Keyboards are mechanically complex, with *lots* of little parts —- usually its own multi-layer circuit board containing its own logic chips and firmware, plus wiring and connectors and over 100 separate electromechanical switches, each one itself a little multi-part precision subassembly with a spring, plunger, contact points, a base, stabilizers, a keycap…. (info).
a keyboard usually has over 100 of these, or something functionally similar. (Drawing by Daniel Beardsmore)
Laptop keyboards also have additional mechanical issues because of their tight physical integration into the body of the laptop: they can be difficult to remove, sometimes requiring special tools, and almost always requiring some slow, fussy work.
All of which can make the labor costs of disassembly, diagnosis, repair, and reassembly, higher than the cost of a replacement keyboard.
Of course, some keyboards can be repaired, especially on higher-end equipment; and many keyboards allow for the replacement of the actual keycaps (the plastic top piece that you strike with your fingers).
But generally, when labor charges are involved, replacing a keyboard is less expensive than trying to repair one.
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One of the good things the EU has given us here in the UK is the “right to repair” principle. New laws will mean goods have to be designed to be repairable, to help stop the ridiculous amount of perfectly good stuff going to landfill sites because of a faulty two-quid component that can’t be reached.
It’s early days yet, but it’s popular and seems to be gathering pace. I’m guessing it’ll be a long time before it percolates down to laptop keyboards, but hey – we’re going in the right direction.
Agreed: Planned obsolescence and unserviceable devices are evil offspring of current consumerism. Stupid, wasteful, inherently harmful…
This could ultimately backfire, with manufacturers using even cheaper quality parts, designed to fail more frequently, just to get you to buy more replacement parts, like disposable razor cartridges.
Or they will make the replacement parts insanely expensive, and proprietary, with design patents that prevent 3rd parties from manufacturing compatible substitutes.
Or both. (Like Sears Kenmore refrigerators, with cheaply made aluminum door rails, only slightly sturdier than a soda can, that cost nearly $100 each, to replace)
As usual these days, the US lags behind most of the rational world, where “Right to Repair” laws are increasingly in effect. I hope the US follows suit, but we’ll need a better government.