Is it normal for a new Magic Keyboard to have a smell?

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Level 1

23 points

Is it normal for a new Magic Keyboard to have a smell?

I just bought a Magic Keyboard with numpad (MQ052LL) and when it arrived it smelled terrible! It has since cleared, I think, and I know electronics can smell when they first arrive, but the smaller keyboard that came with the computer I bought didn't smell at all.

I'm worried maybe the battery was damaged during shipping because the keyboard's box was on top of all the brown paper padding in the shipping box rather than under some of it.

How can I tell if the battery is leaking or damaged?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 16, 2024 2:56 PM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

152,284 points

Nov 17, 2024 8:26 AM in response to RYz

Some materials that are used in the manufacturing of these keyboards may have a distinctive smell ... at least in the beginning when new. Think of that "new car" smell you get when you first get into (& some time afterwards) of a new car.

To more directly answer your question. If you suspect that your new keyboard's battery is damaged ... DO NOT use it. You have 14 days, from the purchase date, to return it for either a full refund or a replacement.

These keyboards have non-replaceable rechargeable batteries that could pose a hazard if damaged where the battery is physically torn open. I don't think this is the case here based on what you provided in your post, but I suggest you consider contacting Apple directly for further assistance with this matter. You can do so, simply by selecting the "Support" link on the lower left-hand side of this forum's web page.

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Answer 2

Tesserax

Level 10

152,284 points

Nov 20, 2024 7:52 AM in response to RYz

RYz wrote:

Thanks.

How long does the smell last?

Sorry, but I don't have a definitive answer to that question.

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Answer 3

RYz Author

Level 1

23 points

Nov 19, 2024 8:05 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks.

How long does the smell last?

It's been 6 days since I unwrapped it, and there is some residual smell I can tell when I wave the keyboard around a bit, though I have a very keen nose. I bet most people wouldn't smell it at all. Also we haven't had windows open much because of the cold. (Though we did that first evening!)

On the plus side, it is holding power far better than the smaller keyboard that came with my computer. It's been 5 days of heavy use and only gone down 4% according to System Settings. Then again, the smaller keyboard arrived turned on and at about 65% charged, so I can't say for sure that this one won't drain faster at lower levels.

PS. Weird that your Nov 17 reply didn't show up til now when I've been checking every evening.

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