I wonder if anyone can help me. The "i" key on the keyboard of my 12 inch Macbook is sticking. It does not have the same "click" or tactile feedback that the other keys have. I try to keep the keyboard clean and free of crumbs, dust, etc, however something just doesn't seem right. Is there a safe way to remedy the problem myself?
Thanks!
Chris
MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015), OS X Yosemite (10.10.5)
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
I had to take my 2015 version back 3 times to have the keyboard fixed. It would only last about 4 months of continuous use. Recently upgraded to the 2017 version as this keyboard was supposed to be an upgraded version and same issue after 6 months. I just got mine back and they had to replace the whole bottom of the laptop. Works wonderfully again but there is definitely a design issue with the new butterfly keyboard that Apple should acknowledge and fix for anyone that has it even if beyond warranty period. It should be created as a recall program like they have done for other issues. Paid a lot of money for this device and it should last more than 6 months.
Couldn't agree more, the problems are plain and simple: coating was ****, keyboard is ****. But instead of fixing them in current models they make new generations with new issues. Think different.
So what basically happened is that your MacBook cpu got way to hot! The problem is apple likes to have a quite machine so it does not make its fan run fast enough. In your MacBook you don't even have a fan because its running the m5 chip which supposedly does not need a chip. Back to what happened then. so when the cpu gets hot the keys on the keyboard are on top of it. where the letter I on the keyboard is the CPU is located. so it melts the plastic a little and if you press it, it will stick.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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%.
I have long been a fan of Apple products. WTS, my journey with the 2016 and 2017 MBP/Butterfly keyboard has not been fun. MY solution, after giving Apple many...many..... many chances on repair.. and even replacement.. and even a new one off the shelf (too many.. and our time is valuable) I have come to the conclusion, for me, that the only solution was to purchase a 2015 refurbished MBP 13”. I considered the Air but I cannot do the screen. Something is up with these Butterfly keyboards, including the repair or them.
My CR was wonderful. She was as much help as anyone could ever ask for.... but no one can overcome a hardware issue that cannot be resolved due to repair depot having equally bad parts.
That is my $0.02.
Just came back from authorized service provider (I'm in Russia, so no Genius Bar for third world country capitals, right?), has been waiting repair for 10 days to get it back in the same faulty state with note: it flawlessly passed some magic test. And that's it.
But top right corner on my 'X' key still doesn't work.
You gotta be kidding me Apple?
What happens if my mac is out of warranty - mine is 17 months old - same issue on 4 keys in the same area - feels unjust that I need to pay for a manufacturing/design fault - do we know if this is rectified on the new models of macbook / or pro as I don't feel like paying to fix this or paying to have a new one with the same issues - could this be the time to return to PC ?
Stuck key on 12 inch Macbook keyboard
