Broken Butterfly Key

I accidentally broke the hinge off my right shift butterfly key. I was wondering how I could repair this key. For context, I have a MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) - No Touch Bar.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 19, 2022 11:58 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 20, 2022 6:30 PM

There is no way to reattach the butterfly mechanism. I've tried several times. One time I was sort of able to reattach the butterfly mechanism, but I did damage it further. The other two times I was unable to reattach the butterfly mechanism as I damaged it beyond its ability to be functional. The parts are just too fragile and the tolerances are too tight so most likely those little studs on the butterfly mechanism will bend or snap off plus the clear plastic bar in the key bay will become loose during the process. Any deformation or damage will likely cause the key to bind and jam.


You will need to have Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider replace the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly which is very expensive. Also since you have the non-touchbar model you definitely need to have Apple check to see whether your laptop qualifies for the free SSD repair program or the free battery repair program. Keep in mind if your laptop qualifies for the free battery repair program (even with a damaged key) that you will automatically get a new Keyboard since the Battery is glued to the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly.

https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-solid-state-drive-service


https://support.apple.com/13inch-macbookpro-battery-replacement


3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 20, 2022 6:30 PM in response to dtinywong

There is no way to reattach the butterfly mechanism. I've tried several times. One time I was sort of able to reattach the butterfly mechanism, but I did damage it further. The other two times I was unable to reattach the butterfly mechanism as I damaged it beyond its ability to be functional. The parts are just too fragile and the tolerances are too tight so most likely those little studs on the butterfly mechanism will bend or snap off plus the clear plastic bar in the key bay will become loose during the process. Any deformation or damage will likely cause the key to bind and jam.


You will need to have Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider replace the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly which is very expensive. Also since you have the non-touchbar model you definitely need to have Apple check to see whether your laptop qualifies for the free SSD repair program or the free battery repair program. Keep in mind if your laptop qualifies for the free battery repair program (even with a damaged key) that you will automatically get a new Keyboard since the Battery is glued to the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly.

https://support.apple.com/13-inch-macbook-pro-solid-state-drive-service


https://support.apple.com/13inch-macbookpro-battery-replacement


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Broken Butterfly Key

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.