Keyboard troubleshooting guide

Repeating keys

 * 1) Gently blow compressed air underneath the key without disassembling the key.
 * 2) Test if the key is repeating
 * 3) If the problem persists, take the machine to Apple for a free repair under the Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Apple is unable to completely eliminate this problem, but they will replace the keycap and mechanism free of charge for certain models.
 * 4) Alternatively, use a software solution called Unshaky.

Dirty mechanism
If the scissor mechanism caught dirt, gently blow compressed air. Test if the problem is gone. If problem remains, see below.

Sticking keys after liquid damage
Use extreme caution while disassembling any keys on your MacBook. It is recommended to watch tutorials on youtube before starting. Pressing/lifting the key from the wrong angle will result in one of the hooks breaking.

Carefully disassemble the sticking key, clean the lifting mechanism with Q-tips mildly soaked with isopropyl alcohol (recommended 90% concentration or more)

Sticking keys after improper key disassembly
If after disassembly the key feels worse than before, it is either installed incorrectly, or there's a broken plastic hook on the keycap. Inspect the tiny hooks on the keycap for damage. If ordering replacements online, it is recommended to also replace the lifting mechanism alongside with the keycap.

If all of the above fails
If you've replaced the lifting mechanism, keycap and the key still feels wrong (i.e. stuck, shorter travel distance, angled pressing or slow release)

Inspect the rubber cup underneath the keycap.


 * 1) It must be in the center of the lifting mechanism. If it's displaced, put it back on the center.
 * 2) If the rubber is torn, order replacement and replace the rubber cup. It is not necessary to glue it on the top case.

In case of long keys such as Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Delete, Return, remove the keycap and lifting mechanism, inspect the metal hooks on the top case.


 * 1) Find the long metal bar that clips onto the metal hooks on the top case. The metal bar must slide in and out of the hook freely, without using any significant force. It must not create friction against the metal hooks. If there's friction, the key will be stuck or pop out very slowly.
 * 2) The metal hooks on the MacBook top case must be in perfect 90° angle. If they're bent up or down, the key will feel wrong, and you'll need to carefully adjust them to be at 90° angle.

Note: Apple Genius Bar employees are known for improper handling and damaging the rubber dome.

Apple's internal repair manual states that if the rubber dome is damaged and/or displaced, or the top case metal hooks are bent, the keyboard repair is impossible and new top case must be installed (>$300). You can get a new key lifting mechanism, keycap and the rubber dome on eBay for under $15 and carefully bend the metal hooks if necessary.