2015 Macbook: Keyboard produces keystrokes without touching it (for only the T key)

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2015 Macbook: Keyboard produces keystrokes without touching it (for only the T key)

I have a 2015 Gold Macbook in perfect condition, first owner, never damaged, still under warranty. A few months ago I noticed that the T key would occasionally press on it's own. With nothing contacting the keyboard, T keystrokes would be picked up.

It was sporadic for a few months, then a few weeks ago it became much more frequent. I can only use the computer because I have disabled the T key using Karabiner and re-mapped Cmd+5 so that it sends T. Typing isn't the easiest, so maybe you can forgive me if my message is brief? 🙂

Has anyone run into this problem or have any recommendations? Thanks!

MacBook, OS X El Capitan (10.11.2), null

Posted on Jan 28, 2016 3:17 PM

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Answer 1

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,962 points

Feb 4, 2016 1:50 AM in response to dzello

Could be something as simple as tiny bits of debris that may have gotten

trapped under the key-face and once there, could interfere with the spring

parts underneath. You could read through another discussion where I did

post links to a few sources on how to clean the keyboard without taking it

apart. With canned air... that one is an Apple support article.

There also are other links to the iFixit site where the keyboard keys are

shown removed and the spring section is as well. There were two replies

to the user's initial question because the first timed-out while I researched.

Re: enter key issues -- macbook 12-inch retina keyboard issues

Re: enter key issues 2 -- key-face and key spring cleaning info

Details to some extent are covered, and there also is a link to consider an

Apple Store genius appointment, if you wanted to have them look it over

and they may be able to clean it during your reserved time interval; or if

no official retail Apple Store is available, perhaps (if you don't want to do it)

an authorized Apple service provider could; a Genius would be no charge

to look it over and inspect it. Under AppleCare, repairs likely are covered.

However that works out...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

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Answer 2

dzello Author

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Feb 4, 2016 1:52 AM in response to K Shaffer

Thanks K for such a helpful reply! I tried compressed air and sadly it didn't help. I was then able to carefully remove the key, but the phantom keystrokes continued even with the actual plastic key cover off. The slightest touch (or even a breath of air) on the rubber pad underneath the key triggers a keypress. I've got a Genius Bar appointment this Thursday and I'll report back on what happens. Thanks again.

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Answer 3

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,962 points

Feb 4, 2016 2:11 AM in response to dzello

You are welcome; sorry the idea(s) provided did not gain traction.

Apparently several users of the 12-inch MacBook Retina 2015

have found similar issues, as noted when I read through ASC.

Hopefully the Apple Store genius can inspect, diagnose,

& present workable solutions for you and your MacBook.

Good luck in that matter...! 🙂

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Answer 4

dzello Author

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Mar 14, 2016 12:52 PM in response to dzello

Just following up on the resolution here. I did end up bringing it into the Apple Store. They diagnosed it as a hardware issue and it was sent out and repaired. So if you're facing this particular issue it's possible that you might end up needing to take in.

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