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Digissential

Laptop Keyboard Replacement (Labour)

Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • Transparent pricing • POPIA-aligned

Replacing a laptop keyboard with proper ESD care.

What’s included

  • Model-specific disassembly and clean refit
  • Backlight and layout check (US/UK/ISO)
  • Ribbon/connector seating and strain relief
  • Full key-matrix and function-row test

Details

TL;DR: We replace your laptop keyboard the right way and test every key, backlight, and shortcut.
Local: Common for SU students, homes in Welgevonden/Die Boord, and Technopark teams after wear or a spill.

Symptoms we fix

  • Sticky keys, dead rows, or double-typing
  • Backlight won’t turn on or is uneven
  • Keys pop off or feel sunken
  • Function keys, volume/brightness, or NumPad not working
  • After a spill, keys feel gummy or don’t respond

How we do it (at a glance)

  1. Check model & layout: match language, backlight, and screw map
  2. Open cleanly: right bits, no “pry and hope,” protect cables
  3. Fit part: seat ribbon, lock connectors, set strain relief
  4. Test: full key-matrix, function row, backlight steps, sleep/wake
  5. Handover: short notes and care tips

Plain words. No tech talk.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch

  • Labour: R450 for a standard keyboard swap
  • Top-case models: we quote the full assembly if your brand uses rivets/glue
  • Parts: priced by model; we confirm before we order
  • Turnaround: Same day to 2 days once parts arrive

Do-nots (save time and cash)

  • Don’t pull keycaps on thin scissor switches — they break fast
  • Don’t keep typing on a wet keyboard — power down and unplug
  • Don’t use super glue on keys — it spreads and ruins the deck
  • Don’t bend the ribbon — sharp folds kill traces

When to stop DIY & call us

  • Keys in a full row don’t work (likely ribbon or matrix)
  • Backlight shorted after a spill
  • Keyboard only works when you push the deck
  • You see corrosion under the keys

Real stories around town

  • SU first-year (Huis Marais): Spacebar double-typed. New keyboard, firmware check, all good by afternoon.
  • Die Boord home office: Tea spill. We cleaned, checked for board damage, and swapped the top-case. Typing felt new.
  • Technopark sales laptop: Function row dead. Reseated ribbon and replaced the worn deck. Hotkeys back.

Simple care tips

  • Keep drinks away from the palm rest (we know, easier said than done)
  • Use a light air blow to clear crumbs, not sharp tools
  • Close the lid gently; don’t leave pens on the keyboard
  • If a spill happens: power off, unplug, flip open like a tent, and call

What’s included

  • Keyboard or top-case replacement using the proper method
  • Backlight, layout, and full key-matrix testing
  • Connector seating and screw torque checks

Turnaround

  • Same day for simple swaps
  • 1–2 days when a top-case or extra curing/parts are needed

What to bring

  • The laptop and charger
  • Notes on which keys fail and any recent spill or drop
  • If layout isn’t standard (e.g., US–Intl), tell us so we match it

POPIA-aware handling • CPA-aligned warranties • Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)