Keyboard scratching screen when laptop closed and accessories for protection

[shnn2011]

I am wondering how big of a concern it is for the keyboard to scratch the macbook screen.

I have heard of many cases that people are complaining that oil from their hands transfers to their keyboard then to their Macbook Pro screens when they close their Macbook Pro.

In severe cases, I have heard of the screen being scratched without much pressure applied to the closed Macbook Pro (regular day to day usage.)

The funny thing is that the people in the Apple store say that this is unheard of.

Also they sell keyboard guards indicating that there should be sufficient room.

Furthermore, do the antiglare screens suffer from this issue? I ask because they are further recessed.

And finally, if you recommend an accesory for protection which one?

Screen protector cloth: I have seen OWC, Rad, and ShagyMAC

Keyboard covers: Silicone or TPU? Moshi clearguard?

Palm rest: Moshi Palmguard, Kuzy?

I would love to know your opinions.
Thanks

 

[Applefanboy8153]

I am wondering how big of a concern it is for the keyboard to scratch the macbook screen.

I have heard of many cases that people are complaining that oil from their hands transfers to their keyboard then to their Macbook Pro screens when they close their Macbook Pro.

In severe cases, I have heard of the screen being scratched without much pressure applied to the closed Macbook Pro (regular day to day usage.)

The funny thing is that the people in the Apple store say that this is unheard of.

Also they sell keyboard guards indicating that there should be sufficient room.

Furthermore, do the antiglare screens suffer from this issue? I ask because they are further recessed.

And finally, if you recommend an accesory for protection which one?

Screen protector cloth: I have seen OWC, Rad, and ShagyMAC

Keyboard covers: Silicone or TPU? Moshi clearguard?

Palm rest: Moshi Palmguard, Kuzy?

I would love to know your opinions.
Thanks

Get a screen guard if you are really that concerned, but DONT get a palm rest a lot of my friends have palm rests and it is these "PALM RESTS" that end up leaving impressions on the screen so you have to keep cleaning the screen!
Also if you observe closely, a MBP has a slight gap between the Keyboard and the palm rest.

 

[rpg51]

I own a MacBook Air 13 and MacBook Pro Retina 13.

The screen on my Air was scratched/damaged from the keyboard. Scratch is not the right word, but the keyboard left permanent marks in the screen from making contact while closed. I came to the conclusion that you have to be extremely careful not to place anything on top of the computer and not to place it in a briefcase in a way that causes pressure to be applied to the top squashing the screen into the keyboard. It is inconceivable to me that I am the only person that has experienced this issue. The marks are only noticeable when the screen is turned off - when the screen is on the brightness of the screen obscures the marks and it works just fine.

My MacBook Retina seems to be much more robust in its construction. There does not seem to be nearly as much flex in the screen. Also, the screen seems to have a slight rim around the edge that may serve to keep the screen further away from the keyboard than on the Air. The computer is new and I am taking precautions now to avoid this issue and I am optimistic it will not be a problem.

When I noticed the problem with my Air for the first time I searched for ways to address the issue and ran across a company named Radtech on line. They manufacturer a very nice microfiber cloth designed to fit all the various apple laptops. I have been using these cloths to protect my laptops ever since and they work very well. I am sure the damage to my Air screen would not have occurred had I been using a Radtech screen protector cloth from the get go. The cloth also serves as an excellent cloth for cleaning the screen. They are not cheap - but they fit and work extremely well. Well worth it.

 

[fat jez]

I found that I got oily residue from my keyboard on my screen when the lid was closed with my old standard MBP, so I got a Shaggy Mac screen protector cloth. I've not noticed the same problem with my current AG MBP, but I still use the protector, since it's handy for giving the screen a wipe anyway. I highly recommend the Shaggy Mac products, although I have yet to try a different make.

 

[renosausage]

Don't close your Macbook without wiping the screen and wiping the keyboard.

Dust particles left on either of these will scratch the screen when you close it.

Also don't put any weight on your laptop that could depress the screen into the keyboard.

For example, I would not advise sliding your laptop between two textbooks in your book bag.

Finally, don't use any keyboard covers or palm rest. these items will sit against your screen when closed and any dust particles between them will scratch your screen.

You could try a screen protector, but putting a protector on a laptop screen can be really hard.

If any particles get between that protector and your screen then you are screwed and scratches will appear.

 

[Spikeywan]

Ooh! Cool. I'm gonna get me one of them! Thanks.

 

[robvas]

Also don't put any weight on your laptop that could depress the screen into the keyboard.

For example, I would not advise sliding your laptop between two textbooks in your book bag.

Finally, don't use any keyboard covers or palm rest. these items will sit against your screen when closed and any dust particles between them will scratch your screen.

This is good advice - every laptop I see with key impressions in the screen, people stack things on or put in the middle of their backpacks between heavy objects like books.

 

[J.pngyap]

Keyboard Covers and Protector

Hi, I received my new rMBP 13" and i'm thinking of getting a keyboard cloth from either radtech or from shaggymac but i already have a moshi keyboard protector. I also have a palm guard installed. Will my rMBP closes if i add in the cloth? Anyone had used the cloth and protector together before?

 

[xShane]

I am wondering how big of a concern it is for the keyboard to scratch the macbook screen.

I have heard of many cases that people are complaining that oil from their hands transfers to their keyboard then to their Macbook Pro screens when they close their Macbook Pro.

In severe cases, I have heard of the screen being scratched without much pressure applied to the closed Macbook Pro (regular day to day usage.)

The funny thing is that the people in the Apple store say that this is unheard of.

Also they sell keyboard guards indicating that there should be sufficient room.

Furthermore, do the antiglare screens suffer from this issue? I ask because they are further recessed.

And finally, if you recommend an accesory for protection which one?

Screen protector cloth: I have seen OWC, Rad, and ShagyMAC

Keyboard covers: Silicone or TPU? Moshi clearguard?

Palm rest: Moshi Palmguard, Kuzy?

I would love to know your opinions.
Thanks

The best way to prevent oils is to not even use the keyboard and trackpad in the first place. When at your main work/desk environment, it's best to use an external keyboard and external mouse.

 

[buysp]

Yes i have this problem too on my 2012 13" MBP where keyboard leaves an impression on the screen when its closed.
As a poster above mentioned, Radtech- screensarvz is the solution.

 

[AceMason]

I bought a keyboard protector when I first bought my MBP and I didn't realize it was leaving an impression on the screen until after a while and it was very difficult to remove it. It eventually came out though.

 

[roow110]

Go to the hardware store and buy a pack of the clear-rubber stick-on cabinet bumpers. They cost about $1-2. Stick one in the top corners of the macbook pro. This will elevate the screen the extra couple millimeters to prevent it from leaving imprints and is hardly noticeable.

 

[shnn2011]

From my experience:

It doesn't matter what brand you buy. It's just a soft cloth weather it's sumidex or microfiber, and it's so thin that it'll fit nearly anywhere.

Imagine a little thinner than a Bounty paper towel.

 

[Sean76]

Wow...I can't believe people would say don't use your keyboard or mouse, its a lap top..You paid lots of $$$ for it, enjoy it!

As for me I don't use any of the protective gear you've mentioned OP, but I do however try and keep my rMBP really clean and clear of any dust and fingerprints...

I use a product called iklear and pretty much wipe my entire laptop down with a micro fiber cloth every day, sometimes twice. That includes the screen, keyboard, mouse, and the outer shell!

 

[shnn2011]

I looked up the ingredients of that stuff to see if it's safe on the antiglare. Everything I saw online suggested:

A. Mostly distilled water
B. A bit of soap
C. Some preservatives
D. And I assume some kind of anti foaming additive
E. Clear plastic spray bottle
F. Fancy label and good marketing
G. A piece of microfiber or sumidex towel
H. Perhaps a contract with Apple for a predetermined period of time

Some people say that you should wipe of with distilled water after you use it, because it leaves a slight waxy finish.

 

[Sean76]

Deleted post by moderator

Your response as a whole is pretty much out of context. Calling someone out as not being smart enough is pretty much not welcomed within most forums, however this is what you do when you disagree with someone as it seems. The OP asked for things to protect his lap top, not ways to not use his laptop!

Thats about as good as going to a doctor with a wrist injury on your left side and saying it really hurts when I write and I'm a lefty, and the doctor saying ok no problem learn how to write with your right hand.

Give it a rest man...Your attacks when someone disagrees take the wind out of a threads sail.

 

[shnn2011]

Your response as a whole is pretty much out of context. Calling someone out as not being smart enough is pretty much not welcomed within most forums, however this is what you do when you disagree with someone as it seems. The OP asked for things to protect his lap top, not ways to not use his laptop!

Thats about as good as going to a doctor with a wrist injury on your left side and saying it really hurts when I write and I'm a lefty, and the doctor saying ok no problem learn how to write with your right hand.

Give it a rest man...Your attacks when someone disagrees take the wind out of a threads sail.

I somewhat agree, but please let's us not argue.

Suggestions and helping one another are the way to go about this.

 

[Sean76]

I looked up the ingredients of that stuff to see if it's safe on the antiglare. Everything I saw online suggested:

A. Mostly distilled water
B. A bit of soap
C. Some preservatives
D. And I assume some kind of anti foaming additive
E. Clear plastic spray bottle
F. Fancy label and good marketing
G. A piece of microfiber or sumidex towel
H. Perhaps a contract with Apple for a predetermined period of time

Some people say that you should wipe of with distilled water after you use it, because it leaves a slight waxy finish.

Hello OP...
I've used just about every single product on the market, and not just Apple stuff. Some things made by monster, etc...

This iklear stuff isn't available in Apple, has to be ordered online or through Amazon. Look up some reviews, it works very well on laptop screens, phone screens, as well as TV screens... I use it for all of the above. When Someone says $21 is too much, well they're either broke or not adapted to 2013. For that amount you get 2 micro fiber cloths, 3 antibacterial cloths, about 20 one use travel packets, and a large bottle of iklear, as well as a smaller travel bottle of iklear.

If anyone thinks $21 is too much for all that, as well as for a product that happens to work very well, then I'm sorry and maybe it's time for a career change!

----------

I somewhat agree, but please let's us not argue.

Suggestions and helping one another are the way to go about this.

You my friend speak the truth

Some just don't see the logic in those words...

Either way..Good luck man, give that stuff a look if you like...Pretty good IMHO

 

[shnn2011]

Hello OP...
I've used just about every single product on the market, and not just Apple stuff. Some things made by monster, etc...

This iklear stuff isn't available in Apple, has to be ordered online or through Amazon. Look up some reviews, it works very well on laptop screens, phone screens, as well as TV screens... I use it for all of the above. When Someone says $21 is too much, well they're either broke or not adapted to 2013. For that amount you get 2 micro fiber cloths, 3 antibacterial cloths, about 20 one use travel packets, and a large bottle of iklear, as well as a smaller travel bottle of iklear.

If anyone thinks $21 is too much for all that, as well as for a product that happens to work very well, then I'm sorry and maybe it's time for a career change!

----------



You my friend speak the truth

Some just don't see the logic in those words...

Either way..Good luck man, give that stuff a look if you like...Pretty good IMHO

I never stayed it was too much or too little, just what was in it.

If it works well then so be it, I'm only staying that many people recommend wiping the screen with distilled water after using it do get the film off.

They say after a few uses the screen can become a bit waxy.

 

[Sean76]

I never stayed it was too much or too little, just what was in it.

If it works well then so be it, I'm only staying that many people recommend wiping the screen with distilled water after using it do get the film off.

They say after a few uses the screen can become a bit waxy.

Wasn't blaming you OP

Either way, I don't see a waxy hazy issue when I use it. I basically spray the solution on one part of the cloth, wipe the screen with the cloth that has the solution on it, wait about a minute or so, then use a dry part of the cloth to wipe it clean. Stuff comes right off and leaves a beautiful clear clean surface.

My man thats just my advice and what I use. Ask 5 different people about how they go about something and you will most likely get 5 different answers

On my new rMBP I've never used anything else but iklear, used a few other products on my Macbook AIR and wasn't to pleased with the outcome, namely the monster solution they sell in best buy...That left a haze that was a little tuff to get off...

 

[fazo]

Keyboard Scratch MBA Screen

I own a MacBook Air 13 and MacBook Pro Retina 13.

The screen on my Air was scratched/damaged from the keyboard. Scratch is not the right word, but the keyboard left permanent marks in the screen from making contact while closed. I came to the conclusion that you have to be extremely careful not to place anything on top of the computer and not to place it in a briefcase in a way that causes pressure to be applied to the top squashing the screen into the keyboard. It is inconceivable to me that I am the only person that has experienced this issue. The marks are only noticeable when the screen is turned off - when the screen is on the brightness of the screen obscures the marks and it works just fine.

My MacBook Retina seems to be much more robust in its construction. There does not seem to be nearly as much flex in the screen. Also, the screen seems to have a slight rim around the edge that may serve to keep the screen further away from the keyboard than on the Air. The computer is new and I am taking precautions now to avoid this issue and I am optimistic it will not be a problem.

When I noticed the problem with my Air for the first time I searched for ways to address the issue and ran across a company named Radtech on line. They manufacturer a very nice microfiber cloth designed to fit all the various apple laptops. I have been using these cloths to protect my laptops ever since and they work very well. I am sure the damage to my Air screen would not have occurred had I been using a Radtech screen protector cloth from the get go. The cloth also serves as an excellent cloth for cleaning the screen. They are not cheap - but they fit and work extremely well. Well worth it.

I'm having the same problem, keyboard leave permanent marks on my screen. I noticed it after 3 weeks using my brand new Macbook Air. Even worst, Apple logo at the back of the MBA lid burned into my LCD screen. Sent to Apple Service Provider, they told me the problems happened because I put too much pressure on the lid e.g placing books/heavy item on the MBA. Nobody apparently stupid enough to put anything especially something heavy on their brand new MBA. I think the problem occurs because I kept my MBA in a laptop backpack that has books in it. How the books putting pressure on the lid, I have no idea. Sent for warranty claim, Apple replace the whole lid with a new one within 3 days.

 

[eneisch]

+1 on the Radtech keyboard cloth. I bought one years ago to protect the keyboard/screen on my late 2008 unibody MacBook and it was a quality product. Also works great to wipe the screen. I also had a matching Radtech sleeve that was made of the same material.

Excuse me - I've got to head over to their website and get something for my late 2013 15" rMBP!

PS - I have no affiliation with the manufacturer.

 

[Alexjones]

I went to staples and bought a 40 count book of tracing paper, Similar to the one that came with My rMBP. It is thin enough to allow the lid to close completely. The new design does not really allow much to come between the lid and the body. Mostly everything i tried causes a resistance when closing the lid. The tracing paper does the trick

 

[eneisch]

I went to staples and bought a 40 count book of tracing paper, Similar to the one that came with My rMBP. It is thin enough to allow the lid to close completely. The new design does not really allow much to come between the lid and the body. Mostly everything i tried causes a resistance when closing the lid. The tracing paper does the trick

Great idea!

 

[augustya]

Radtech cloth or shaggy Max cloth is a much better option than a Tracing Paper IMO