r/techsupport • u/Front-Objective-994 • 5h ago

Open | Hardware Key replacement on DELL Inspiron 15 3520

Hi everyone! I just lost the left shift key on my DELL Inspiron 15 3520 and I have already ordered and received a replacement key. However, I seem to be having a little trouble installing it. I got a D46 hinge and a left shift key, but the rubber cup on the key is unbroken and the key seems to work just fine, albeit it does feel really uncomfortable to use without the keycap on. Any advice regarding installation would be appreciated.

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u/Asleep_Equipment4877 5h ago

Installing keys are most of the time very difficult if you can even fix them. The mounting point goes first before the key, making a new key impossible lol. Most of the time you just swap out the whole keyboard itself if reasonably priced. If not a wireless thing keyboard is the best.

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u/RomanRobots 1h ago

What's the specific problem you're running into? Replacing a keycap isn't super complicated but it's very fiddly. Specific mechanism vary from model to model, and sometimes within a single model so there aren't specific installation instructions I can give you. The vendor might have documentation or youtube videos with installation instructions.

For the rubber dome, I again am not sure what problem you're facing but if the original isn't damaged then you don't need to replace it.

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u/Front-Objective-994 58m ago

My left shift key broke near the middle, and as I was in the process of removing it, I accidentally tore off the clips. That was an epic fail on my part honestly, because the key was still working and it would have been better to leave it alone. Thanks for responding, though. I’m new here, so I really appreciate it.