I have been using a silicone keyboard protector on my Macbook Air to prevent dust etc from getting inside the comp, and also to help protect the keys (they seem to wear out and become shiney after time).
I have been told that this could be potentially dangerous for the computer as the cover blocks the ventilation of the computer causing it to overheat.
Can anyone please shed some light on the situation?
THANKS 🙂
MacBook Air
I don't know where the idea that a MacBook Air uses the keyboard for airflow originated, but it sure has been a longstanding tale. While there may be a very small amount of radiative heat, there is no engineered airflow through the keyboard itself. I think the fallacy may stem from users who just have no idea where the air could exit, and maybe they feel a twinge of heat from the vicinity coming up near the hinge.
If you look at the rear of your Air when open, with a flashlight, you will see plainly the intake and exhaust ports at the hinge. A small amount is deflected upward toward the front of the display. This is the area you need to keep clear, and why Apple reccomends you do not operate the computer on a soft surface such as a blanket or a pillow, where the computer might settle in, and block the intake/exhaust.
Apple sells keyboard covers, and devices to operate the Air in a closed position. If there was a need for keyboard airflow, do you honestly think that they would be selling these, but telling users to not run a notebook on a blanketed bed or pillow*?
* see page 55 of MBA manual.
Thanks heaps for your response, I figured if they were damaging to the computer that the items wouldn't be sold. However, having ruined a previous laptop by using it on my bed and letting it overheat I am wary about inadvertantly doing the same again.
Does the same ventilation system apply to the MBP??
Thanks again
I just read pg. 55 of the MBA manual, which states: "Never place anything over the keyboard when operating your MacBook Air."
So now a little more confused...
You are right. Good catch. I think that it deserves clarificaton in view of Apple's instruction on clamshell operation and the apparent approved use of a keyboard protector (evidenced by sale of the product).
I've seen the MBA apart, and the keyboard itself is simply not an airflow route. But I could imagine that in open operation theradiated heat could be diminished if the whole surface were blocked. But indeed Apple has created wording in the manual which would leave one certainly wondering.
In the Q&A on the Moshi protector onthe Apple Store site, the following question from 2010 stands without a comment from anyone at Apple.
Does the Moshi compromise MacBook Air ventilation? The MBA manual says, "Never place anything over the keyboard..."
1 Answer
Answer
I rather doubt it. I have been using Moshi over my keyboard for quite some time, and has had no problems or ill effects.
One other note. Apple gives a reason for not using the MBA on a bed, etc (blocking vents, overheatin). But they give no reason for not covering the keyboard. Perhaps we are making assumptions, based on no information that it is heat related at all.
Well covering the keyboard would make it signiicantly more difficult to use the computer at all.. I hope someone from Apple chimes in on this thread.. for now I think I will continue to use the keyboard cover to keep the keyboard clean. On another note, I also have a plastic hard shell for both the top and bottom of the laptop. Considering the ventilation is through the hinge, this type of case should also have no effect on the laptop's ventilation, correct?
I just bought an 11" MBA and put on a silicon keyboard cover. I had it on my lap for about 20mins and I could feel it getting warm on the bottom.Then I hear this whoosing noise. I though it was background noise on a video I was watching. I turned down the volume and I could still hear this whooshing. I realized it was my MBA struggling to cool down. I took the silicone cover off the keyboard and sat it on a table. After a couple of minutes the whooshing (THE FAN) stopped and all was quiet. I assume the cover does it no good as heat must rise up and out through the openings around the keys. Using a cover seems to block the heat from escaping and the fan kicks in and trys to get some air in to cool down.
I have never put a cover on any of my Macbooks before and had never heard the whooshing sound (the fan) sound before.
So perhaps think twice about using these silicone covers!
Are silicone keyboard protectors dangerous for use on MBA?
