Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Eshyn

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 14, 2009
61
0
I was just looking for a definitive answer on whether or not it is possible to remove individual keys on a uMBP without opening it up and dissecting the innards. I have one key (delete) that I'd like to pop off to clean.

Thanks.
 
I was just looking for a definitive answer on whether or not it is possible to remove individual keys on a uMBP without opening it up and dissecting the innards. I have one key (delete) that I'd like to pop off to clean.

Thanks.

Yes you can. Just pop your thumb underneath the closest-to-spacebar end of the key and lift, it should pop out. You can just push it back into place to fix it.
 
Yes you can. Just pop your thumb underneath the closest-to-spacebar end of the key and lift, it should pop out. You can just push it back into place to fix it.

So by closest to spacebar you mean the bottom left corner? And by delete I meant the backspace key.
 
So I've just been to one independent repair center and called another. Both informed me that if I want to replace any of my keys I'd have to replace my whole keyboard and thus, the top case.

I've seen the video on Youtube of an individual letter key being removed from a uMBP. Is the delete/backspace key attached differently somehow? I only wanted to bring it in (after they told me via email they'd be able to remove the individual keys and replace them) to have a professional do it for me. I'm afraid if I attempt it I will break the little scissor mechanism under the key (which is the part I believe is causing the stickiness).

Are they just giving me the run around, hoping I'll pay $225 for the service?

All I want is to get my backspace key off so that I can just clean it a little.

Thanks.
 
Finally popped off the keys myself and cleaned them; all is fixed now.

One thing I noticed though is that underneath the delete key, the rubber nub had a slight tear in it. Is this something I should be worried about? Or should I just stop being neurotic and move on with my life? I just want to know if I should be concerned with the tear getting bigger and thus rendering the key useless. I don't feel that it will as I think the only movement to cause the tear to grow would have to be lateral.

Thanks.
 
Not a direct answer, but a related suggestion

Incidentally, why not consider a keyboard protector? Pretty much eliminates the need to clean the keys or the gunk that falls between the cracks and lies dormant underneath as the protector pretty much traps it all. Also helps the lettering stick on longer without direct contact with finger oil swiping over them so much over time -- improved resale value.
 
Incidentally, why not consider a keyboard protector? Pretty much eliminates the need to clean the keys or the gunk that falls between the cracks and lies dormant underneath as the protector pretty much traps it all. Also helps the lettering stick on longer without direct contact with finger oil swiping over them so much over time -- improved resale value.

I'd definitely like to try one. What's considered the best brand? Moshi?

Right now I'm just hoping my poor little rubber nub (lol) doesn't tear any further!
 
Hmmm. I don't recall where I got mine, but my MBP's keyboard is still pristine some 2 1/2 years later and did indeed catch all sorts of dirt/grime and the occasional small spill. I see keyboard covers going for about $20ish online, so it's not a large investment but one that seems to more than pay for itself over time -- especially with preserving value at resale time. Someone here might have better suggestions for specific manufacturers.
 
Keyboard covers are a bad idea.

Heat naturally rises from the keyboard area with no fans to assist. Placing a keyboard cover will insulate this portion of the laptop. It also reduces the surface area of the aluminum.

Here are some real life experiences:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/791186/
 
That's a fair point. Though, in my case, I'm hoping for retained heat to induce the 8600M GT into breaking before June 2010 to save some serious cash. :D
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.