How to clean "shiny" Apple key caps?

[ascender]

I've got a couple of Magic keyboards with black keys which have become very shiny over time. What's the best way to try and remove some of the marks that have accrued over time? What's a bit worrying is that a fairly new iPad Magic Keyboard my wife is using has started to show up marks like this within a few weeks of use.

Thanks!

 

[velocityg4]

The lightly textured surface has worn smooth. Keys which get shiny first are just those which get used the most.

 

[Fishrrman]

I doubt you're going to "remove the shine".
It's a sign of use, and one has to get used to it...

 

[Royksöpp]

Unfortunately there is no going back. The paint is simply wearing off. It's just how they're made. I would suggest washing your hands before you use the keyboard to prevent further wear. Or if it really bothers you maybe even a keyboard cover.

 

[Absrnd]

Unfortunately there is no going back. The paint is simply wearing off. It's just how they're made. I would suggest washing your hands before you use the keyboard to prevent further wear. Or if it really bothers you maybe even a keyboard cover.

They are not painted, just a texture in the material that gets worn down, this is perfectly normal
Washing your hands will not lessen the amount of wear, only make it less dirty over time.
An cover will only help with dirt, and the keys will also wear out over time.

 

[Royksöpp]

View attachment 1815859

They are not painted, just a texture in the material that gets worn down, this is perfectly normal

You sure about that?

 

[smirking]

That shine isn't coming off. It's a consequence of Apple using ABS plastics that are easier to make and can be made thinly without being too fragile.

As for paint? I wouldn't have thought so before as that's not usually how keycaps are made, but when I had a 2016 MBP, I quickly wore a hole through the black in several (defective) keycaps within a month. I've had three other Apple laptops since then and it hasn't happened with any of those.

 

[velocityg4]

You sure about that?

View attachment 1816003View attachment 1816004

It's more like layered plastics or perhaps a resin coating. The inner layer a tougher material. To withstand all the wear and tear of movement. The outer layer a material more comfortable to touch.

 

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[Fishrrman]

Prediction:
Try to "remove" the glossiness, and you may end up removing more than that...!