2018 Macbook Pro - Faulty butterfly keyboard

I recently purchased a secondhand 2018 Macbook Pro and the keyboard is faulty. Some keys are detaching, some are sticking and others are repeating. I don't think I'm eligible for the replacement program as the original new purchase date is over 4 years ago.

I'll be calling the vendor tomorrow, but before I do, I'd like to know if it's worth replacing the keyboard, if the vendor offers to do so? Or will a replacement keyboard likely just start having the same issues, meaning that I should return the machine and look at buying a pre-2015 or post-2019 Macbook instead?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Feb 4, 2024 8:01 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 4, 2024 10:25 AM

MacDougall76 wrote:

I recently purchased a secondhand 2018 Macbook Pro and the keyboard is faulty. Some keys are detaching, some are sticking and others are repeating. I don't think I'm eligible for the replacement program as the original new purchase date is over 4 years ago.
I'll be calling the vendor tomorrow, but before I do, I'd like to know if it's worth replacing the keyboard, if the vendor offers to do so? Or will a replacement keyboard likely just start having the same issues, meaning that I should return the machine and look at buying a pre-2015 or post-2019 Macbook instead?
Thanks!


You get the same exact top case replacement (includes keyboard/trackpad/battery)


Butterfly had known issues yes.


There is no guarantee how long the replacement will last (note 90-day guarantee on parts& labor only)

— I will let you do the calculus on your situation.


How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro - Apple Support


ref: Get your mac repaired and how much will it cost

Mac Repair & Service - Apple Support


I avoided the 2016-2018 for that exact reason...

and held out for the 2019 16" MBP when released with the "magic" upgraded scissor keyboard— no issues.


Today M1/M2/M3 no reported keyboard issues.



I had good luck saving money w/ the open box/returns/refurbs— carry the same warranty as brand new.

https://www.apple.com/us/shop/goto/special_deals

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1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 4, 2024 10:25 AM in response to MacDougall76

MacDougall76 wrote:

I recently purchased a secondhand 2018 Macbook Pro and the keyboard is faulty. Some keys are detaching, some are sticking and others are repeating. I don't think I'm eligible for the replacement program as the original new purchase date is over 4 years ago.
I'll be calling the vendor tomorrow, but before I do, I'd like to know if it's worth replacing the keyboard, if the vendor offers to do so? Or will a replacement keyboard likely just start having the same issues, meaning that I should return the machine and look at buying a pre-2015 or post-2019 Macbook instead?
Thanks!


You get the same exact top case replacement (includes keyboard/trackpad/battery)


Butterfly had known issues yes.


There is no guarantee how long the replacement will last (note 90-day guarantee on parts& labor only)

— I will let you do the calculus on your situation.


How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro - Apple Support


ref: Get your mac repaired and how much will it cost

Mac Repair & Service - Apple Support


I avoided the 2016-2018 for that exact reason...

and held out for the 2019 16" MBP when released with the "magic" upgraded scissor keyboard— no issues.


Today M1/M2/M3 no reported keyboard issues.



I had good luck saving money w/ the open box/returns/refurbs— carry the same warranty as brand new.

https://www.apple.com/us/shop/goto/special_deals

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2018 Macbook Pro - Faulty butterfly keyboard

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