Member Avatar for david cashin

Hi i need some help with a problem i have encountered. i recently acuired a laptop from a freind and it works great, but the keyboard got ripped up by a cat or something. this laptop is an acer aspire 5720. i then got a keyboard off of an older acer to replace the broken one. the problem is when i try to type, etc. most keys are unresponsive and the ones that do work do the wrong thing - eg, the f5 key is comma, the 9 key is backspace, ect. is there a driver or something i can change in the bios for this older keyboard to work on the newer machine? or should i just buy a new keyboard for the laptop? i have searched around and i couldnt find any usefull info, so any input is appreciated. haha get it? input? cause im replacing an input device? hahahaha.

thank you.

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Brief expert summary for : both short replies on this thread reflect reality. Swapping laptop keyboards can work when the replacement is an exact match, but it often fails when the connector, pinout or internal key matrix differs. Software or a BIOS option cannot rewire a physical key matrix — that is a hardware-level mapping issue.

Practical checklist to diagnose and proceed:

  • Test with an external USB keyboard to separate OS/layout problems from a hardware mismatch. If the USB keyboard behaves normally, the replacement keyboard is the likely cause.
  • Remove the replacement keyboard and read the sticker labels for P/N / FRU / part numbers. Search those codes against the original laptop model to confirm compatibility.
  • Compare the ribbon connector: count pins, check the latch type and ribbon width. Same-looking ribbons can still have different pin assignments.
  • Check physical fit: screw holes, mounting clips and the backplate must align. A mismatch here usually means a different assembly.
  • If a compatible part number cannot be found, use a correct OEM spare for that exact laptop model or a donor keyboard from the same model family. As a temporary or low-cost workaround, a USB keyboard avoids risk to the motherboard.

Useful references: a short primer on how keyboards are wired is available at Keyboard matrix. Model-specific replacement guides and part-identification tips can be found via iFixit (search the laptop model plus "keyboard replacement").

Note: as implied, many mismatches fail because of connector/pinout differences; as pointed out, compatible swaps do happen when part numbers and connectors match. Do not force a ribbon or trim to fit — that can damage the ZIF connector on the mainboard.

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Member Avatar for hellosamsung

Hi
Sorry for the bad news but i have never seen a keyboard work with a laptop it is noy supposed to, Too many different factors on the ribbon cables and connectors i beleive

Member Avatar for jingda

First you just post in an old thread more than 3 months old. Second it is possible to use a notebook keyboard on another notebook. Works with laptop also.

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