M17x R4, keyboard replacement

Question

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Hello there. My M17x R4 keyboard need to be replaced. In the market, there are replacement keyboard but two different colors of flex cable (green and blue). Is that the same or I need to buy the same color of flex cable attached on my laptop?

ejn63 · Accepted Answer

Yes, they all use the same connector, but if you're worried about compatibility, use the Dell part number on the existing keyboard to order a replacement.

Vicbik · Answer

So I can buy either green or blue flex cable keyboard? Thank you?

ejn63 · Answer

This model appears to take only one keyboard - so it should not matter.

Vicbik · Answer

Thank you so much.

mattyb3 · Answer

You may find that you will have issues when you start using the wrong keyboard. I believe the blue cable was for the M17x R3 / M18x R1 and the green was for the M17x R4 / M18x R2.

While things may seen to work ok at the start, other people have found that problems start to happen soon after as they are not 100% compatible. You really need to get the correct one for your model.

mattyb3 · Answer

I just remember reading a thread with someone saying they had issues using an R3 keyboard on an R4. From memory, some of the keys started to stop working. Check the Part#'s at Parts-People just to be sure. You may not have any issue at all but there's a chance.

There are also eBay sellers that say that they can't be interchanged. Like this one

I've got R3's and R4's but I've never swapped the keyboards around to test it myself. I just sold my last R4 today so I still won't be able to test.

Vicbik · Answer

Oh thank you. But the keyboard that attached on mine is blue cable.

Vicbik · Answer

On the Parts-People.com, The r4 keyboard cable is color blue on their disassembly project. Can you tell me what's your r4 color of your cable keyboard?

mattyb3 · Answer

I've wrapped up my R4 ready to send off but I have some R3's at home so I'll check their cables. Oh, and I have a few M18x R2's which have the same keyboard as the M17x R4 so I'll check those after work tonight.

I'll let you know ASAP but it won't be for 4-5 hours.

Vicbik · Answer

Oh thanks for the disturbance. I'll keep touch on you. Keep safe!

mattyb3 · Answer

The M18x R2 here has a green tab. Are you sure you have the M17x R4? What CPU/GPU do you have?

Vicbik · Answer

Yea I'm pretty sure and I already search my service tag. Let me check again my cable color. But in the parts people, the cable of m17x r4 is blue, can you check it?

mattyb3 · Answer

From what I can see, Parts-People have the R4 as green.

mattyb3 · Answer

They may have used an R3 video or maybe the R4 was released with blue and green connectors. I’ve just opened up one of my R3’s and it has a blue connector

Vicbik · Answer

Oh I see,but in the youtube, please search disassembly of m17x r4 keyboard on the youtube page of parts people

Alienware

M17x R4, keyboard replacement

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