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Inspiron 17 7779 2-in-1 left arrow key
I purchased this device back in 2017. In 2018, the left arrow key split in two. I had never seen anything like it; most laptop keys have their labels scratched off or the key pops off after getting snagged. I had an extended warranty and Dell replaced the keyboard.
In 2019, the EXACT SAME KEY SPLIT IN TWO THE EXACT SAME WAY. I still have an extended warranty but Dell was reluctant to replace the keyboard. They were telling me that since the key was physically damaged, the warranty did not cover it. I think it is the interpretation of physically damaged that is causing the largest problem.
If I physically use the keys in the manner of which they were intended and one breaks in two, am I physically damaging the keyboard. Am I physically damaging the computer every time I lift the lid, press the power button, and use the pad?
The keyboard will get replaced. I'm guessing that Dell will not be producing better keys for their replacement keyboards which means this will probably happen again next year. I believe that it is a matter of poor quality/workmanship on this one key and that warranty should replace it.
Saltgrass
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June 18th, 2019 20:00
I got mine about the same time as you. I don't use it as much as you probably do but have not had any problems with a key breaking.
Why might you think the same key has broken twice? Might it be the way it is used or some problem with the case in the area of that key?
As far as Dell replacing the keyboard, what you are seeing in not normal for any systems I know of. They probably feel you are abusing the system somehow.
I will look at mine closer tomorrow to see if I notice anything related to your situation.
kaubouy
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June 26th, 2019 04:00
The key is not used the most. The key is used as it is meant to be used. There is nothing damaging the key. If I had a new keyboard and some time, I could probably identify the weakness behind this key. I tried to post a picture of the latest damaged key but was unsuccessful. It seems I would need my own website to host the image. But if you had seen the image, you would also see that there are no marks on its surface. The weakness probably starts from the reverse side. You wouldn't be aware of it until it snaps. That may be a good test; find a key that has not broken but has been used well. Remove the key and check the reverse side. I'll wager that there are signs of stress.
Saltgrass
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June 26th, 2019 07:00
I did not see anything on my system which might cause damage. This keyboard is different from other models in that the surface of the computer surrounds all the individual keys. So, if you are not damaging it while using display mode, perhaps there is a design flaw in the computer case.
When it cracks, is the break across the middle of the key and across its width? Does it look like the break folds into the break or does the break area go into the key?
If there was something you could not see which was catching the key and keeping part of it from being depressed, it might crack the key. But it seems you could tell that was happening by comparing its operation with other keys.
I suppose you have turned the keyboard over and tried to dislodge anything which might have gotten caught in the area of the key?
I have no influence with Dell whatsoever, so I cannot help except to mention, if you were to find a defect in the case which was causing the breakage, Dell might repair that..