Better to repair, or replace a 2015 MB Pro keyboard? What are my options?

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MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Better to repair, or replace a 2015 MB Pro keyboard? What are my options?

The "D" key on my 2015 MBP Retina 15-inch keyboard came off. I took it to the Apple Store

to reposition it. They said one of the tiny metal pins that holds it in place actually was broken

off (somehow) and couldn't just put it back on. Options given: Replace the whole keyboard

for $500+ (more than the computer is worth). Replace battery for 300. You get a new top cover

when they do that, apparently. Or...am pretty much screwed. So, since there's really nothing

wrong with this laptop at all and i'm used to DIY'ing as much as possible, is this next to impossible

to fix myself - like if i were to just buy a used "for parts" keyboard - could it be easily fixed? WOuld

a third-party typically be able to fix this cheaper than Apple? What's the smartest - most cost

effective option before having to consider trying to unload this machine - all because of a stupid

single key coming off.?? REALLY curious how this is justified/warranted -- that the ENTIRE TOPCOVER

needs to be changed out to fix ONE KEY.

Astonished,

Mike

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Aug 15, 2021 2:16 PM

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Answer 1

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 15, 2021 3:32 PM in response to K Shaffer

Thanks. I'm sensing, however, that this is a very challenging self-repair. It is rated Difficult by ifixit...and a five hour

ordeal. I can imagine if it as intricate and complex as the easily breakable single-key replacement it can't be that

simple to warrant trying to DIY. This leaves me with unloading a perfectly good (save for one single key) on Ebay

and putting the proceeds towards a new-used equivalent A1398 2015 15-inch MBP, for $350-400. Unless I'm missing

something, there's little other option available.

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Answer 2

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,980 points

Aug 15, 2021 4:07 PM in response to MIKEinMICH

Well, on-site, singular key replacements, to which I've referred dozens of times,

are worth study. Each key has three parts, images are there, part numbers, etc.

And those can be replaced; unless the top case also has damages.

Since the battery is also glued into top case, that'd be reason enough to defer

repair to an AASP or maybe a repair depot fix; if Apple would allow. ~ As those

are less costly than other Apple authorized repair; & too, result in new battery.

Usually that old a macbook could have single keys replaced; from what I checked.

However each of those single build models, may have different key replacements.

(Among my bits n pieces, I've several spare keyboards; a few new.

Have been useful to troubleshoot, too. Mine are Mac; PC can do.)

The models with non-retina and more repairable, are in about Mid-2012. You can

buy those still, in good condition, for as little as $300. from OWC among others.

Well, I'm getting ready to take a 'nearby trip' by road, toward Seward (AK) and

so will cut this short; I figure 3 hrs one-way travel, given hwy construction.

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Answer 3

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,980 points

Aug 15, 2021 2:49 PM in response to MIKEinMICH

While if an essential tab portion within the 'top case' there to retain ea

of the individual keys, has broken off; that's an issue resolved with used

good condition replacement.

[If available; to your DIY delight. Top-case may be replaced, with Battery.]

Otherwise, since there are more than three Keyboard key replacements

(ea w/ three parts, including key-face) per each MacBook Pro, read careful

and see what this site shows, per exact model that appears to be yours..

• Apple Laptop Replacement Keys | Keyboard Keys | Keypad Keys

https://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/APPLE/

They have instructions for each key replacement, among details there.

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Answer 4

MIKEinMICH Author

Level 1

20 points

Aug 15, 2021 4:34 PM in response to K Shaffer

Thanks! I've been to Alaska and I'm sure even with construction that's a far more scenic drive

than most: )

I'll keep looking around - tho have to say at this point if it's a whole keyboard, a refurb 2015 MB Pro

might only be $100 more than the cost of this repair.

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Better to repair, or replace a 2015 MB Pro keyboard? What are my options?

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