How to Choose Replacement Mini Keyboards
Sometimes accidents happen and your computer components require replacement. Whether it's a spilled cup of coffee or a key that falls out, replacement keyboards for HP Mini laptops can have you typing again in no time.
What Are Some Features of These Keyboards?
Though most keyboards for the Mini are similar, there are some features of keyboards that stand out.
- You can purchase Mini keyboards in assorted colors, though the standard is generally black. In addition to black, you can find keyboards in silver, white, and even bright shades like red. You can also select matte or glossy keyboards.
- Some models have a backlit function, so your keyboard lights up in low light, meaning you can see the keys even when you're in darkness.
- Quiet keys don't make the clicking noise that you may be used to with some other keyboards.
Which Models Are Compatible with Mini Keyboards?
There are several factors that go into choosing the right model for your Mini, and this is one of the parts that requires an exact match for compatibility to ensure that your keyboard and Mini work together properly.
- You can purchase a keyboard for your HP Mini 110, and there are also keyboards for the 210 model of Mini computers. There are different series of the 210 line, and there are some replacement laptop keyboards that will work with more than one 210 model. Make sure to check the part number on your existing Mini to ensure that it's a match before you purchase a new part.
- It's also possible to replace the keyboard on your Mini 311 model. Since each Mini is a different size, keyboards are sized differently as well, so choosing the proper model is essential.
What Do I Need to Install a New Keyboard?
Since you may not have computer-repair tools laying around your home or garage, there are a few things you need to have on hand to remove a faulty keyboard and replace it with a new, working model.
- A Phillips #00 screwdriver is required to loosen the screws on the bottom of the machine in order to remove the laptop keyboard once you've taken off the bottom housing of the HP Mini.
- A spudger, which is also called a pry tool, is useful for many technical applications. In this case, you can use it to remove the housing from the laptop keyboard if it becomes difficult to remove it with just the screwdriver. In some cases, a magnetic screwdriver could also be an asset in this situation and make the task go by faster.
- Some models may require you to remove the battery of your Mini. If this is the case, it may not require separate tools, but you may want to look up instructions for doing this safely depending on the model of Mini you have.