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Is it a good idea to get a keyboard protector?

H

hajime

macrumors G3
Original poster
Jul 23, 2007
8,161
1,406
Hello. On my almost 3 years old SR MBP (with silver keyboard), I do not have any problem with the keyboard except the 'A' key. Suddenly, I noticed a few scratches on it. Moreover, the paint seems to have worn off. It is like dark smear on that key. Maybe somebody at the service center did something stupid.

Anyway, I don't have it anymore. I ordered a new MBP 17". It seems that the keyboard of the new MBPs are the same as those in the previous unibody generation. Do the keys on this type of keyboard get worn off? Do they get scratched easily? I wonder if I should buy a Moshi Clear Guard Keyboard Protector. Thanks.
 
I think i've read that the oils from your hands can make the keys worndown. Also, if you are one who eats while computing, the keyboard protector will protect crumbs and whatnot getting into the crevices of the keys
 
markp9114 said:
I think i've read that the oils from your hands can make the keys worndown. Also, if you are one who eats while computing, the keyboard protector will protect crumbs and whatnot getting into the crevices of the keys
Click to expand...

Thanks. What kind of worndown?
 
Keyboard protectors are best for those who drink liquids at their computer or live in dorms.

As to normal wear and tear it is a personal choice whether to use one or not. I like the feel of the keyboard and figure that after several years of use it is time to replace the keycaps. My wife likes to keep the machine as clean as possible and so uses a cover.

I have found that if I go to the Apple store and ask nicely they will exchange one or two keycaps at a time for free, taking them off scrapped machines they have in the back.
 
hajime said:
Thanks. What kind of worndown?
Click to expand...

i'm not really sure. I don't have a macbook pro myself, but I remember reading a post about the keyboard a while back on macrumors. Something about how the keyboard keys will begin to start becoming glossy/slick because of the friction and oils when you type wear off whatever coating is over them.

I wouldn't really worry about it too much. If it was a serious problem i'm sure there would be more compalints on here. Just use the computer for what its made for!:D
 
As someone who has recently replaced a macbook that I destroyed due to water spillage, my answer is definitely yes. I wish I thought of buying a keyboard protector but I didn't and paid the price for it. I learned my lesson though!
 
I would not recommend using a keyboard cover on a MacBook. I'm pretty sure MacBooks require airflow through the keyboard, and using a cover can make it run hot.
 
Just came back from a computer store. The sales told me that Apple has made a change to the keyboard. He said that in previous generation of MBPs, it was easy to change the keyboard/individual keys. However, the keys from the 2010 models cannot be replaced individually easily. He said that to replace the keyboard, the entire case has to be changed. (Can anybody confirm that?) He suggested that this time, it is better to get a protector.
 
I highly doubt that's true.

Personally I hate anything that "covers." Cases, palmguards, keyboard covers, antiglare films, screen protectors, you name it. IMO it makes the overall experience less enjoyable and less convenient because you just have another thing to worry about. What's the point of having an aesthetically good looking laptop if you never get to see it!
 
DMC-12 said:
I'm pretty sure MacBooks require airflow through the keyboard, and using a cover can make it run hot.
Click to expand...

No mac notebook "requires" airflow through the keyboard. Unless the machine is overheating (in which case it will shut down), heat is not an issue.

I don't like keyboard covers- especially on the glossy displays- because they never fit well enough to prevent them from making marks on the display.
 
macbook keyboard protector

DMC-12 said:
I would not recommend using a keyboard cover on a MacBook. I'm pretty sure MacBooks require airflow through the keyboard, and using a cover can make it run hot.
Click to expand...

I have a Powerbook G4 (Yeah, I know, I'll be upgrading THIS month!!) and I've had one of those washable plastic projectors on my keyboard from day 1. Really like it!!! I also have a full-size keyboard that I DIDN'T buy the protector for, and it sticks!!! I've exchanged it at the Apple store once already. It still sticks on and off. I clean it by using the blower and turning it upside down. But it's still a problem. BTW I don't drink liquids at the computer but I must admit sometimes I have sticky fingers (not washing my hands after eating? too much lotion after showering?)

Anyway, I highly recommend a keyboard protector.
 
I personally always use keyboard covers since I like to keep my keys clean and not have the "oily keys look". Just personal preference.

OP the previous all-silver Macbook Pro's had keyboards which did not show wear-and-tear very apparently. However, the newer ones with the black keyboard shows the oily key effect pretty readily.

Also, my keyboard cover has saved my Macbook once when a bit of water was spilled, thankfully the keyboard cover caught everything.

The main con I suppose is the feel, it's not as nice as a "naked" keyboard IMHO but the Moshi Clearguard is by far the most "transparent" (can't tell the difference as much as say, zCover or kbcovers.com) compared to other products. Another con is I suppose looks, but I personally prefer the protection over a slight degradation (IMHO) in looks.
 
I have ordered a protector. Thank you very much for all of your replies.
 
hellfire88 said:
I personally always use keyboard covers since I like to keep my keys clean and not have the "oily keys look". Just personal preference.
Click to expand...

No disrespect on your post. It just reminds me of something when I visited my Grandmothers house. They bought this beautiful plush velvet couch and put on a clear plastic cover. You could see the beautiful couch through it but you could not enjoy it. It was a nice cover stitched just like the couch but when you sat on it it felt like a $99 couch from a thrift store not to mention how you sweat and stuck to the seat. That is my take on using a keyboard cover.
 
Keep a protector on hand if you have lots of other users. There have been studies that say keyboards have more bacteria than toilet seats. Think about that next time you use a public computer! :(
 
As long as you wash your hands enough you won't need a keyboard protector. I can't stand protectors myself, they're like couch slip-ons, sure they keep the couch protected but it's just not as comfortable with em on. I've been using this iMac keyboard (typing on it now) for 3 years, no degrade at all or anything. Only thing I notice is that the aluminum between the keys are starting to get a little dirty (a wet cutip should take care of that).
 
to each his own, as long as your happy its all good :).

The keyboard covers also protects a bit against spilled drinks. In my case a small splash of water was all caught by the keyboard protector that would have otherwise made its way to the logicboard of my Macbook.
 
With the 15" and 17" MacBook Pros a keyboard protector won't be an issue, but you won't want to use it with either a MacBook or a 13" MacBook Pro. With the latter two, the speakers are underneath the keyboard. Sound will be severely crippled/muffled with a protector over the keyboard.
 
DMC-12 said:
I would not recommend using a keyboard cover on a MacBook. I'm pretty sure MacBooks require airflow through the keyboard, and using a cover can make it run hot.
Click to expand...

miles01110 said:
No mac notebook "requires" airflow through the keyboard. Unless the machine is overheating (in which case it will shut down), heat is not an issue.

I don't like keyboard covers- especially on the glossy displays- because they never fit well enough to prevent them from making marks on the display.
Click to expand...

Miles is right. The current mbp's (can't speak to the previous models) have a plastic sheet separating the keyboard from the logic board/heatsinks/cooling fans. Check out this teartown of a 15" mbp i5:

www.ifixit.com

There is zero airflow through the keyboard to worry about, so it's really personal preference as to whether someone should/should not get a protector. I happen to use one on my 15" i7 mbp and love it so far. I have one on my old iBook G4, and after just short of 7 years of active daily use, the keyboard and all its markings look fresh from the factory.
 
Having lost a MBP last year to a soda spill, I have been using a keyboard protector. I could just never drink anything near my MBP, but I've gotten used to the feel of a keyboard protector and don't mind the feel of it as much as I first did.
 
I had this same problem..
I went to invest in a new keyboard and they gave me a free Silicone keyboard cover to prevent it happening again, Maybe try ebay and buy one off these, its probably the cheapest option out there :)

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/ginnokokoro

They usually have them in stock
 
I use a protector on my aluminium keyboard...

I eat at my computer for one...

Also, prior to getting a protector, i saw a spider go under one of the keys - i never saw it again =/ Washing my hands would have done nothing to help that... heh
 
I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I went through 2 wired keyboards with my old iMac before replacement. Luckily AppleCare was generous enough to send out a new keyboard. This time, though, I want to be sure nothing happens to the wireless one. I'm thinking about getting a protector and saw one on eBay for about $7. What do you think? Should I buy it?
 
I think they are a good investment. I bought one for my imac 2 years ago and it has kept the keyboard nice and clean. Takes a few days to get used to the feel but after that it is great! For $7, that is not bad either.
 
its gonna get old some day just except it. by that time it has all gone down you will be wanting a new mac:D
 
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