How to Fix Melted MacBook Keys | Keyboard Replacement Guide

Have you ever faced melted MacBook keys? It is a very minor inconvenience to sit down and see that your MacBook’s keys are melted, bent, or sticky. Whatever caused the issue, whether you have spilled something on it, left the computer in direct sunlight, or sat it on top of something hot, it can make it impossible for you to use the computer effectively.

Luckily, not all cases of this kind are beyond repair. Depending on how extensive the damage is and whether you can repair or switch out the keys themselves, you can still regain access to your MacBook with some careful troubleshooting. In this article, we will take a look at how melted MacBook key repair works, what to look for when examining the severity of cosmetic damage, and how to accomplish it properly.

Understanding Why MacBook Keys Get Damaged

MacBook Keyboard designs were developed so they would be comfortable and effective when using your computer. There are things you can do to ensure your keyboard stays in working condition and prevent melted MacBook keys.

Heat Exposure

Too much heat exposure has been the main cause for multiple reasons, but it’s one of the main ways that keys will lose their shape. It is definitely one of the most common problems you will experience. Placing your MacBook near heat sources such as a heater or under the sun for long periods of time, or even in a parked vehicle, can lead to the keycap plastic material being softened.

Liquid Spills

Spills from beverage products such as coffee, soda, water, and other liquids can create problems for keyboards. The heat generated from using a computer can cause residue from the spilled liquid to react with each other and become caked under the keys, and in most cases, it will create a sticky, melted feeling when pressed down. Over an extended period of time, the residue and heat can create a permanent deformation.

Inadequate Ventilation

If the bottom air vents of your MacBook are regularly covered by items such as blankets or pillows, this can generate high temperatures due to the air not being able to escape. With continued use at high temperatures, the keys may begin to deteriorate as well.

Weight on Keyboard

Heavy items such as books, bags, or other accessories can put enough pressure on the keyboard, along with the heat generated by the laptop, that it causes melted MacBook keys.

How Serious is the Problem? Accessing Keyboard Damage

Source: WikiHow

You should first understand the current situation of your keyboard prior to doing any type of repair for melted MacBook keys.

Some questions to ask yourself include:

• Does the problem only affect a small number of keys?
• Are the keys responding to your touch?
• Is the damage only visual, is it also functional, or a combination of both?
• Is typing uncomfortable for you, or are your typing errors greater than usual?

If you identify the issue as being primarily cosmetic and limited to just a few components (i.e., individual key caps), then you only need to replace those parts. If you determine that many keys feel uneven when pressed, it may be possible that there is a problem with the internal part (mechanism) of the keyboard, necessitating either replacing the entire keyboard or replacing the top case.

Immediate Steps to Take Before Repairing Anything

Source: WikiHow

You might be able to resolve minor issues without having to open your laptop or order replacement parts. Before doing either, take these simple steps.

Shut Down and Unplug

Always shut down your MacBook completely and remove any connected accessories from the laptop prior to looking at or cleaning your MacBook.

Clean Area

Using a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol, gently clean around the keys of your MacBook. You may have oil or debris on your keys, causing the key to stick.

Compressed Air

Use a few short bursts of compressed air underneath the key, making sure to hold your MacBook at an angle when doing so.

Test Key Movement

Press down lightly on each affected key to see whether it moves up/down evenly or is stuck. You may think that a key is broken when it’s only slightly out of alignment.

If none of these solutions worked for you, it could be that your melted MacBook keys were damaged, and you will need a more thorough approach to fix it.

Replacing Individual Keycaps: A Practical DIY Solution

Source: KeebsForAll

You will need the following items to repair the melted MacBook keys:

• Replacement keycaps for your MacBook model.
• A plastic tool specifically designed for prying, or a guitar pick.
• A set of tweezers.
• A flat, clean surface where the MacBook is located, and you can work without interruption.

Follow these steps to change out your keycap:

Step 1. Identify which version of the MacBook you own. Keycap sizes and how they are attached differ from one MacBook model to another and even by year of production. You can determine what MacBook you have by clicking on “About This Mac” from the Apple menu.

Step 2. Gently pry at one corner of the damaged keycap with your prying tool or guitar pick until it releases, while being careful not to bend the keycap or use too much resistance.

Step 3. Look at the scissor or butterfly mechanism underneath the removed keycap. Make sure that it is not damaged or bent from being dislodged.

Step 4. Clean the area where the keycap sat using a clean, soft brush or a lint-free cloth. Make sure that there is no dust, dirt, or debris left when installing the replacement keycap.

Step 5. Insert the replacement keycap in the same manner that you removed the damaged keycap, aligning it and pressing equally on both sides until it “clicks” in place again.

Step 6. Next, turn on your MacBook and test the replacement keycap for pressure sensitivity and feel.

This system will work for repairs when the keycap damage is limited to only the keycap itself, and the mechanisms that hold it onto the keyboard are working properly.

When Should You Worry About Long-Term Damage?

Keyboard problems may indicate greater problems. If you see any of these symptoms:

• Keys are intermittently not operating.

• Overheating while using it normally every day

• Swollen battery

• Strange noises are coming from the fan

Then you must stop using that device and contact a qualified technician for these melted MacBook keys. Using it even just once more may lead to damaged internal components that can be difficult or impossible to repair.

Conclusion

If your keyboard does not work anymore, it may just be a problem with the keyboard that is causing the issue, and not that the MacBook is broken. A careful inspection of the keyboard will help determine the cause of the issue and whether a DIY fix is appropriate or if a professional repair would be best. Knowing what caused the keyboard to fail will also help you make better decisions in the future.

Melted keyboard keys can be a bit intimidating, but they can still provide many productive years of service if you manage them properly with some time and effort.