How do I fix persistent 'L' and '9' key issues on my MacBook Pro?

Your failure is with two keys in the same (slightly diagonal) column. This suggest this is an internal weakness or failure inside the keyboard, not debris.

Individual key-switches are no longer used. Instead, a rows grid and columns grid are stacked on top of each other, and your key-presses change the relationship (electrical and charge) between the two sheets at a particular row and column location. Issues such as weak sensors for a particular column might produce the symptoms you see.

So I agree with what others have said, that you likely need a replacement keyboard assembly, which on some models may include several items such as a top plate, trackpad, and battery.

I do not have anything constructive to add about Apple's response.

keys associated horizontally, Individual keys, and keys associated on the diagonal like your example —typically point to Hardware fault in the circuit traces.

The answer is Keyboard replacement, yes. The alternative is to use an external keyboard.

Keyboard— a complex of mylar layers including circuit traces, buffer in between and tactile domes.

ssahai wrote:

Dear Apple Community,

My feeling is Apple will not let this post go public in this forum, but let me try.

I purchased my Apple Macbook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022). Within a few months, the keys "L" and "9" started to feel abnormal. I had to literally press hard to make the keys work. I have been visiting the Apple Authorised Service Center at MG Road next to BIBA Showroom Pune, India since July of 2024. I have made 3 visits until now.

Every time I visited, I was told that the keys became hard because of dust underneath the keys (sharing the screenshot of my case notes).

At this moment, the "L" key has almost stopped working while the key "9" is becoming a bigger issue every single day.

I have spoken to the Sr. Technical Advisors at Apple at least 8-10 times. They are so well trained at empathising with the customer that you'd feel your issues is going be resolved. But I have been given NO solution whatsoever whi thch feels like a stab at the back every single time I reach out to support.

My question has been simple: If it was a dust issue, show me a dust particle so stubborn and in so much love with the "l" and the "9" key that it always finds its way under those keys? The dust so much hate all other keys that they just get underneath"L" and the "9" key? Is there anyone from Apple in this forum who can second this logic?

I am again visiting the Authorised Center tomorrow at MG Road Pune. Since I have lost all faith in the Service Center and the Technical Support Team.

Is there anyone in this community who has witnessed such a painful experience with Apple? It just feels so so unfair... Attaching the link to the case notes that I have received from Apple... https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TimYTtZACmM-UIjRfzmaSA6_PzMOBlxc?usp=sharing

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

re: < MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2022) >

so what is the question(?)

ref: How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro

Have the keyboard replaced—this would be the solution for your on-going issue.

Have you asked for this service repair, I would image this is out of pocket for out of warranty hardware issue(?)

Keyboards are not repaired they are replaced. This would be a top case replacement which includes keyboard/trackpad/some units includes battery.

Get your mac repaired and how much will it cost

Mac Repair and Service - Apple Support

you can submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple

I’d expect you were told that the repair was a replacement top case during one or more of those eight or ten or so visits, and that repair or Mac replacement would be where this is headed.

There might potentially be the use of a separate Bluetooth or wired keyboard too, pending repair or Mac replacement.

And yes, out of warranty replacement of the top case won’t be cheap.

If the Mac is old enough, Mac replacement may be the better bad option.