I'm assuming that you have one of the Apple Magic Keyboards. Regardless of the model, they all came with "scissor" type key switches.
It may be possible to replace the key(s) back yourself, but only if none of the scissor components are damaged.
To do so:
Fully Inspect the Keycap and Scissor Mechanism for broken or missing parts
- Flip the keycap over and inspect the underside. You should see a plastic scissor mechanism either still attached to the cap or partially/fully stuck on the keyboard.
- Ensure all small plastic hinges aren’t cracked or warped. If they're broken, you’ll need a replacement scissor mechanism.
Check the Keyboard Deck
Look closely at the square where the “S” key goes. You should see small anchor points where the scissor clip mounts. These must be intact for the key to function properly. If one of these is damaged or missing, reattachment may not yield reliable typing performance.
Reattach the Scissor Mechanism
- If the mechanism came off the keyboard deck, carefully snap it back into place first—*before* attaching the keycap. It should hinge smoothly and snap flat when pressed.
- Once it's seated properly, align the keycap on top and press gently but firmly until you feel it snap on.
Finally, Test the Key Travel
Try pressing the key several times. It should move freely and register cleanly. If it feels mushy or doesn’t spring back, the mechanism is likely misaligned or damaged.
If any part is broken—especially the scissor clip—you can buy a single replacement key with the correct mechanism for your exact keyboard model from sites like KeyRepair.com or ReplacementLaptopKeys.com. Just be sure to match the keyboard model number (usually printed on the bottom side of the keyboard) to ensure you get the right size and type of scissor mechanism.
