MacBook Keyboards: Why They’re Complicated to Repair
MacBook keyboards are not like the keyboards on most Windows laptops. On a typical Windows machine, the keyboard is a separate component that connects via ribbon cable and can often be replaced in under an hour. On most MacBook models, the keyboard is integrated into the top case — the same assembly that includes the trackpad, battery, and palm rest. Replacing the keyboard means replacing the entire top case.
This has significant implications for cost and repairability, and it varies by model.
The Butterfly vs Scissor Problem
Between approximately 2015 and 2019, Apple used a “butterfly” keyboard mechanism in the MacBook and MacBook Pro range. These keyboards had extremely shallow key travel, and the mechanism proved highly sensitive to dust, crumbs, and debris — to the extent that a single grain of dust could cause a key to stop registering or to double-type. Apple ran an extended repair programme for affected models.
From 2019 onwards (and on the MacBook Air from 2018), Apple returned to a “magic keyboard” design using scissor mechanisms. These are more robust and more forgiving of minor contamination.
If you have a MacBook Pro from 2016–2019 with keyboard issues, there is a reasonable chance the fault is the butterfly mechanism itself, not liquid damage or user error. The Apple repair programme has ended, but independent repair workshops can still replace the top case on these models.
If you have a 2020 or later MacBook (Intel or Apple Silicon), the scissor keyboard is more durable. Keyboard faults on these models more typically result from liquid damage or physical impact.
Sticky or Unresponsive Keys: Causes and Fixes
Dust and debris under the keys
The most common cause of sticky or unresponsive keys on both butterfly and scissor mechanisms is small particles lodged under the key. On butterfly keyboards, this can happen with almost invisible amounts of debris.
What you can try:
For scissor keyboards, compressed air blown at an angle under the affected key can dislodge debris. Hold the MacBook at around 75 degrees (nearly vertical) and use short bursts of compressed air, rotating the MacBook 90 degrees between bursts to cover all angles around the key.
Do not use a vacuum cleaner — it can damage the mechanism. Do not use liquid cleaners on the keyboard surface.
For butterfly keyboards, compressed air can help but the design is less forgiving. If the key has been sticking for a while, the mechanism may be physically worn or deformed.
Sticky residue
If something has been spilled near or on a key and dried, the key may feel sticky or require more force to depress. A very small amount of isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on a cotton bud, applied carefully to the key surround (not into the mechanism), can dissolve dried residue. Work slowly and use minimal liquid.
If the residue has reached inside the mechanism, the key will need to be removed and cleaned, or replaced. Individual key replacement is possible on some MacBook models but requires care — the clips on butterfly keys are extremely fragile and break easily.
Liquid Damage: What Actually Happens
When liquid enters a MacBook keyboard, what happens next depends on what was spilled and how much.
Water: Water itself isn’t immediately destructive to electronics — it’s the minerals and conductive particles in tap water that cause problems as it dries. If the MacBook was powered off immediately and dried properly, water spills often cause less damage than you’d expect. However, if the machine was running when the spill happened and the water reached the logic board, the damage is likely to be more significant than the keyboard alone.
Sugary drinks (coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks): These are considerably more damaging. The sugar residue left after the liquid dries is sticky, conducts electricity poorly, and corrodes metal contacts over time. A coffee spill that seems to leave the machine working initially can cause progressive failures over weeks as corrosion spreads.
After a liquid spill:
- Power off immediately — do not attempt to keep working
- Disconnect the charger
- Turn the MacBook upside down to drain as much liquid as possible
- Do not use a hairdryer — the heat can damage internal components
- Bring it in for professional cleaning as quickly as possible — time matters with sugary spills
Even if the MacBook appears to be working after a spill, internal corrosion from residue can cause faults that develop days or weeks later. Professional cleaning removes residue before it causes further damage.
Keyboard Backlight Not Working
The keyboard backlight is a separate component from the keyboard mechanism itself. Backlight failure can occur independently of key function.
Common causes:
- A settings issue — the backlight brightness may be turned all the way down. Press the backlight increase key (F6 on most models, or use Control Centre on newer models) to check.
- The ambient light sensor may be set to auto-adjust brightness. In a bright room, the backlight may be suppressed. Check System Settings → Keyboard → adjust backlight settings.
- Software fault — a macOS update or settings change can occasionally affect backlight behaviour. Resetting NVRAM (on Intel) or restarting may resolve it.
- Hardware fault — if the above don’t apply, the backlight connector may have come loose or the backlight component itself may have failed. This is usually repairable.
On Apple Silicon MacBooks, backlight issues are less commonly hardware-related and more often software configuration. On older Intel models, physical connector issues are more frequent.
Repair Options by Model
Apple Silicon MacBooks (M1, M2, M3 — 2020 onwards)
The keyboard on Apple Silicon MacBooks is still integrated into the top case on most models. Individual key replacement is possible in some cases, but a top case replacement may be required for extensive damage.
Intel MacBook Pro (2016–2019, Butterfly keyboard)
Top case replacement is the standard repair for extensive keyboard faults. Individual key caps can sometimes be replaced on butterfly keyboards but the mechanism is delicate.
Intel MacBook Pro (2020, Scissor keyboard) and MacBook Air (2018 onwards, Scissor)
Similar top case design to Apple Silicon models. More repairable at the individual key level for minor faults. Liquid damage typically requires top case replacement.
Older MacBook models (pre-2015)
Keyboards on pre-2015 MacBooks are more traditional — the keyboard is still integrated but the repair process is generally more straightforward.
When to Bring It In
If you have:
- A sticky or non-functioning key that doesn’t respond to compressed air
- A keyboard that was affected by a liquid spill
- Multiple keys failing or intermittent key registration
- A backlight that’s stopped working and settings are not the cause
A MacBook repair assessment will identify whether the fault is mechanical, liquid-related, or electronic — and whether individual key replacement, cleaning, or a top case replacement is the right approach.
We handle all MacBook keyboard repairs at our Putney workshop. Call 020 7610 0500 or contact us to book.