Who uses a keyboard protector/cover here?

[daonesteven]

I know this poll has been on here before but I think it was a while ago and I just wanted to see an updated number.

[Navdakilla]

I have one, but didn't like how it fit and the feel when I was typing. Instead I took it off and got a screen cloth that I put on the keys when I close the lid so the screen doesn't get damaged.

[Mrbobb]

Bought one but never used it after I found out I can buy replacement key caps as needed. I can almost guarantee the addition of a cover will leave smudges on my screen which will bug me more.

[jonathanlaniado]

I had one too, but took it off, because it does not allow heat to escape!

[wolfpuppies3]

I use them on all three of my MacBooks and wouldn't dream of not having them. The way I figure it, $7.50 for the cover is a lot cheaper than $750 for a new logic board. No tactile or heat issues whatsoever.

[peapody]

I use a cover because I hate it when my keys get shiny from use.

Never had heat issues, and haven't had issues with the screen so far.

[GGJstudios]

Originally Posted by jonathanlaniado

I had one too, but took it off, because it does not allow heat to escape!

Heat radiates in all directions and dissipates through the aluminum body. While clamshell mode or using a keyboard covering slightly inhibits dissipation, it's not enough to cause problems or raise temps more than a few degrees, since the primary cooling is through the vents.

There has never been any air intake or exhaust vents through the keyboard on any Mac notebook. For all Mac notebooks except the MBP-Retina, both intake and exhaust has always been through the vents in the rear near the hinge. The new MBP-Retina has intake vents along the sides at the bottom and exhaust through the rear vents, near the hinge.
Learn about the fans in your Mac

Mac computers have air vents that allow heated air to exit. The vents are in the back of the computer on the MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro computers.

This arrangement allows for venting with the lid open or closed (for operating in clamshell mode). There is a solid panel under the keyboard, preventing any meaningful airflow.

[Robyr]

Originally Posted by GGJstudios

Heat radiates in all directions and dissipates through the aluminum body. While clamshell mode or using a keyboard covering slightly inhibits dissipation, it's not enough to cause problems or raise temps more than a few degrees, since the primary cooling is through the vents.

There has never been any air intake or exhaust vents through the keyboard on any Mac notebook. For all Mac notebooks except the MBP-Retina, both intake and exhaust has always been through the vents in the rear near the hinge. The new MBP-Retina has intake vents along the sides at the bottom and exhaust through the rear vents, near the hinge.
Learn about the fans in your Mac

This arrangement allows for venting with the lid open or closed (for operating in clamshell mode). There is a solid panel under the keyboard, preventing any meaningful airflow.

Thank you for this. It cannot be repeated enough. People on Reddit say it all the time and it makes my brain hurt. They simply will not listen.

[maxosx]

I've been using MBA's & MBP's for years without any protective covers.

Just a little common sense & care results in a "like new" appearance 18 months later when I upgrade to new models.

Apple designed them to be used uncovered & did an exemplary job of it.

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Originally Posted by peapody

I use a cover because I hate it when my keys get shiny from use.

Conversely, I really like the patina that develops on the keys of my various Macs.

It's a sign of use, enjoyment and its uniquely mine.

[peapody]

Originally Posted by maxosx

I've been using MBA's & MBP's for years without any protective covers.

Just a little common sense & care results in a "like new" appearance 18 months later when I upgrade to new models.

Apple designed them to be used uncovered & did an exemplary job of it.

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Conversely, I really like the patina that develops on the keys of my various Macs.

It's a sign of use, enjoyment and its uniquely mine.

That is interesting. Mine just feel oily and disgusting.

[Bob Coxner]

Keyboard cloth only. It's probably not necessary but I want to avoid even the chance of the keys marking the screen.