Keyboard repair stickers?

macswe wrote:

The black coating on backlit Apple laptop keyboards eventually wears off depending on the angle your fingernails hit various keys, leaving you with big light spots in the middle of some keys.

https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/6b656a09-9403-4813-b145-c6e6b1c123e6

I would have to think someone out there offers a product that is a replica set of Apple keycaps, in adhesive decals, with clear material where the letter, number, etc. would be. I would think this because the newest models of laptop all have permanent keycaps that require a ludicrously priced total lower-case replacement to fix what used to be a $1 item, so there should be a pretty good demand for them.

I've found clear keyboard covers, which is not what I want (doesn't do anything about the existing key damage, and they're not comfortable to type on). I've found several places selling individual adhesive key covers with white (not clear) on black, but I have to think that doesn't work well on a backlit keyboard.

Does anyone know of a manufacturer of Apple keycap "replacement decals" that does black on clear?

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Find Locations - Apple

Excellent suggestion by @Grant. When Apple replaces the battery in these Retina laptops, they also replace the entire Top Case/Keyboard Assembly because the battery is glued to the underside of the palmrest & trackpad. If the Battery condition shows as anything except "Normal", then Apple or an AASP can replace the Top Case/Keyboard Assembly for the Battery price which is much lower than the price when "fixing" the keyboard. If this is the case, then only mention the battery issue when requesting service since some AASPs may focus on the more keyboard repair instead of the lower cost battery replacement (sometimes because they don't think about it and I'm sure some do it to make more money by getting the cheaper part and still charging the higher price).

I've seen people put letter stickers on their keyboards, but never knew where they got them. Keep in mind by using the stickers you won't have a backlit keyboard anymore because the stickers will block the backlight.

A quick search brought these results. This link appears it might be individual stickers for the M1 laptops, but they may also have them for other models. You may need to confirm these are stickers and not a keyboard cover.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1077464781/black-macbook-keyboard-stickerso?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=macbook+keyboard+stickers&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&bes=1

https://www.amazon.com/English-Lettering-Keyboard-Sticker-Background/dp/B015DYCJP6/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=Mac%2BKeyboard%2BStickers&qid=1663035251&sr=8-7&th=1

The above two links mention "vinyl". The next link appears to be plastic, but the vendor specifically mentions no residue when removing the sticker.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Keyboard-Stickers-Background-Lettering/dp/B0725MXJ3T/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=Mac%2BKeyboard%2BStickers&qid=1663035251&sr=8-14&th=1

General results (includes other color options & possibly keyboard covers as well):

https://www.etsy.com/market/macbook_keyboard_stickers

https://www.amazon.com/Mac-Keyboard-Stickers/s?k=Mac+Keyboard+Stickers

FYI, the Liquid Contact Sensors on the newer laptops actually require a UV light to check them as the Liquid Contact Sensors appear black under normal light. They are not the same as the older liquid sensors on the older Magsafe 1/2 model laptops. I'm not sure exactly when they changed these liquid contact sensors.

If the Liquid Contact Sensors are white, then you do have the older style which turn pink or red after being in contact with moisture. Keep in mind there would be sensors on the other side of the Logic Board and on the Top Case Assembly hidden by the Logic Board and perhaps other components.

Many times I have seen liquid residue or even just corrosion which also are signs of liquid damage. Techs get very good at noticing the smallest signs as it keeps us from having to chase elusive problems which can take valuable time. Having said that, I do know that an Apple mail-in repair depot tech can also get things wrong as it happened to one of our organization's laptops we mailed to Apple for repair (I had personally examined the inside of the laptop before sending it out and knew what they photographed was not corrosion).

Good luck with those links. Hope one works out.

How is your battery holding up? will it need replacement anytime soon?