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is it true that over time our keyboard keys will get shiny?

YJamie85 said:
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.
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I have had my macbook air since September 19.
I usually have clean hands and don't really eat near it (I will admit I do it once a month or so).
I wipe the KB down once a week with a lysol wipe and they are not shiny at all.

Although, my fingers may not have much natural oil?
 
JoeG4 said:
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. -_-
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i agree with u about the keyboard cover, external keyboard. what is the point in buying a laptop then. i have semi dry/oily hands in between. i don't really necessarily mind if it gets shiny i made this post cos i'm curious. :)
 
I've been using my MBP for a year and a half now, and type relatively frequently. My space bar has a patch where my thumb hits consistently that is mostly mirrored, while the rest of the spacebar is still a perfect matte finish.

The keys that I use most are shiny, while the ones that I don't use are mostly matte. "Q" is still mostly matte, while "S" is shiny. It's the inevitable outcome of owning a using a laptop, eventually its perfect finish will take some hits and not be perfect anymore. The first wear marks on my entire laptop were the keys, the aluminum is still perfect. :D
 
Everyone's keyboard habits are different - things like how much you use your computer, and how your fingers touch the keyboard probably do play a role in how quick the keyboard wears out.
 
It's not oil, it's your fingers wearing the finish of the keys down. Like polish.

My old non-unibody MBP had moderate wear after 3 years. My early 11 MBP is showing similar wear after 3/4 of a year. I think the black colour and the material just show wear sooner.
 
Yea my old silver key MBP doesnt show any wear at ALL and I used the keyboard on it ALL the time. Kinda disappointing that these keyboards look nasty after such little time. Of course i notice every little scratch/nik/spot on my macs :(
 
I would have thought cleaning it will make no difference. What makes it shiny is you fingers rubbing against the keys. Its a keyboard, its designed to be used.

In three years time when the keys become shiny most people will be buying a new machine anyway.
 
srshaw said:
I would have thought cleaning it will make no difference. What makes it shiny is you fingers rubbing against the keys. Its a keyboard, its designed to be used.

In three years time when the keys become shiny most people will be buying a new machine anyway.
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Cleaning won't make a difference. Every Macbook/MBP I've owned has done this and it's normal from every day use at least on the black/white keyboards.

I don't think my first MBP with the silver keys did this.
 
Does anyone truly believe that this is an issue, use your Mac as intended it`s a computer not a priceless work of art. If it gets greasy clean it, if the keys get polished through extensive use, you have had your money`s worth.

If it is a big deal, then just use a Apple Bluetooth keyboard, life's short enough already....
 
I use a keyboard skin to prevent oils from my skin from making my keys shiny (as well as prevent food and grime getting into the gaps); of course now my keyboard skin is shiny and one of the keys is wearing through.
 
My WASD keys are shiny because the slightly rough surface has been worn away from so much use. It's not just oil because I've scrubbed them with alcohol.
 
Just to chime in here, the shiny keys are from wear not from oil. The friction from type with your fingers causes the shine.

If you do not like shiny keys you can replace the keys yourself. I think it is ifixit that sells individual keys. There was a post here (I think) of somebody email them and asking how much for the entire key set and they got a discount for buying in 'bulk'.

I type a lot so I expect my keys to become shiny from use. However, it doesn't really bother me.

Cheers!
-P
 
Use a keyboard cover. Without any protection between you and the keys, shinny keys are unavoidable, this is true for all keyboards.
 
Queen6 said:
Does anyone truly believe that this is an issue, use your Mac as intended it`s a computer not a priceless work of art. If it gets greasy clean it, if the keys get polished through extensive use, you have had your money`s worth.

If it is a big deal, then just use a Apple Bluetooth keyboard, life's short enough already....
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I agree... I used to freak out about cosmetic issues too but actually I never found shiny keys to bother me at all lol I didn't know it really bothered anyone until I read about people talking about it on these forums every now and then. I know everyone can clean their keys as much as they please of course but remember that we're talking about a cosmetic issue, not something like dropping the computer and messing with the hard drive.

I also second the option of replacing the keys. But just as a word of caution, almost all the keys I've taken off and tried replacing ended up looking kind of crooked lol Maybe I removed them and replaced them wrong but I wouldn't really resort to that if possible. I imagine crooked keys looking worse than shiny ones.
 
I use a moshi clear keyboard cover and you can't even tell it's on. Keeps the keys like new and you can wash it and reuse it. It does get a little cloudy over time, but just clean it every now and then.
 
Like others said cleaning the keyboard once in awhile helps, I always give it a quick wipedown when cleaning the Macbook Pro/Glass,
 
I do notice it compared to a new one, but what do you expect? it gets used I don't expect it to stay brand new forever. I had a keyboard protector and it got annoying so I don't use that anymore.

The apple keyboards don't have this problem though. The white hides it pretty good and I think its more of a matte finish and possibly even a different material.
 
Certain keys of mine and the space bar are pretty shiny now after years of use. They basically have gotten polished after years of use.
 
ABernardoJr said:
I also second the option of replacing the keys. But just as a word of caution, almost all the keys I've taken off and tried replacing ended up looking kind of crooked lol Maybe I removed them and replaced them wrong but I wouldn't really resort to that if possible. I imagine crooked keys looking worse than shiny ones.
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My MBP is about 2 weeks old now and I have some keys that are leaning to the left. Can I take it to an apple store and them fix it?
 
kywildcats said:
My MBP is about 2 weeks old now and I have some keys that are leaning to the left. Can I take it to an apple store and them fix it?
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Mine is about the same age and my keys are much the same. It's not a big deal and doesn't affect the way they work at all, so I very much doubt that you'll get anywhere going to Apple about the problem. That said, as always, you can try and see where that gets you! :)
 
I wonder if those moshi guards actually do much to keep the keys from wearing off? Wouldn't the silicone start to polish them too?
 
JoeG4 said:
I wonder if those moshi guards actually do much to keep the keys from wearing off? Wouldn't the silicone start to polish them too?
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That's what I noticed too. a very small amount. after taking the cover off you could tell it was being wore out really fast. plus typing on those gets annoying at times and it slowed me down, other people seem to like them though.
 
Yes over a certain period of time using your keyboard can get shiny because of all of the body oil on your fingers. Its nothing to really worry about unless it bothers you
 
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