Options for MBP 2016 Keyboard replacement

[DEMinSoCAL]

We recently upgrades some employees MBP's and they are returning their previous units for us to refurb and use as spares.

I'm seeing a common theme of the lettering completely worn off (even the black of the keycap is gone making it look clear down to the LED).
These are 2016 and 2017 MBP's. It's hard to fathom that something as expensive as these MBP's would use such crappy keyboards that they wear down the keycap lettering!

So my question is, what is the cost (approx US) to have Apple replace the KB? I understand that such a repair necessitates the entire palmrest and battery too. This is shameful for Apple, but I don't hear of them doing anything for consumers.

Thoughts? Is self-repair an option?

 

[Natzoo]

It is going to cost around $750 to replace the keyboards since the top case assembly has to be replaced. I think the keyboard program is gone for the 2016 products (4 years after the purchase date), I can let you know how the keyboard program goes. I had it replaced once but I'm going again this Saturday even though my keyboard mostly works fine at the moment (I am hoping they replace it because the same keys keep failing every month or so).

 

[jerryk]

Just do a battery replacement. This includes the top case which is battery, Al case where your hands rest, keyboard, and trackpad. It is free if under the defective (sticking keys, etc) program. https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall
Otherwise, it is $199. https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Just do a battery replacement. This includes the top case which is battery, Al case where your hands rest, keyboard, and trackpad. It is free if under the defective (sticking keys, etc) program. https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall
Otherwise, it is $199. https://support.apple.com/mac/repair/service

That's certainly a better price than $750!

Do you know if the battery recall covers a range of serial numbers ONLY if your battery is swollen or will it cover as long as it's on the list?

 

[jerryk]

That's certainly a better price than $750!

Do you know if the battery recall covers a range of serial numbers ONLY if your battery is swollen or will it cover as long as it's on the list?

I believe it for sure covers certain serial numbers and the first link I posted let's you enter a serial number. However, if you call about having problems they will take your system, people have reportedly had their systems covered even though their serial number was not listed. So at worst they reject you for free and you pay the $199 to replace the top case.

 

[justashooter]

We recently upgrades some employees MBP's and they are returning their previous units for us to refurb and use as spares.

I'm seeing a common theme of the lettering completely worn off (even the black of the keycap is gone making it look clear down to the LED).

Thoughts? Is self-repair an option?

You can buy keys, key caps for MBP and they aren't that difficult to replace. I've done it but by taking keys from a unfixable MBP. And it depends on how many on each unit. Your worn keys are probably on the home row mostly. If it is 3-4 keys on each unit it may be worth it. This place sells keys:

Macbook Pro Keys Replacement | Keyboard Keys | Laptop Keys

Find high-quality MacBook Pro and MacBook Air key replacement services at LaptopKeyReplacements.com. We offer replacement keys for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and more

www.replacementlaptopkeys.com

 

[smbu2000]

It’s very easy to get replacement keycaps and just swap the keys yourself.
I‘ve purchased a full sets of keycaps from aliexpress before for $5-$10.
A1706 for TB 13”, A1707 for 15” and A1708 for 13” non-TB model on 2016/2017 models.

If you are having actual keyboard issues (double presses, sticky keys, etc) then Apple will replace the topcase (keyboard/battery/etc.) for free within 4 years of when the MBP was purchased. That also comes with new keycaps of course.
2016 models released in Oct. 2016, so there is a chance 2016 models might be past the 4 years already.