Replacement keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13'

Question

Level 1

7 points

Replacement keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13'

Hello,

I need to replace about 20 keycaps of a MacBook Pro 13’ retina display (latest model, first out in March 2015) to convert a Swiss keyboard to English International. Replacing the full keyboard is not an option since it is too hard of a work. My question is: can I source the keycaps from older models (13” or 15”) with retina display? Would the holding mechanism of the caps to the hinges be compatible or the same? From some searches I have found two types of keys that can be found on keyboards of retina display MBPs: Type AC06 and Type AC07. Any idea as to which one is the one used in the latest 13” MBP keyboard? (please note that I want to replace the caps only, not the whole key)

Thanks,

Weronika

Posted on Jun 19, 2015 2:41 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 27, 2017 12:53 PM in response to weronika1502

I was trying to find the difference between the two key types as well. You've probably already found your answer, but for those who haven't, I found this picture of the two different key types. I took a photo of my (missing) key, enlarged it and compared. Hope this helps.

Here's the site where I found the picture:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item-img/NEW-For-macbook-Air-A1369-A1466-A1370-A1465- UK-EU-keyboard-key-48pcs/1544130216.html…

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Answer 2

Courcoul

Level 6

18,684 points

Mar 27, 2017 1:12 PM in response to weronika1502

I have repeatedly purchased keys that either had a broken scissor mechanism or the letters had rubbed off from ReplacementLaptopKeys.com What's more, the image Lorie included comes from them. Just be sure to order the correct kind.

Swapping from one Mac to another, provided it is an identical model AND the key shapes and cutouts are the same is feasible, but there is a high probability that the retaining mechanism breaks when they are popped off or back on. In which case you will have to buy a few spares.

Apple NEVER deigned in selling me spare keycaps or even install them themselves under warranty or without. They wanted to swap the ENTIRE keyboard at a ridiculous price for a single broken Tab key that arrived that way when I first took the Mac out of the box.

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Answer 3

Jun 19, 2015 4:46 PM in response to weronika1502

I would not recommend trying to swap keys.

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Answer 4

weronika1502 Author

Level 1

7 points

Jun 20, 2015 1:09 AM in response to leroydouglas

Why?

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Answer 5

Sep 6, 2015 12:50 AM in response to weronika1502

Hi Weronika,

I'm thinking of doing exactly the opposite and would try to go from a German keyboard to a Swiss German. However, I have not yet purchased the machine.

Would you sell your Swiss German Keycaps to me?

Cheers

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Answer 6

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,108 points

Sep 6, 2015 12:55 AM in response to weronika1502

As far as I know, you can buy the key caps from Apple. Switching is not difficult.

I have a mac with a swiss-german keyboard, one with a belgian-french keyboard, and the others with a US keyboard. You get very quickly used to it. I changed caps where they were damaged only.

Lex

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