Keyboard Issue For MSI Laptop

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xutic160602ed

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Oct 20, 2023
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I own a GS66 Stealth that I purchased back in late 2020 and it's been a phenomenal computer. Except, I've dealt with a key issue that I really haven't found a discussion anywhere talking about. My base keyboard is fine (no damage) but about a year into owning it, the 'W' key began to malfunction (only working sporadically). It's an issue that has been completely random on any given day. Most of the time, the key works when it wants to, but sometimes I get lucky and it works completely fine. Other times it doesn't work at all. (this is the only key it's happened to)

For example, I'm going to press the 'W' key and map successful inputs as 'w' and unsuccessful inputs (no response to key press) as 'x'.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxwxxxxxxxxxxxxxwxxwxxxwxwwwwwwwwwwwwwxxwxxwwwwwwwwwwwwxxxxxxxxwwwwwwwwwwwwwx
There was a day I took it into uBreakiFix and the key hadn't worked for 3 weeks straight. The guy at the counter told me to replace the whole thing (which I'm not willing to do given the complexity and cost of the GS66), and sent me on my way. The next day the key resurrected from the dead and worked sporadically until it almost got perfectly fine again. Then it had another bad week, then a good week! I really can't get a gauge on what makes it work and what doesn't lmao. I think it might have to do with my laptop running hot when using it on demanding softwares or games, and I fear I might've messed up the board somehow.

Anyhow, here's a few things I've tried:
*Removing the key and using pressured air to blow any debris out of it
*Plugging external keyboard to check for software issues (what I'm typing)
*Windows troubleshooting
*Allowing the keyboard to rest for a week - no 'w' inputs (I feel like it has a positive effect? though not permanent)

Kinda lost on what to do aside from sending it to MSI to get it fixed, but given how it works when it feels like it, I just wait the 5-10 seconds for the key to start working and I live with it. That's why I'm only now making this post since it's been pretty inactive this week haha. Any comments or thoughts appreciated.
 
Which version of Stealth GS66 do you have? Stealth GS66 12UE? GS66 Stealth 10UE?
Do you only have the problem with 'w' key?
If so, it is suggested to perform EC reset to check.
There is a method to verify if it is a hardware-related issue for sure Enter BIOS mode and type 'w' to write the password. However, it might not always be easily visible, as you mentioned, the problem does not occur consistently.
1697797895776.png

Software troubleshooting:
As I know, the keyboard driver and SteelSeries Engine 3 will control some of keyboard functions.
It is suggested to reinstall keyboard driver and SteelSeries Engine 3 on MSI website to cross-validate.
 
I have the GS66 10SFS, and the 'W' key is the only key this has happened to.
I reinstalled my steelseries driver and app and it hasn't seemed to affect the problem. I'll try an EC reset, but I'm going to backup my data before attempting that.
 
xutic160602ed said:
I have the GS66 10SFS, and the 'W' key is the only key this has happened to.
I reinstalled my steelseries driver and app and it hasn't seemed to affect the problem. I'll try an EC reset, but I'm going to backup my data before attempting that.
Click to expand...
I've done the EC Reset before, it won't delete the data. BTW was the problem solved after EC reset?
 
@Matvey I spent a LONG time backing up my data and really never got around to doing it. The key was pretty bad when I posted this thread but it's been manageable since (same old same old).

Although, I recently broke the clips for the key cap (clips into the hinge underneath to hold the key in-place) trying to press the key harder. Interestingly, once that clip broke (which has nothing to do with the performance of the key itself) it magically worked 100% for about 4 hours that evening. I legit have no clue why. I think my computer is possessed and I hurt the spirit cursing my 'w' key LOL. Ordered a new one since the problem came back the next day.

My spare bluetooth keyboard has been a nice fix for writing paragraphs like this one.
 
I have a new MSI Stealth 16 Studio A13V i really did like all laptop keyboards so i always buy Logitech keyboards paired with a mouse, this way if the board fails i just buy a new board, been doing this for years and it has worked very well for me.
 
Same issue here. I've seen a ton of posts across reddit and other forums with the exact same issue. No response ever from MSI that I've seen. Like yours, it comes and goes but never fully gets better. I think it's a defective/quality issue that they are not addressing properly.
 
Ok, I'm not alone. Have the same issue on MSI modern 14 c12m after 1.5 year of use.
Before that I think its durable :))
1. Tried to clean base layer of the keys, removed keycap and rivets were broken (seems it's one-time to use keyboard, why?)
2. Problem with keys: U, 2, 8, F2.
Seems is no correlation with pressing force. Sometimes all that keys are worked but sometimes are not. (Now i can write my message, what will be in next 10 minutes? XD)
3. Seems lite correlation with Fn button or Ctrl button in my case.
Will try to return to Thinkpad, only Thinkpad :)
 
Saw my thread's getting traction again. Just to update, been problem free for a long time now.

My solution has been to use an external keyboard most of the time. In the spare times I take my laptop into another room, my w-key is responsive and functional to write messages like this. Take it with a grain of salt, if I started to demand a lot out of the key again, the problems would likely come back (maybe not though? might be worth an experiment). Hope my experience can help you guys:biggthumbsup:
 
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