How to disable built-in keyboard of MacBook Pro?

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Level 1

9 points

How to disable built-in keyboard of MacBook Pro?

I've been trying to find a way to disable the built-in keyboard on a MacBook Pro 2018 15-inch, but no luck so far.

I went through all keyboard related settings, but none gives the option to disable/enable the internal keyboard.

Also somewhere on internet it's mentioned about a command to disable/enable in terminal, but I have no luck using it.

sudo kextunload /System/Library/Extensions/AppleUSBTopCase.kext/Contents/PlugIns/AppleUSBTCKeyboard.kext

Would love to know how can that be done. Thanks!

MacBook Pro 15”, 10.14

Posted on Apr 22, 2019 12:05 AM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

36,118 points

Apr 22, 2019 1:39 AM in response to FeiY

There was a setting to 'ignore input from the internal' keyboard, for use with external.

Previous hardware models had something to this effect in system preference panel.

And 'ignore trackpad' seemed to be around longer; helped w/ external keyboards.

For new or under-warranty device, I'd not want to mess with firmware or command-line.

In a casual conversation with Genius or sales specialist, you could ask about that matter.

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Answer 2

Apr 22, 2019 6:09 PM in response to FeiY

My solution to that problem would involve a piece of plywood and a few blocks of wood. There are also commercial Monitor stands intended to let you slide the keyboard under and out of the way (like a keyboard 'garage') when not in use.

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Answer 3

FeiY Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 22, 2019 11:04 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

My everyday use involves an external keyboard, and I prefer to have it overlay on the internal one for a more comfortable posture, but it would press the internal keys if I do it without having the built-in keyboard disabled.

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Answer 4

Apr 22, 2019 6:36 AM in response to FeiY

For what purpose, exactly?

There may be other solutions that address the narrower problem.

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Answer 5

FeiY Author

Level 1

9 points

Apr 22, 2019 6:33 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

For solution 1, I had a similar plan with 3D printing, but then I realized the extra height would have bottom part of the display blocked. I even took me couple attempts before finding an appropriate keyboard that would sit on the internal keyboard without blocking the display.

For solution 2, yeah, that's exactly what I am doing in office, but it is still quote suffering when traveling as I don't take the laptop stand with me. I've been using keyboard below the laptop for traveling, but often I don't have enough desk space for them when traveling. So far my ideal solution would be have a keyboard sit on the internal one, and the key presses are the only thing in my way...

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How to disable built-in keyboard of MacBook Pro?

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