Stuck key on 12 inch Macbook keyboard

Chiming in with a left Command key that not only sticks, but prevents login because you can't hold CMD and type in one's password.

Apple wants $675 but I'm afraid it will just be another sticky key soon after repair.

My spar at is now working, just woke up one morning and now it works, what do I do? Still go to apple? Apparently they won't replace just fix it. I bought it from Apple Store Germany and they say rules are different here, they say I HAVE to go to Apple Store 2 hours away if I want to fix it. Surely they can pick it up? Replace? Apple have really let me down

Hi Chris. If it is just one key, the very first thing I would try is taking a small pry tool or small flat screwdriver and prying the key off. They just snap on/off, just don't be so forceful as to break something. I would suggest taking some high percentage IPA-Isopropyl Alcohol, such as 99% along with a cotton swab, and clean all underneath the key as best you can. Once done, snap the key back on and test it out. I can't tell you the number of times this fixes these keys. Of course if the key is actually worn out, it will need replacing, but makes sense to try a 30 second high rate of success solution first.

Sincerely,

Brenden

Can't tell you about MacBook 12, but for MacBook Pro 15, the problem still stays the same.
Eventually two keys are sticking now and I've been told that repair may took up to 10 days what is too long since I'm using it for work.

Blasts of compressed air continue to work for me, but it's really irritating that this continues to happen. It's often not the same keys, so I think it's more an inherent design flaw rather than a specific bad key or two.

I've tried canned air already, also tried vacuum and even ordered additional narrower attachments with no success so far. Irritating indeed, can't imagine a worker babying his industrial tools. Of course it's not a workstation in common meaning but still a working tool so this problem is inappropriate for such product.

elsamort wrote:

I've tried canned air already, also tried vacuum and even ordered additional narrower attachments with no success so far. Irritating indeed, can't imagine a worker babying his industrial tools. Of course it's not a workstation in common meaning but still a working tool so this problem is inappropriate for such product.

Couldn't agree more!

These keyboards on the MacBook 2015 and 2016 have very low clearance than standard keyboards like on a Air or earlier Pro models . If a spec of dust gets into the keys they will notice . A can of compressed air from your local computer parts store or even walmart has them helps. Spray the keyboard lightly around the key and see if that helps . I do this on my 2016 MacBook along with past computers for years . If dust under the key is not your culprit then defiantly take it to your Apple Store and have them take a look .

Unfortunately, carrying around compressed air and constantly blasting the keyboard is not a realistic solution. The keyboard is just unfortunately a poor and weak design. I had a previous generation MacBook Pro for almost 4 years and never a problem with the keyboard. In fact, besides the stuck key problem, every time I use an older MacBook I actually prefer the feel of the old keyboard. That aside this is just a bad design and it doesn't seem like Apple's really standing behind their work (yet again, "stain damage", image retention, so many other past problems). I can't possibly see how these keyboards will last even half as long as they did on previous generation machines.

Im sorry you have had problems , unfortunately some people have problems with every product out there no matter who makes it . The problems aren't happening to a large enough percentage of MacBook owners . There are posts from owners that have had problems yes but how many from people who haven't had any problems with the keyboard ? The canned air I and members of my family and friends have been using it since the 80s . My dad for instance has had a can next to his desktops ever since the 80s and even had a cover for them when not in use . I have had them since the 90s , always a can near by . Just part of regular maintenance with computers . Has there been problems in Macs , yes of course as with any product . The keyboard problem posts several have said are not one of them with a big enough percentage to warrant action other than what has been done individually .

Wow I only replied to you once and you blast me for making excuses . I simply said what is a regular known computer maintenance procedure that has been done for almost 40 years or more . So what there are a few threads . How many are posts that have just been repeats ? How many are actual complaints from users with a problem out of how many MacBooks have been sold since 2015 ????? Every product has some people that may have a problem with them . Apple is no different . That tend to have excellent customer service compared to any other computer firm . Think HP , Asus , or Lenovo is going to give a crap about you ? I have been in the computer repair business from 95 to 2010 and to tell you how god awful keyboards are on customer computers OMG . These keyboards use a shallower travel than some other keyboards and are more susceptible to dust and foreign debris getting into the key mechanism . Out of the many keyboards I have seen in the 15 years of fixing pcs it shouldn't come as no surprise as they would also suffer venerability to debris . No company will ever make something to please every customer , but Apple comes closer than many . If you don't like them go and spend that 4000€ on a Surface Book (Surface Book 2-in-1 i7 1 TB Performance Base - Kannettavat tietokoneet - Gigantti ) .

I've been using computers daily since the 80s. This is the first keyboard I've ever encountered that has multiple failures in <= 1 year and tons of other people with the same issue. This is absolutely inexcusable and your excuses are shameful.

Man, you seem to be in denial. This is not a firm fact or strongly related, but you should consider:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1%25_rule_(Internet_culture)
I personally got stains on anti-reflection coating on my MacBook Pro Retina 2013. Then my battery became swollen. And now I get my keys stuck on MBP 2017, which was never happened with any of my past notebooks. And I'm pretty sure with any others too. The butterfly mechanism is faulty, so we've paid for being beta-testers for a full year and to get lost later.

As for Surface Book, honestly, I'm waiting for 31th of Oct. when Microsoft will announce new Book 2, thanks for Apple.

Whatever issues may be with MacBooks, Consumer Reports still finds Apple to be by far the most reliable laptop manufacturer. Apple leads the reliability list with a 10% breakdown rate by the end of the second year, while Microsoft is at the bottom with 25%.

Just chiming in to say that the problem exists on 13" 2017 MBPs too.

- Bought a new MBP. Three keys only worked 50% of the time and the left speaker randomly emitted static.

- Returned for a new replacement.

- The 's' key on the new replacement only works 50% of the time. When it doesn't work, I can mash it a few time to get it unstuck. That isn't a particularly good solution since I type for a living.

Just typing this message, I've had to go back and add 's' several times when the key didn't work.

Something is seriously wrong with Apple's butterfly keyboard design / manufacturing process.