Wow, really? None of the oily spots? I mean, I always wash my hands before using my computer. Should I just not buy a keyboard cover maybe?
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Any way to prevent shiny keys except keyboard cover?
- Thread starter Baloney1011
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Wow, really? None of the oily spots? I mean, I always wash my hands before using my computer. Should I just not buy a keyboard cover maybe?
It is winter now, and so dark outside a lot. This means you'll be in low light scenarios a lot and so a Moshi key guard goes invisible. With the backlight on, you can't tell you have the key guard (until you start typing of course).
To answer your question bluntly. Yes absolutely take action now. If you don't want shiny keys you have to do "something". I tried to wash my hands every time I used it. I tried to wipe it down (it does help) a lot. But within the first month of owning my mac, I couldn't keep up and it started to happen on the popular keys (space bar biggest issue, cause it only goes half shiny!). I got the Moshi key guard (tried a cheap alternative, it sucked) and have been quite happy.
Someone above noted to get an external keyboard. That is also a good idea.
I wish I was strong enough that this didn't matter, but it is my first notebook (waited a decade to get the right one) and I just can't ruin it (I use it every day for everything but games).
To answer your question bluntly. Yes absolutely take action now. If you don't want shiny keys you have to do "something". I tried to wash my hands every time I used it. I tried to wipe it down (it does help) a lot. But within the first month of owning my mac, I couldn't keep up and it started to happen on the popular keys (space bar biggest issue, cause it only goes half shiny!). I got the Moshi key guard (tried a cheap alternative, it sucked) and have been quite happy.
Someone above noted to get an external keyboard. That is also a good idea.
I wish I was strong enough that this didn't matter, but it is my first notebook (waited a decade to get the right one) and I just can't ruin it (I use it every day for everything but games).
I would say it's impossible to rub off the letters on the keys, since they go through to the bottom of the material
Really?? WOW, explains why Ive never seen a newer macbook with worn off letters. Apple does a lot of the little things right, I LOVE THAT
Well, the backlight has to go through the key somehow, right? I'm not sure if it's a transparent key with black coating, in which case the black might rub off...
Just because it's a computer doesn't mean people shouldn't strive to keep it in good condition.
To answer OP's question, all you need to do is clean your computer once a week.
Personally I use Windex and Cotton Balls to wipe down the keys, and my keys look pristine. I've had my MBP since June.
Lol seriously?
I was talking about dirt around the keys on the metal. What do you do to your screen that makes it necessary to use alcohol is beyond me. As mentioned a slightly wet cloth usually does the trick and if there is some grease spots than mix in a little standard cheap diswashing detergent or just add a few drops of vinegar and it wipes away the grease just as well.
For the most part a slightly wet cloth is all one usually needs.
Wasting money on a screen cleaner is just not a smart idea. It gets really stupid if people with glass screens do it. And they do.
Well... I'm getting tons of different responses. Some people have had their MBP for months and the keys are fine... others' keys go bad in two weeks.
I'm guessing it has something to do with how greasy your hands are.
So, wiping it down once a week with cotton balls and Windex? Okay, I guess I will try that. I just feel more safe using LCD cleaner. Will that work the same as Windex?
I'm guessing it has something to do with how greasy your hands are.
So, wiping it down once a week with cotton balls and Windex? Okay, I guess I will try that. I just feel more safe using LCD cleaner. Will that work the same as Windex?
Well you need to understand the reason the keys wear out.
Grease from your fingers gets stuck on your keys and attract dust. As you type with the dust on the keys, your keystrokes tend to gently exfoliate your keys, over time, if not remedied, this exfoliation will become noticeable as a sheen or shine on your keys.
Windex or any other strong grease remover is your best bet. Whatever you do, just don't use a dry cloth to clean your keys ... It won't remove the grease but instead it will just speed up the exfoliation process as you rub the dirt against the keys.
I'm speaking from experience. My 2010 Macbook Pro had worn out keys within 2 months of use. My 2011 Macbook Pro however, is 6 months old and still looks brand new.
All I do is use windex and cotton balls once a week to clean the keys.
I'm amazed at people saying you need to use windex etc on your MacBook. My keyboard isn't shiny after years of use, and I would never think of using any chemicals to clean it.
I occasionally use a damp cloth on my display, but I have only ever lightly run a microfibre across the keys to pick up any dust, and to this day they look just fine.
I occasionally use a damp cloth on my display, but I have only ever lightly run a microfibre across the keys to pick up any dust, and to this day they look just fine.
Well, you must have super hands! But, I know that mine will get greasy - everyone's at school did, anyway. And I don't want that to happen to mine; I think I'll try the Windex. Couldn't hurt, right?
Edit: WOW, I just saw this: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2744766?start=0&tstart=0
Might not want to use Windex after all...
Follow this advice^^
I also recommend the external trackpad, external screen, and an external Mac Mini. That way, the MBP can remain unused, except for once a month battery maintenance, and will look like new when it becomes obsolete in three years.
If portability is needed, I recommend the external laptop. A cheap toshiba or HP will do, or maybe a $200 netbook. Take the MBP out of the bag, place it on the (clean!) table, and do all the dirty work on the netbook.
well, you must have super hands! But, i know that mine will get greasy - everyone's at school did, anyway. And i don't want that to happen to mine; i think i'll try the windex. Couldn't hurt, right?
Edit: Wow, i just saw this: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2744766?start=0&tstart=0
might not want to use windex after all...
I would recommend against using any kind of chemical or cleaning product; I am sceptical even of those which claim to be designed for keyboards and displays. Since it is entirely possible to keep it looking new without using these chemicals, I can't see why you would who knows what's in them, and they are bound to leave some sort of residue on the potentially sensitive materials in your computer.
Here is a picture of the keyboard from my MacBook, purchased October 2008, and used to type this now. As you can see there is no dirt and no shininess. No cleaning product has ever been near it, and I wouldn't even say I am unduly protective of it I just make sure it doesn't get dirty.
have u been ignoring my posts / vids to answer that question? whatever i give up on you.
by the time u make up ur mind on a simple accesory, you'll be needing a new macbook anyway LOL
@ OP (Baloney)
What's the deal with this anxiety over whether or not you should get a keyboard cover?
It's clear that you're concerned about it. The consensus seems to be that for people who are concerned, a keyboard protector, such as the Moshi is the way to go. If you buy it and hate it, then return it.
What's the deal with this anxiety over whether or not you should get a keyboard cover?
It's clear that you're concerned about it. The consensus seems to be that for people who are concerned, a keyboard protector, such as the Moshi is the way to go. If you buy it and hate it, then return it.
Well, I am just as anxious as you, and let me tell you - stressing about what to buy, what's safe - it's just not conducive to peace of mind. So, to keep things simple, every week, usually on a Sunday (Lazy Sunday - LOL) I like to lightly spit on my keys and, using the edge of my shirt, gently wipe down the keyboard until it's spick and span. **CAREFUL I never use anything except for shirts YMMV**. Nice clean keyboard - and I'm never embarrassed to share the Mac with my friends cause it's so damn clean - they're always so jealous LOL!!
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People don't buy screen cleaners to clean their keyboard, but they might use it if it happens to be around. However, using a screen cleaner on your screen (especially if you have an anti-glare screen) isn't a bad idea. Ever try using Windex on eye glasses?
Um.... yeah.... okay?
I'm not quite sure I really want to use my saliva as a keyboard cleaner...
But... thanks for the advice... I guess?
I wouldnt say "no shininess" because I see some, especially on that right command key. However, for a 2008 MacBook, that keyboard looks GREAT
Um.... yeah.... okay?
I'm not quite sure I really want to use my saliva as a keyboard cleaner...
But... thanks for the advice... I guess?
No problem ***BTW you guys can use the same method for the MB/MBP screen, but I highly recommend drinking a large glass of milk beforehand so as to maintain a nice glossy sheen when wiping down the screen, my friends are always like: "wha-HOW did you get your screen to look so shiny good as new??" I'm just like: "Yeah I really care about the gloss."
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I don't know if I missed this, but no one seems to be mentioning how the plastic surface texture of the keys are just going to wear down over time and it won't matter how well you clean it. To me, the permanent shininess (not the greasiness that makes it shiny after you touch your keyboard after eating greasy food, which you can just wipe off), is mainly the product of the matte coating of the keyboard texture wearing off due to friction from typing and maybe a little to do with the finger oils that coat the keys and are essentially "soaked" into the plastic over time. That's why some people say that they've noticed their macbook keyboards are showing shininess over a long period of time (albeit not as drastic as those who never used covers) even when they've used keyboard covers at all times.
You basically can't prevent some degree of shininess unless you get an external keyboard and don't use the macbook air keyboard. My suggestion to OP (and to other OCD people like me who actually went through this same issue) is to just get over it. Use it the way it's intended, no one's going to judge you or think your macbook is any less cooler, nor is your pride and dignity restored and maintained by keeping your air in its pristine condition. It's a battle against self and it's up to you whether you want to waste the time, effort and and energy into stuff like whether you want to keep your keys from turning shiny when there are bigger fish to fry
You basically can't prevent some degree of shininess unless you get an external keyboard and don't use the macbook air keyboard. My suggestion to OP (and to other OCD people like me who actually went through this same issue) is to just get over it. Use it the way it's intended, no one's going to judge you or think your macbook is any less cooler, nor is your pride and dignity restored and maintained by keeping your air in its pristine condition. It's a battle against self and it's up to you whether you want to waste the time, effort and and energy into stuff like whether you want to keep your keys from turning shiny when there are bigger fish to fry
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No problem ***BTW you guys can use the same method for the MB/MBP screen, but I highly recommend drinking a large glass of milk beforehand so as to maintain a nice glossy sheen when wiping down the screen, my friends are always like: "wha-HOW did you get your screen to look so shiny good as new??" I'm just like: "Yeah I really care about the gloss."
Now, which body liquids do you use to clean the apple logo on the top case?
Wait, wait... I don't want to know!!!
Now, which body liquids do you use to clean the apple logo on the top case?
Wait, wait... I don't want to know!!!
Haha! - I suppose I was just in a loopy mood today..