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is it true that over time our keyboard keys will get shiny?
- Thread starter YJamie85
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Mine is still new, I just got mine two days ago actually. I asked because I saw a bit of shine on my sisters MacBook Air keyboard. So, I was curious if it's her fingers that had oils or is it in general that happens to all macbook pro/air users.
Suno
macrumors 6502
Happens on any laptop. Ever seen someone with a really old laptop that has the letters coming off or it has noticeable splotches/circle marks? Yeah that's years and years of finger oil that seeped into the keyboard. Even my current gaming Asus that I've used for for 2 years is starting to get those spots.
Solution = Clean keyboard every now and then.
Solution = Clean keyboard every now and then.
Thanks for the heads up, I will surely remember this. To keep the keyboard nice and new.
Never considered that, just usually keeping it dusted and dust free. I'll start making it a point to do that once a month.
ideal.dreams
macrumors 68020
Yes, they will get shiny if not regularly cleaned. I used the keyboard on my MacBook Pro for about 6 months after I got it and I can notice a little bit of shine. I bought an external keyboard to prevent it from getting any worse.
If you want to prevent it you can clean it every once in a while, use an external keyboard, or buy something like a keyboard cover so your fingers don't even come in contact with the actual keys.
If you want to prevent it you can clean it every once in a while, use an external keyboard, or buy something like a keyboard cover so your fingers don't even come in contact with the actual keys.
I clean mine once a week. I also clean the keyboard of my desktop once a week.
Not just to avoid shiny keys, but overtime your keyboard accumulates several germs and just becomes a nest for them.
It's a good habit to get into if you're health conscious.
and if you want to make your immune system completely useless 😛. Sometimes germs are good!.
On my Air the keys have started to go a little bit shiny on the keys I use the most and I don't really clean the keyboard properly all that often. It's mostly the wear I think and the oils seeping in, apart from looking a bit odd it doesn't really damage the overall aesthetic or functionality of the keys so I don't mind.
heisenberg123
macrumors 603
only if you eat too many potato chips lol
na even clean people have oil on the skin(fingers), so it time you may very well have shinny keys
na even clean people have oil on the skin(fingers), so it time you may very well have shinny keys
Mostly, You build your immune system as a child. When you're a young adult, your primary health concern should be ... Well, staying healthy.
In any event, I beg to differ that shiny keys don't damage the aesthetics of the keys, in my opinion the sheen looks terrible.
bdodds1985
macrumors 6502a
Note that shiny keys aren't just a result of oils and grease; even if you keep your fingers clean and rather dry (like I do), friction will make the keys shiny as well.
At the end of the day, they're going to get used and worn...worst case scenario, have a look around on the web for some replacement keys, they are easily found.
At the end of the day, they're going to get used and worn...worst case scenario, have a look around on the web for some replacement keys, they are easily found.
lamboman is correct. It's friction more than anything else that will cause the keys to get shiny. There is no way around it other than getting an external keyboard to do your typing.
RadTech OmniCleanz. It's non-conductible so it won't harm electronics. It removes oil and other dirt without leaving a residue. It's great for displays, camera lenses... you name it.
I recently sold a 3.5 year old MBP for top-dollar in part because it was in mint condition. Regular cleaning using OmniCleanz kept it looking like new.
I recently sold a 3.5 year old MBP for top-dollar in part because it was in mint condition. Regular cleaning using OmniCleanz kept it looking like new.
Montymitch
macrumors regular
It's a result of hand-polishing your keys. It bothered me for about the first day, and then I accepted the fact that I'm a greasy human.
Get a keyboard cover. I have one on both macbooks and my wireless keyboard. Its amazing how much dirt they catch and they keep the keys from collecting oil.
I'm checking "RadTech OmniCleanz" out at this moment. I got my macbook pro as a gift on the 26, 2 days ago. 🙂
JoeG4
macrumors 68040
I have very dry skin. In fact, it would be hard for someone to use my computer without me noticing because when they leave grease on the keyboard I notice..... :S
Anyway, the keys still get shiny! I honestly can't think of a good alternative because I hate the idea of typing on silicone, and using an external keyboard is ridiculous unless you are using your laptop as a desktop (and if you are, have you considered an iMac?)
Even then, your desktop keyboard will get shiny too! While I prefer a nice new matte keyboard, the worst thing is when there's paint near it and the paint fades off!!! This is why I'll never buy another painted laptop if I can help it. -_-
Anyway, the keys still get shiny! I honestly can't think of a good alternative because I hate the idea of typing on silicone, and using an external keyboard is ridiculous unless you are using your laptop as a desktop (and if you are, have you considered an iMac?)
Even then, your desktop keyboard will get shiny too! While I prefer a nice new matte keyboard, the worst thing is when there's paint near it and the paint fades off!!! This is why I'll never buy another painted laptop if I can help it. -_-
Perhaps the current "Chiclets" keys are different material than my early 2008 MBP, but its keyboard was not shiny after 3.5 years of use. I cleaned the entire computer once or twice a month.
On the other hand, what is with this obsession that a mere consumer product (which, believe it or not, is what a MacBook Pro is...) should remain in pristine condition after many months of normal daily use?
Things get dirty, dusty and dinged folks, even with regular cleaning and reasonable precautions such as using a carrying case. It's a freakin' computer, not the Holy Grail. 🙄
On the other hand, what is with this obsession that a mere consumer product (which, believe it or not, is what a MacBook Pro is...) should remain in pristine condition after many months of normal daily use?
Things get dirty, dusty and dinged folks, even with regular cleaning and reasonable precautions such as using a carrying case. It's a freakin' computer, not the Holy Grail. 🙄