Alienware 17 R4 Keyboard (Key Replacements)

Ok, So I had my magical freaking S key break a little tab on it some how. I contacted Dell and all they want to do is a fully keyboard replacement, which normally I would be all for. The problem is its a ENTIRE system freaking tare down just to get the damn keyboard out and ill be damned if Im going to have one of there "On site" lackeys tare my system to shreds. So the point now comes, anyone know where I can get used or new keys for this keyboard. The board it self is fine I just need a new key for it.

Any help would be awesome if any of you guys have experienced this.

 

ROFL, no longer then I post this do I manage to find this site. 10$ is a small price to pay not to deal with this headache. Ill link it below in case anyone else has the same issue as me.

https://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/dell-alienware-17R4-laptop-key-replacement/

 

those are not oem keys and often will come in different font or color. I would get the extra keyboard from dell for future key replacements

 

That's the plan later. Right now I just need a key that functions. Im leaving town next week and dont have time to deal with it. Ill end up replacing the keyboard when I dig back into the system for a repad and repaste on it, but until then this works.

 

Just a quick update!

So I got lucky, called into Dell and convinced the manager to send me a keyboard. (This was a feat in its own right, but worth it as I can now get parts and repair my own system with them)

I figured when it got here I would just pry a key off the new keyboard and move it over instead of doing a full system tare down. Well I pulled the keys off only to notice they are all different underneath. Dell uses 3 different keyboards in this model that all look EXACT same, where it changes is the fastener underneath and the location of the pins. Which means if you break a key it will be a 75/25% chance if its a K/B replacement or a key replacement.

Moral of the story is I'm pulling the system apart tonight to do a full change out and mail back the defective one to Dell. So if you break a key save your self the headache and just replace the keyboard I have wasted a week messing around with this when a tare down would of cost me a hour of time.

On the bright side tho, the new keyboard key underneath looks reinforced and the design is slightly changed (I'm guessing to fix the exact problem I have had with mine)