Why Laptop Keyboards Wear Out and How to Prevent It

A computer’s keyboard is the element that sees the most action out of all the components in a laptop. From the daily hours of use to the late-night gaming sessions, our hands are constantly in contact with it, at times gently, and at other times with force that may be a little too great. Over time it is a given that certain keys will become sticky, unresponsive, or, in the worst case, fall out completely. Some may write this off as just the natural course of things, but there are reasons why laptop keyboards break down and also what you can do to put off the process.

This article looks at the science behind keyboard wear, which habits speed it up, and practical tips to get your laptop keyboard to last longer.

The Anatomy of a Laptop Keyboard

Laptop keyboards wear out because of the very purpose they are designed for. Unlike desktop keyboards, which are bulkier and heavier, laptop keyboards are put together to be thin and light. Also, most use a scissor-switch mechanism, which is a set of moving parts that snap together like a pair of scissors when you press a key. In some better models, you have a butterfly mechanism, which has a flatter, more solid feel when typing.

• Keycap: What you see at the top, which you can press with your finger.
• Scissor or butterfly mechanism: A small piece under the keycap that provides support and a smooth press.
• Membrane or switch layer: A sensor for electronic key press detection.
• Circuit board: The component that sends signals to the laptop’s processor.

These layers we are talking about are very delicate as opposed to the bulkier mechanical switches in desktop keyboards. Also, they have a compact design that does wear out over time, particularly when exposed to repeated force, dirt, or moisture.

Why Laptop Keyboards Wear Out

1. Continuous Repetition.

With each key press, the scissor or butterfly mechanism is stressed. Over the course of many, many presses, those plastic hinges and rubber domes weaken. Also, it is the most-used keys that wear out first, like the spacebar, Enter, and the letters “A,” “S,” “E,” and “N,” which see the most action.

2. Dust and Grime.

We take laptops everywhere—to cafes, offices, classrooms, and even our beds. As a result, what we bring with us, like dust, crumbs, hair, and lint, also travels into the keyboard. This, in turn, causes the keys to act up, to feel sticky or stuck.

3. Wet Spots and Spills.

Even little bits of liquid may ruin a laptop keyboard. A splash of water, coffee, or juice can cause damage to the delicate circuits under the keys. Also, in most cases, a spill will cause permanent damage to certain keys or even the entire keyboard.

4. Oils and Perspiration from Palms.

Our skin’s natural oils and sweat over time accumulate on the keycaps, which in turn wears off the printed text and causes a shiny greasy surface. Also, oil can get under the keys, which in turn attracts dust and causes more wear.

5. Typeout Style and Force.

Some people type softly, while others type very heavily, which sounds like they are playing the drums. Heavy-handed typing increases wear and tear of the keys. It is also noted that gamers who put repeated strain on the same keys (for instance WASD) report excessive wear in those key areas.

6. Design Issues.

Laptop keyboards do not have the same build quality as high-end mechanical keyboards. Manufacturers’ focus is on thin and portable design, which in turn means less durable components. For instance, the butterfly mechanism, which was at one time very popular in ultra-thin laptops, had issues with breaking easily.

7. Wear and Aging.

In time, the heat from the laptop’s parts dries out plastic elements and rubber domes, which in turn become brittle. Over the years of use, this natural breaking-in process causes keyboard wear and tear no matter how carefully you handle it.

Signs of a Worn-Out Laptop Keyboard

1. Keys that are unresponsive or require harder presses.
2. Letters that are wearing away or completely gone.
3. Sticky keys caused by debris buildup.
4. Some keys are soft, others hard.
5. Keys that are breaking apart, coming off.

These issues do not present all at once but rather develop over time as the keyboard ages.

How to Care for Your Laptop Keyboard to Prevent Wear and Tear

The great news is you don’t have to see keyboard wear and tear as a given. By changing a few habits, you may see a large increase in the life of your laptop’s keyboard.

1. Keep it simple.

Regular maintenance is the best way to care for a keyboard. Try tilting your laptop backwards and shaking out food particles or dust. Compressed air works great to remove debris from between keys. Also, use a soft microfiber cloth, which you may dampen with water (a little, not a lot) to clean the keycaps.

2. Wash Hands First Before Use.

It is true that clean hands play a role in reducing the amount of oil and dust that gets into the keyboard. Also, less oil means that the issue of printed key legends fading out is minimized.

3. Use a Keyboard Cover.

There are thin silicone keyboard covers available for most laptop models. They do a great job at protecting the keys from dust, crumbs, and spills. It is true that some may find them a little uncomfortable at first, but they do an excellent job in the long term at protecting your keyboard.

4. Stay Away from Food and Drink While Using Your Laptop.

Food and drink are the main enemies of keyboards. At your desk by the laptop, put the food and drink away. You are at great risk of spillage, which in turn will put your keyboard at risk of extensive damage. A large or small spill will do permanent harm. The best practice you should maintain is to keep the food particles and drink away.

5. Type Gently.

Develop a more gentle touch while typing. Instead of pounding the keys in, press them with a steady, smooth motion. Over time, this lessens the stress on the scissor and butterfly switches, which in turn will lengthen their life.

6. Routine Care.

If you notice a key is sticking, do not dismiss it. At the first sign of an issue, clean it out. For those that are more advanced, some laptop keyboards allow you to remove and clean individual keys. But do this with care to avoid breaking the fragile clips.

7. Care for the Environment.

Keep your laptops in a clean, dust-free area. If you live in a humid climate, try to use the laptop in a drier setting that has good air circulation. Moisture may cause increased keyboard wear.

8. Heavy-Duty External Keyboard.

If you are a long-time typist or gamer, try out an external keyboard. This will take pressure off your laptop keyboard and give you more comfort. Also, external keyboards are easier and more affordable to replace as opposed to the built-in ones.

What to Do When Your Laptop Keyboard Fails

Although we do what we can, at some point keyboards wear out. When the time comes, you don’t have to:

1. Professional Repair or Replacement: Professional Fix or Replace.

In most cases, laptop keyboards may be replaced, that is if the process is at all easy for your model. Some laptops have very simple keyboard replacement procedures, while others will require you to take the whole thing apart.

2. External Keyboard: Peripherals Which Plug in Externally.

If repair is out of the question, an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard may be a practical solution.

3. DIY Cleaning: DIY Cleaners.

If you have a small issue, like a key that is sticky from dust or liquid, you may do it yourself with a good cleaning.

The Lifespan of a Laptop Keyboard

On average, a laptop keyboard is good for 3 to 5 years of use under normal conditions. But this is a wide range based on your typing style, environment, and maintenance. Very heavy use with little care may see that drop to a year or two, at which point it breaks, while very careful users may get close to 10 years out of it.

Final Thoughts

Laptop keyboards that wear out the most are those with delicate build quality and are constantly put into use every day. Also playing a role in this are issues like dust, moisture, oils, and heavy typing, which in turn speed up the wear and tear. But you do have good habits you can fall into: keep your keyboard clean, stay away from spills, type gently, and use an external keyboard when you have to, which in large part will extend its life.

Think of your keyboard as a gateway from your mind to the digital world. Care for it, and it will serve you faithfully for years until it shows signs of wear.