Protecting MacBook keyboard

Have an M1 Macbook Air. Never removed my cover. Sight dust marks on my screen after using it for several months, probably something I could buff out if I took the effort.

I like the fact that I'm not worried about small food particles from entering the computer. Also my daughter spilt a little water on the computer and it minimized the damage as most of the water didn't get in through the keyboard area.

Hello, thank you for reaching out.

Yes, keyboard skins/covers are typically discouraged by Apple because it can result in damage to the screen.

In my opinion, keyboard covers aren't really necessary, and they can also affect cooling and restrict airflow. MacBook keyboards in my experience are generally pretty durable and you shouldn't have too many issues with it.

Hope this answers your question, have a great 2024!

Apple warns against a closing the laptop on top of a keyboard cover.

Apple has no warnings about overheating.

A keyboard cover is a great idea if you remember to remove it everytime you close your laptop.

I agree with Jeremy, I had my last MacBook for nearly ten years and it was amazing .. from spillage, to dropping it, to food crumbs and oily fingers, I had no problems at all with the keyboard! (The white characters didn't even wear out and never showed signs of age).

I wouldn’t chance covering it!

Enjoy your purchase- I finally just upgraded to an M3Pro 😁

I've used a keyboard skin on my 2012 MacBook Air with no problem. Someone else in the household has been using one for about the same time. The main reason I use it is because I often eat while I'm using it and want to keep crumbs from going into keyboard.

My two data points. I now have a new M2 and will probably get one for it, unless I read a good reason not to.

Do not use keyboard covers on your MacBook Air. Such covers may cause damage and they may interfere with computer cooling.

Using a camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover on a Mac notebook - Apple Support

Don't close your MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro with a cover over the camera - Apple Support

I also use a keyboard cover on my MacBook Pro 2015 and have noticed some slight marks on the screen which can be quite stubborn to rub off. To solve this problem, I place plain paper on the keyboard cover before closing my Mac and it works!

in my opinion keyboard covers aren't that required to protect you MacBook, If you still want to take care of the keyboard make sure to have a gentle keystrokes when ever you type although it isn't required

Make sure you clean your keyboard as a maintenance periodically using mild IP solution never directly spray on top of the keyboard use a gentle/soft towel clean the Mac

if you are storing you Mac for long time close the lid with a full size A4 print paper which will protect your Mac screen getting scratched

[Edited by Moderator]

See the following Apple Support article for information on using a keyboard cover: Using a camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover on a Mac notebook - Apple Support

JeremiahSandoval wrote:

I want to know how i can protect my keyboard from wearing out from repetitive typing,

You might consider using a regular keyboard and mouse when you are working at home or in the office. If/when it wears out, just get a new one. Limit using the MBAir's built-in keyboard & trackpad for times when you are not at your desk/table.

Apple's official website states to not use a keyboard cover as there needs to be a clearance between the keyboard keys and the screen (Using a camera cover, palm rest, or keyboard cover on a Mac notebook - Apple Support (CA)) I see a lot of students in my class using keyboard skins instead they are thinner. Uniqfind and Keyboard shorts sells them

Do you remove it before closing the lid of your M2?

Excerpted from Keep your Mac laptop within acceptable operating temperatures - Apple Support:

• Don’t put anything over the keyboard.

After reading about using one on my M2, I decided against it because Apple warns that there's so little clearance between keyboard and screen.

Can i solely depend on mac keyboard for heavy coding or need to purchase external keyboard for that?can it survive on a long run?