ave.). Before visiting, check to see if they work with your model - some gaming laptops (MSI Titan) require special equipment.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove a key on an MSI laptop without tools?

Theoretically yes, but the risk of damage is very high. Without a plastic spatula, you can scratch the case or break the latches using improvised means (knife, credit card). If the key is stuck due to dirt, try cleaning it first without dismantling - compressed air or sticky tape.

What should I do if after removing the key there is nothing under it (empty space)?

This means that the key is attached directly to the membrane without additional mechanisms. This happens in ultrabooks. MSI (For example, Modern 14). In this case, it is enough to wipe the contacts with alcohol and install the key back. If it does not lock, the membrane may be worn out and will need to be replaced.

How to remove a key Space on MSI GE76 Raider?

In this model the key Space has two metal stabilizers. First, carefully pry it on the right side and lift it by 1–2 mm. Then slide to the right to release the left stabilizer. After this, the key will be completely removed. Don't pull it up - this way you will bend the stabilizers. Place the parts in the order they were disassembled to avoid confusion during reassembly.

Can I wash my MSI keyboard in the dishwasher?

Absolutely not. Even if you have removed all the keys, the membrane and circuit board are not designed to come into contact with water. In a dishwasher, plastic can become deformed due to high temperatures, and metal parts can oxidize. For cleaning, use only isopropyl alcohol and soft cloths.

Where to buy spare keys for MSI laptop?

Original keys can be ordered:

• On the website MSI (section "Spare parts").
• In stores like AliExpress (search by laptop model + "keycap").
• In service centers - sometimes they sell used parts from donor keyboards.

For mechanical keyboards (MSI GT77) switches will fit Kailh Choc or Cherry MX Low Profile, but they need to be soldered.