Is it possible to change the keys on the 2016 Pro?

[andpgud]

Hey guys. I bought my macbook while travelling and because I got a good deal. Now I was wondering if it is possible to change some of they keys since I have Icelandic letters in Iceland.

What options are our there for me?

 

[snaky69]

Could you ask your local apple reseller? They may have access to the parts?

 

[andpgud]

Could you ask your local apple reseller? They may have access to the parts?

I did and didnt get any other answer than I should have bought it at their place

 

[bartvk]

Different keyboard requires a completely different case. But you can always remap keys with software like Karabiner-Elements.

 

[andpgud]

So I guess I am ****ed

 

[spinergy]

Karabiner works great

Karabiner does not work on macOS Sierra at the moment.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

So I guess I am ****ed

Well you made a choice to buy now you have 2 options live with it or sell it.

 

[Atreyu25]

Yes. Yes you can.


You will soon be able to buy replacement keys from third party sites. The keys are surprisingly easy to take off and put back on, if you are cautious.

You can then reinstall macOS and tell it that you want to use Icelandic keys. Or get a key mapping app.

So no you aren't screwed just need to be patient.

 

[faxe]

or just change the keyboard layout in system settings.

Yes. Yes you can.


You will soon be able to buy replacement keys from third party sites. The keys are surprisingly easy to take off and put back on, if you are cautious.

You can then reinstall macOS and tell it that you want to use Icelandic keys. Or get a key mapping app.

So no you aren't screwed just need to be patient.

 

[Atreyu25]

or just change the keyboard layout in system settings.

True. Though it does sound like physical keyboard changes are needed.

 

[andpgud]

I will just have to wait for the keys. Should not be that much of a hassle. After all I saved me a 1/3 of the price

 

[Atreyu25]

Good for you. These keys are fragile, but easy to remove. Use a guitar pick and pop them off from the top of the key (above the letter).
To reattach, study the mechanism on the actual key. It slides in/down before popping in on the top.

 

[jerryk]

I am not familiar with the new keyboard, but I have removed the keys on the old keyboards numerous times (kids with sticky fingers), and it was pretty easy. I think the spacebar and tab where a little different with a piece of metal bar.

And thumbs up for saving 1/3 the price!!

 

[Atreyu25]

I am not familiar with the new keyboard, but I have removed the keys on the old keyboards numerous times (kids with sticky fingers), and it was pretty easy. I think the spacebar and tab where a little different with a piece of metal bar.

And thumbs up for saving 1/3 the price!!

They are actually completely different, believe it or not!

 

[rutrack]

I'm pretty sure you can do laser engraving on the current keys, so don't even need to replace it.

 

[bartvk]

Or you sticker them over:

 

[KarimLeVallois]

Or you sticker them over:

Aaaaaaagh, my eyes! lol

 

[lambertjohn]

Or you sticker them over:

And you can kiss the resale value of your Macbook goodbye!

 

[pancakesrockyvalley]

Go to Systempref/keyboard/input sources and add the English keyboard. also check the box that says Show input menu in menu bar. have the keyboard visual on the screen while you map out where the letters are, after few days, weeks you wont look at the keyboard when you write. Alternatively go to vaktin.is and ask them where it is best to buy icelandic stickers.


mbkv. Gestur

 

[monstermac77]

Good for you. These keys are fragile, but easy to remove. Use a guitar pick and pop them off from the top of the key (above the letter).
To reattach, study the mechanism on the actual key. It slides in/down before popping in on the top.

Thanks very much for this tip.

Because I type in Dvorak, I was planning on trying to physically re-arrange the keys on my 2016 Macbook Pro once I gathered the courage. It's not a pressing issue because I touch type, but certain special characters can be a pain and one-handed typing (like while holding something) is very difficult when the physical keyboard doesn't match the layout.

 

[Atreyu25]

Thanks very much for this tip.

Because I type in Dvorak, I was planning on trying to physically re-arrange the keys on my 2016 Macbook Pro once I gathered the courage. It's not a pressing issue because I touch type, but certain special characters can be a pain and one-handed typing (like while holding something) is very difficult when the physical keyboard doesn't match the layout.

If you need further help just holler. I pulled several off and replaced them to clean. You have to be very cautious because there is a thin filter film over each LED. Once the film is ripped, the key gets super bright and you can't fix it.