Greasy / Oily Keys Macbook Pro 2020

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16 points

Greasy / Oily Keys Macbook Pro 2020

Hi all,

Why does apple seem to use the worst plastic for their keyboards? I much prefer Apple Macbook over Microsoft products, but the worst thing about Apple laptops are the naturally oily keyboard. It doesn't matter what I do, the natural oil from my hands always transfers from the keys and its super visible. I believe that this then transfers to the screen when closing the lid. I've noticed this isn't just common but normal. I have to say I'm surprised and let down by this. I've gone to the extent of ordering a rubber keyboard cover, but that just then makes the typing experience horrible. Does no one else have this gripe?

Posted on Jan 3, 2021 2:43 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 3, 2021 3:51 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

My hands are clean. The natural oil which comes out of your hands naturally transfer onto the keys because of what seems is the material used on these apple products.

You clearly cant read. The advice says key caps and palm rests, not mm thin silicon covers. Explain how a thin SILICON cover will defect the display? I've used it for almost a year now and the display is fine.

Please stop telling me to wash my hands. I wash my hands the grease still slowly appears no matter what I do. I'm a clean guy that cant stand mess, hence why this issue is so annoying. Its not like I'm some guy eating pizza and chips at my desk and am wondering why grease appears on my keyboard. Like I said and I will irritate. Every other keyboard from other manufactures over the past 20 years, ZERO issues with grease.

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Answer 2

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 2, 2021 2:43 PM in response to shreya149

Glad to see someone real who has the same issue. I look around at many macbooks and they all look greasy. It's definitely the material that apple uses for the keys compared to other brands like Microsoft.

Zero grease when using any other laptop products other than apple.

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Answer 3

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 3, 2021 3:38 PM in response to babowa

That is surprising. I decided to check whether it is just me and i've been around the office today and can see the same physical grease on other peoples keyboards as my own. I do naturally have quite oily skin, however I have had zero issues with any Windows based laptops (HP/Microsoft/Dell etc) in the 20 + years of using laptops / keyboards. I just find it so bizarre. I'll try the alcohol trick you suggested but I dont suppose it'll make much of a change. So you really dont get anything like the image below of shiny keys and grease? None what-so-ever?

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Answer 4

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 3, 2021 4:03 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Jesus christ mate, if apple told you to jump off a cliff would you?

THAT IS NOT THE ISSUE. The issue is grease on the keyboard.

I have used the silicon cover for over a year and the display is just fabulous, thank you for your concern!!!!

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Answer 5

Jan 3, 2021 3:23 PM in response to tbch2325

You should heed the warning at the link provided by FoxFifth in the post above.

It is so important I'll repeat it here: Do not use palm rest or keycap covers on a Mac notebook with a Retina display - Apple Support

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Answer 6

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 3, 2021 3:02 PM in response to FoxFifth

Thanks, but the keyboard cover im using is a very thin rubber that covers the whole keyboard and does not damage the display.

Appreciate the concern but the point of the post here is the material that apple uses for their keyboards its truly awful for grease and am still surprised they have done nothing about it for years.

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Answer 7

babowa

Level 9

78,417 points

Jan 3, 2021 3:13 PM in response to tbch2325

Appreciate the concern but the point of the post here is the material that apple uses for their keyboards its truly awful for grease and am still surprised they have done nothing about it for years.

I have used numerous various models of Macbook Pros, Macbook Airs, and desktops over the years. I have never experienced oily keys on anything. In fact, my hands are so dry that I have a problem with any Touch device (trackpad, iPad, iPhone screens), so I would certainly notice any kind of moisture, oil or otherwise.

Most of us have plenty of skin moisture/oils (except for me), so my guess is that the origin is from your fingers transferred inadvertently to they keys and then back again. Since I have never had a problem despite the fact that I use plenty of lotion to combat my super/extra dry skin, I do not believe there would be any oily substance on a keyboard. Also simply does not make any sense. FWIW, keyboard covers would naturally collect moisture underneath especially if they are made of rubber. It might even cause the problem.

I'd test with a) no keyboard cover and cleaning the keys with a bit of alcohol and b) after you have done dishes in plenty of dishsoap known to break up grease. Dry your hands - no lotion - and then use the keyboard. Try that for a few days and see if there is a difference.

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Answer 8

tbch2325 Author

Level 1

16 points

Jan 3, 2021 3:37 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thanks for another unneeded concern. It is not a key cap or palm rest... If future posters could concentrate on the actual issue of the keyboard grease.

https://www.ebay.com.au/i/323516542035?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&itemid=323516542035&targetid=921460872233&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9071800&poi=&campaignid=10101785225&mkgroupid=102311925020&rlsatarget=pla-921460872233&abcId=9300368&merchantid=112577789&gclid=Cj0KCQiA88X_BRDUARIsACVMYD8_xFa9RHM4tXMDDvqjeNnksovm_zhUsyD6E7E--l6w2FL2_5Ii_f0aAiDXEALw_wcB

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Answer 9

Jan 3, 2021 3:45 PM in response to tbch2325

Sorry you feel that way. Your greasy keys issue was addressed. Wash your hands before using the keyboard to prevent grease/dirt transfer.

With respect to the issue you refuse to acknowledge, do not use anything between the keys and the display. For someone so concerned about grease on the keys it is very surprising that you ignore the advice of Apple and choose to do something that is known to cause issues with your computer.

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Answer 10

Jan 3, 2021 4:01 PM in response to tbch2325

tbch2325 wrote:

You clearly cant read. The advice says key caps and palm rests, not mm thin silicon covers. Explain how a thin SILICON cover will defect the display? I've used it for almost a year now and the display is fine.

No it does not. It says "keycap covers".

"Do not use palm rest or keycap covers on a Mac notebook with a Retina display

Leaving any material on the top case (keyboard and palm rest area) could result in damage to the display when you close it.

To enable the thin design of Mac notebook computers with a Retina display, the clearance between the display and the topcase is engineered to tight tolerances. Do not use palm rest covers or keycap covers, as the additional thickness may interfere with the designed closed position of the display."

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Answer 11

Feb 2, 2021 8:50 AM in response to tbch2325

I have the exact same issue. Been just 2 weeks since I got my MacBook Air, and my keyboard's keys plus trackpad's all oily. It is such an irritating issue.

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Answer 12

FoxFifth

Level 10

472,059 points

Jan 3, 2021 2:59 PM in response to tbch2325

You may want to see the following: Do not use palm rest or keycap covers on a Mac notebook with a Retina display - Apple Support

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Greasy / Oily Keys Macbook Pro 2020

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