How to change the keys on a MacBook and things to consider

MacBooks are not perfect products and may have component failures. The keyboard is one of the most exposed to dirt or liquid spills, and that is why it can be quite common for it to stop working. Also when you are writing constantly for several hours, it can be the case that it wears out . In this article we will tell you how you can change the keys and the considerations that you must take into account to avoid failures and risks.

change the keys on a MacBook and things to consider

What you should know before making the replacement

Before starting to perform a key change on the Mac there are several considerations to take into account. In this way you will be able to avoid the different risks that can entail the fact of carrying out an operation of this caliber on the Mac itself. most common problems you may face.

The models where you can do it

One of the first questions that you can ask yourself before wanting to change the keys of your MacBook is in which models it is possible. In this case, it should be noted above all the type of keyboard that is integrated in each of the computers. In general, those keyboards that have a butterfly mechanism have several complications when making a change in the keys or the keyboard in general. In these cases, it must be completely removed by opening the computer, including the battery itself. This makes it really complicated that it can be done at home at home as we will talk about below. Specifically, the Mac models that have this butterfly keyboard are the following:

  • MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Air (13-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)

macbook pro m1

But this does not mean that on any MacBook you can make a change to the keys. In the case that a scissor key mechanism is available, it is much easier to make the change. In this case it can also be known as a mechanical key system and not by membrane and if you have basic knowledge in keyboards you will know that it is easily replaceable and even customizable. In this field all the MacBook that we have not mentioned previously enter, being old and also modern. In this way, there are a large number of devices that are easily repairable.

Can you do it yourself?

This is undoubtedly another of the great questions that can be asked when wanting to do a maintenance operation on your MacBook. It must be borne in mind that to carry out a repair of this caliber you must have sufficient knowledge to face making a change in the keys. Although a priori it may seem like something very simple to do, you have to be patient and, above all, do not tend to always resort to force. In many cases, to make repairs, you have to choose not to use a lot of force, avoiding major damage.

That is why you can do it yourself as long as you have everything you need and have done similar operations previously. Keep in mind that you will be handling really expensive equipment and that there can be many problems if it is not done correctly. In these situations, if you are not totally sure what you are going to do, you should go to a specialized center where a professional will carry out the corresponding repair.

Problems that may arise

During any repair any number of relevant problems can occur. The fact of breaking the mechanism that exists under the keys themselves is one of the most common problems that you will be able to present while changing one of the keys on the keyboard of a MacBook. Likewise, any failure that occurs will not be covered by the guarantee. That is, if you have a problem, you will not be able to go to a SAT to have it solved. Apple‘s limited warranty always details that any type of manipulation by an unauthorized person, such as the user, will automatically void any existing warranty.

Teclado MacBook Air 2020

Another problem that can arise in this case is that the keys are not placed correctly. What will end up causing you to not be able to write correctly when the key remains locked or that it is not detected by the lower plate that will be the one that will receive the input itself. This is something that will also end up causing the keyboard to be practically unusable having to make the change again, since by not using always original parts, it could not work.

What do you need to start the replacement

Once you have taken into account all of the above, such as that your computer is compatible, or that you have the necessary knowledge, you will go on to acquire what is necessary. This includes both the repair tools that you may already have at home, and also the spare parts that you will find in various online stores.

Tools you will have to have

As we mentioned, there are tools on the market that are specific for electronic products. The packs have everything you need to make extremely thorough repairs to any hardware component. That is why to make a replacement it is necessary to have tools of this type. Although at first you should not loosen special screws, you do have to use specific tools to lift the keys as safely as possible.

herramientas mac

On Amazon itself you can find very useful tools at a really cheap price. The most comfortable thing is to buy a whole kit that can be useful to carry out different repairs on a Mac but also on other products of the company such as an iPhone but also from other different brands.

Buying the spare part

Obviously, when you want to change the keys on a Mac, you have to first look for the corresponding replacement. The most advisable thing is always to acquire the keys that are original and are produced by Apple itself. These always offer the best user experience, since there will be no type of variation with the keys that you were using at the beginning on your Mac computer. But unfortunately Apple does not offer official parts for sale so that users can acquire them, forcing always the user to go to a SAT that are the ones who have access to the original parts.

On the internet you can also find some keys that are compatible with the Apple mechanism. In this case, you can find some kits with all the necessary parts on Amazon itself at a fairly reduced price, although they can also be found in other online spare parts stores. It is important to always check the model for which the keys are intended, as there may be a difference in size between various Mac models.

The steps to follow to change a key

Changing one key for another is a really simple operation to perform. Simply pull the key up and insert the new one with the necessary tools. To be very clear, we present everything you must do in the following points:

  1. Disconnect your Mac from the power supply and shut it down completely. It is important that you keep it away from any liquid to avoid damage.
  2. With the help of a small screwdriver with a plastic tip you should insert it under the key through one of its edges.
  3. In this step you have to have a lot of decision, since you will have to lever very carefully to make the key end up jumping.
    extraccion tecla macbook
  4. In some situations you will see how only the key comes out as such, but you can also take off the lower switch that is the pulsation mechanism.
  5. Once outside, and in the event that the switch has come off, you will have to press it back in.
  6. When the switch is firmly seated, you will be able to grasp a new key and pressing it will be able to fit it correctly.

In these cases it is important that it is always ensured that the key has engaged correctly. In the event that a correct interaction is not given, the switch itself can be damaged and this would make it impossible for the keyboard to be used correctly. The moment you change the key, you can start using it without having to make any extra configuration.