On a MacBook, a key that stops responding is nothing like a key on an external keyboard: it cannot be replaced on its own. The keyboard is part of the top case — shell, battery and keyboard form a single assembly that shops replace as one. Before committing to that, establish two things: whether the fault is mechanical or software, and whether your machine uses the butterfly mechanism (2015-2019) or the scissor mechanism that replaced it. We sell no parts for these keyboards; this guide exists so you do not pay for a repair you do not need.
Diagnostic
Rule out software first, it costs nothing. Open the keyboard viewer (System Settings, Keyboard, then Input Sources) and press the key: if it lights up on screen, the contact works and the problem lies elsewhere — keyboard layout, the application, or Slow Keys enabled under Accessibility. Test in safe mode and in another user session too. If the key stays silent in the viewer, the fault is hardware. Two causes dominate: debris under the mechanism, very common on butterfly keyboards, or a worn dome and contact. Apple's own method against debris is compressed air with the MacBook held at 75 degrees, sweeping left to right, then repeated with the machine rotated. It is risk-free and genuinely resolves a share of butterfly-era cases.
Méthode
- 1
Identify your model: Apple menu, About This Mac. The 12-inch MacBook 2015-2017, MacBook Pro 2016-2019 and MacBook Air 2018-2019 have butterfly keyboards; the late-2019 16-inch and everything since use the markedly more reliable scissor mechanism.
- 2
Check in the keyboard viewer whether the key sends a signal at all — that separates a mechanical fault from a software one in a minute.
- 3
On a butterfly keyboard, try compressed air using Apple's method first: machine at 75 degrees, sweep left to right, then rotate a quarter turn and sweep again.
- 4
Do not prise the key off. On a butterfly keyboard the cap and its mechanism deform when removed, and a lifted key rarely seats properly again.
- 5
If the fault is confirmed, get a quote from both Apple and an independent shop: the gap is often significant, and some independents will replace a single key where the official channel changes the whole top case.
FAQ
Do you sell MacBook keyboard keys?
No, and we will not. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro keys are outside our catalogue. We sell keys for external keyboards: the Apple Magic Keyboard and the Logitech range.
Does my MacBook have a butterfly keyboard?
The butterfly mechanism was fitted to the 12-inch MacBook from 2015 to 2017, MacBook Pro models from 2016 to 2019, and MacBook Air models in 2018 and 2019. Apple dropped it with the late-2019 16-inch MacBook Pro in favour of a scissor mechanism that proved far more reliable.
Does Apple's free repair programme still apply?
No. The service programme for butterfly keyboards ended in November 2024. Affected machines have no free recourse under it any more; statutory warranty or an AppleCare+ plan still in force are the only remaining cover.
Can a single MacBook key be replaced?
Not through the official channel: Apple replaces the complete top case, keyboard and battery included. Some independent shops can work on one key, though — worth exploring before accepting a full replacement.
What does the repair cost?
Replacing the top case runs into several hundred euros, and the figure varies widely with the model and the age of the machine. Independent shops are generally cheaper than the official channel. Always get two quotes before deciding: on an older machine the repair can exceed what it is worth.
A dead MacBook key deserves ten minutes of diagnosis before any spending: a fair share of cases resolve with no part at all, between an accessibility setting and a blast of compressed air. If the fault really is hardware, compare two quotes — we do not sell these parts and have no stake in which way you go.
We do not sell parts for this keyboard
MacBook built-in keyboards are outside our catalogue: their keys are not sold individually anywhere, and we do not offer them. This guide is here for the diagnosis. If a repair is needed, it goes through Apple or an independent shop. We do sell keys for external keyboards — Apple Magic Keyboard and Logitech.