Where can I buy replacement keyboard nipples?

aliasojo

mttylad wrote: »

Can you take one from an unused key and use that instead?

For example, how many times do you actually use the scroll lock key?

I may end up trying this, I just wasn't sure if the nipple from another key would be the same height, given that every other key would have the nipple sitting on top of the hinge and that's not the case with the space bar.

John_Gray

There's always a problem with 'name reuse' if it's possible to refer to two completely different things using the same name.

And of course silicone is not the same thing as silicon!

Avoriaz

aliasojo wrote: »

Where can I buy replacement keyboard nipples?

Have you tried Googling "Nipples"?



:whistle:

Mista_C

I think you're after a replacement 'cup'. A nipple is the generic name for the thimble-like covering used on a trackpoint/joystick pointing device.

aliasojo

Mista_C wrote: »

I think you're after a replacement 'cup'. A nipple is the generic name for the thimble-like covering used on a trackpoint/joystick pointing device.

It was a bloke in a computer repair place that I called initially who told me it was a nipple why is why I called it that. My first searches showed sites which also listed this part as a 'nipple' so I didn't realise it was also called anything different.

I've since searched further and it would seem it is also called a 'cup' and a 'dome'. Nothing's ever easy.

It seems buying a replacement key is the way to go as it will come with the silicone part too. However as well as the keys and hinges, the 'cups' appear different for each manufacturer too so I have no clue how I will get a suitable one for a Medion laptop. It's not exactly a mainstream brand and isn't listed on any replacement key site I've seen so far.

There will be millions of these tiny rubber things in a Medion warehouse or factory somewhere, it wouldn't take much effort for someone to arrange to send one out to me, even if it isn't something they would normally do.

Just as an aside, TLC-Direct went out of their way and tracked down a small part I needed for an item I'd bought from them 2 years ago and sent it to me completely free of charge. This part only comes in a set from the manufacturer, they are not usually able to access specific parts. However they went the extra mile and managed to find what I needed, simply to provide good customer service.

Medion would have these parts already, it's not like they would have to track anything down. A quick phone call to the factory to say 'stick one of these in an envelope and send it out' would take a minute or two out of someone's day but instead it's 'we don't do that'. Fine, I know who'll be getting more of my cash in future.

/rant off.

Anyway, thanks all, for the help and suggestions.

John_Gray

Medion was bought by Lenovo about a year ago, which is one reason why you don't see these computers/laptops in Aldi any more...

aliasojo

John_Gray wrote: »

Medion was bought by Lenovo about a year ago, which is one reason why you don't see these computers/laptops in Aldi any more...

Ah, I didn't know.

Helpful, thank you. Another port of call to try tomorrow.

grizzly1911

aliasojo wrote: »

A quick phone call to the factory to say 'stick one of these in an envelope and send it out' would take a minute or two out of someone's day but instead it's 'we don't do that'. Fine, I know who'll be getting more of my cash in future.

/rant off.

Problem is which company actually fabricated the keyboard , before it went into a medion badged machine and where exactly is that company based?

When you get these sort of packaged units the retailers, distributors just deal in cardboard boxes containing a packaged product ordered in bulk.
Tomorrow they may be shipping toasters.

Mista_C

aliasojo wrote: »

It was a bloke in a computer repair place that I called initially who told me it was a nipple why is why I called it that. My first searches showed sites which also listed this part as a 'nipple' so I didn't realise it was also called anything different.

I've since searched further and it would seem it is also called a 'cup' and a 'dome'. Nothing's ever easy.

It seems buying a replacement key is the way to go as it will come with the silicone part too. However as well as the keys and hinges, the 'cups' appear different for each manufacturer too so I have no clue how I will get a suitable one for a Medion laptop. It's not exactly a mainstream brand and isn't listed on any replacement key site I've seen so far.

There will be millions of these tiny rubber things in a Medion warehouse or factory somewhere, it wouldn't take much effort for someone to arrange to send one out to me, even if it isn't something they would normally do.

Just as an aside, TLC-Direct went out of their way and tracked down a small part I needed for an item I'd bought from them 2 years ago and sent it to me completely free of charge. This part only comes in a set from the manufacturer, they are not usually able to access specific parts. However they went the extra mile and managed to find what I needed, simply to provide good customer service.

Medion would have these parts already, it's not like they would have to track anything down. A quick phone call to the factory to say 'stick one of these in an envelope and send it out' would take a minute or two out of someone's day but instead it's 'we don't do that'. Fine, I know who'll be getting more of my cash in future.

/rant off.

Anyway, thanks all, for the help and suggestions.

Chances are Medion/Lenovo wouldn't have these parts readily available as they're not the original manufacturers.

If you can let me know the exact model number, or better still send me a pic of what you're after I might be able to help you out.

withabix

Just search on ebay your model number and see if there are any scrap laptops or keyboards for sale.

Usually plenty of spare parts from dismantled machines available.

As for Medion - they were mainly a re-badging operation, so different models of laptop came from different manufacturers altogether.