Macbook Pro keyboards get too oily after a while. THey need to switch back to the keyboard style they had in mid 2015. Current models keyboards are too flat they need to swtich back to the better quality plastic for the keyboards and more rounded shape. all to lower the oil appearance on them after a while.
mgmartino wrote:
I have had many Macbook Pros over the years. and the Fact that the 2021 model looks so bad is mostly due to the cheaper plastic and flatter keys. The cheaper plastic also makes them harder to clean with alcohol wipes or other computer keyboard cleaning products.
Comparing experiences, my 2019 MacBook Pro (16") looks pristine, like the image you posted of your 2015 model. That said, maybe 2019 models still were produced with "better" keyboards? I also have been using a 2023 M3 Max MacBook Pro, and its keyboard looks new as well. So possibly in between those years, 2021, a different quality keyboard was used?
We have strictly avoided any food near any of our Macs (actually my wife violates that rule sometimes and I can tell by glancing at her iMac's keyboard).
What for you to do going forward? Apple has some instructions for cleaning its laptops, but I did not find clear guidance in them for the keyboard, it seemed to focus more on the screen.
I think an Apple Authorized Service Provider (not Apple Store -- AASP are independent shops certified by Apple) can probably do a cleaning for a low nominal charge. In 2021 I had an AASP replace the SSD and battery in our 2013 MacBook Air. It is still running well. When we picked up the laptop after that service, they had fully cleaned everything and it all looked brand new (including the keyboard). I don't know how they did that but my daughter had used that laptop all through college and it looked very "used" but after the AASP cleaned it, it looked as if new. That might be an option for you (the cleaning part), but if the keyboard is prone to discoloration, it might return over time.
How to clean your Apple products - Apple Support (my guess is that you have already tried this on the keyboard)
mgmartino wrote:
Macbook Pro keyboards get too oily after a while. THey need to switch back to the keyboard style they had in mid 2015. Current models keyboards are too flat they need to swtich back to the better quality plastic for the keyboards and more rounded shape. all to lower the oil appearance on them after a while.
Apple is not here. You can give product feedback to Apple at this link: Product Feedback - Apple
I also suggest washing your hands prior to using the keyboard.
mgmartino wrote:
Macbook Pro keyboards get too oily after a while. THey need to switch back to the keyboard style they had in mid 2015. Current models keyboards are too flat they need to swtich back to the better quality plastic for the keyboards and more rounded shape. all to lower the oil appearance on them after a while.
Do you mean they get more shiny with use...?
Hard to believe Apple will go backwards to a 2015 keyboard. the 2015 introduced the flawed butterfly mechanism. Apple reintroduced a redesigned, modern scissor-switch "Magic Keyboard" in November 2019 similar to the pre-2015.
I am sure they would appreciate your feedback however on the product
see product feedback: Feedback - Apple.com Website - Apple
This is a noted issue when you look online, so saying "just wash your hands" is not a factor here. I have had many Macbook Pros over the years. and the Fact that the 2021 model looks so bad is mostly due to the cheaper plastic and flatter keys. The cheaper plastic also makes them harder to clean with alcohol wipes or other computer keyboard cleaning products.
Just look at the difference between my 2021, and 2015. That fact that the 2015 is that much older and is stil being used and looks that much better really tells you all you need to know.
MacBook Pro keyboards contain no oil or oil-like substances to exude. If they "get oily" they become so in some other way.
FWIW I often use external Magic Keyboard and mouse when using MBP M5 on the desktop so its keyboard doesn't get dirty and I'm more used to external inputs anyway. When on the go I use its internal keyboard and trackpad and try to wash my greasy hands before using it...
...my old external keyboards tend to be quite worn-out -- especially the left cmd key's text is scratched off from my left thumb's nail with excessive use. So when I use the MBP internal keyboard I often try to use also the right cmd key and avoid using the thumb's nail in the left cmd key...
I have been using a black, Apple Magic (extended) keyboard for the last five years. More frequenty used keys are showing a polished wear shine, but that is not based on any lubricant on the keys. If I eat food that may contribute oil onto my fingers, I thoroughly wash my hands before touching the keyboard.
The fact your MagSafe power cord is filthy tells me all I need to know.
MacBook Pro keyboards get oily after a while
