Tale of 2 Apple Magic Keyboards. Apple using cheap Ink? Repair wired.

Question

Level 1

4 points

Tale of 2 Apple Magic Keyboards. Apple using cheap Ink? Repair wired.

Wireless Magic Keyboard ( top keyboard in image - bought around 2023) has 2 issues: the ink on the letters has come off and there is a lag when connected to Bluetooth.

compared to the wired Magic Keyboard that I have had since 2011.

The MAGIC NOT reason I bought the new keyboard is that some of the keys on the wired keyboard stopped working. I took it apart and cleaned the pad inside. Helped some but then more keys stopped working.

Apple: why is the ink rubbing off my keys? The lag only resolves when the keyboard is plugged in.

i really just want to fix my old keyboard as it is perfect and after more than 15 years, the keys look like new.

any ideas??

Mac Pro (2019)

Posted on Sep 14, 2026 3:57 PM

Reply

Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 9

72,268 points

Oct 22, 2026 1:06 AM in response to Capthads

Hi there

Please try this to see if you can fix the issue

Charge or Hard Reset: Turn the keyboard off, disconnect the cable, and toggle the power switch quickly 5 times to force a hard reset, then re-pair it.
Remove Interference: Keep Wi-Fi routers, hubs, or other 2.4 GHz wireless devices away from your Mac and keyboard.
Forget and Re-pair: Go to System Settings > Bluetooth, click "Forget" on the Magic Keyboard, restart your Mac, and pair it fresh.
Check Battery Health: If the internal Li-ion battery no longer holds a proper charge, Bluetooth transmission drops packets or stutters unless it receives constant current via the cable.