Dell E6530 Backlit Keyboard Compatibility

During a recent search and buy for an E6530 backlit keyboard replacement I found the US keyboards were either (a) not available at the time, or (b) too expensive.

Looking at the keyboard itself they struck me as being similar to the ones used in other Dell models.  A little research turned up a possibility from the E6520, M4600, and M6600 lines.   I ended up ordering one with the part number "HG3G3", also written as "0HG3G3".  The keyboard installed and works perfectly.

Here's an external URL for other who may be wanted to upgrade their Latitude E6530 to a backlit keyboard.  This URL searches US keyboard part number.  Other countries has similar possibilities as well using part numbers for the respective region / language keyboard.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=Backlit+Keyboard+%28%22NSK-DW0BF%22%2C%22HG3G3%22%2C%220HG3G3%22%2C%22M4600%22%2C%22M6600%22%29&_sop=15&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=Backlit+Keyboard+%28%22NSK-DW0BF%22%2C%22HG3G3%22%2C%220HG3G3%22%2C%22M4600%22%2C%22M6600%22%2C%22e6520%22%29+-non&_sacat=0

Keyboard Maintenance:

Here are some enhanced instructions for use when disconnecting / reconnecting the flat ribbon cable used to connect the keyboard to the chassis. They were developed from my own experience today performing the keyboard swap.  I have found the standard Dell Latitude E6530 Owner's manual instructions to be sorely lacking in detail.  However, you should read and understand the owner's manual as well when using the instructions below.

Please bear in mind I am a private person and have never been a Dell employee.  But I have many years working on Dell systems of all types including laptops from the D600 up to the current Latitude and Precision laptops.  This includes completely stripping and building a chassis.

Keyboard Connector Note: Both keyboard connectors, on the system side and on the keyboard side, use flip style latch mechanisms to secure the cable in the connector.   When dis-connecting the flat white ribbon cable use your fingernail or a small plastic spudger to lift the latch before removing the ribbon cable.  When removing the ribbon cable, the cable is slid out of the connector.  On the keyboard side the ribbon cable is also held in place by a small amount of adhesive.  See note and pictures below. 

Disconnection Note:  When removing the keyboard, disconnect the cable from the system side first.  Wait until the keyboard is free from the system to work on removing the cable from the keyboard side connector.

System Side, Keyboard Ribbon Cable Removal:

To disconnect the ribbon cable from the system side:

Flip up the connector latch to release the cable.  Then slide the ribbon cable out of the connector.

Keyboard Side, Keyboard Ribbon Cable Removal:

The ribbon cable on the keyboard side connector is secured to the keyboard using three things:

• A short 2 or 3 inch strip of yellow Kapton tape (1'4 inch width) covering the main  ribbon connector, as well as another connector and second ribbon cable.
• The connector latch for the ribbon cable connector.
• Adhesive on the back of the main keyboard ribbon cable near the connector latch.

Remove the yellow Kapton tape first.  It is suggested that you peel the tape away starting from the left side (furthest from the number pad) and work your way to the right side.  The reason is there is another piece of tape and connector that you will want to leave in place.  Working from left to right will allow you to remove only the yellow tape from the main ribbon connector and and ribbon cable, while leaving the other tape and connector unaffected.  When removing the Kapton tape you may have to use you fingers to hold the other components in place.

When you remove the Kapton tape, please reserve the tape for reuse on the new keyboard, unless you have a roll of this stuff to put some new tape in place.

Next, flip up the connector latch to release the cable.  The cable will be loose.  But the it will stay in place because of the small amount of adhesive on the back of the ribbon cable.

Next, slowly and carefully  peel the main keyboard ribbon cable away from the keyboard.   When doing so you will need to use your fingers on the back of the keyboard to hold down the plastic the ribbon cable is adhered to.

Keyboard Reassembly:

Keyboard Connector Reassembly Note:  The ribbon cable needs to slide into place for the keyboard connector on the system side, and on the keyboard side.  Only after the cable is slid into place under a very small guide lip on the connector can the connector latch be successfully closed.  Here are a few picture showing the connector and cable on the keyboard side with the connector unlatched.

Keyboard Connector Reassembly Note:  Connect the keyboard ribbon cable to the keyboard first before finishing assembly to the rest of the system.

Keyboard Reassembly:

To reassemble, reverse the previous procedures note above.   When reassembling the keyboard side, insert the cable into the connector first before adhering the ribbon cable to the back of the keyboard.

I hope the alternative part number and  the enhanced keyboard maintenance instructions have help your quest to improve or repair your Dell laptop.