Butterfly keyboard vs Magic Keyboard
Apple has used two main keyboard designs on recent MacBooks. The butterfly keyboard uses a very thin hinge under each key with only about 0.5mm of travel. It made MacBooks thinner, but a single crumb or speck of dust can jam a key. The Magic Keyboard went back to a scissor mechanism with about 1mm of travel, which is far more tolerant of dust and is much more reliable.
- Butterfly keyboard: MacBook Pro 13″ and 15″ from 2016 to 2019 (A1708, A1989, A2159, A1990) and MacBook Air 13″ 2018–2019 (A1932)
- Magic Keyboard: MacBook Pro 16″ 2019 (A2141), MacBook Air from 2020 (A2179, A2337 M1 onwards) and every MacBook Pro from 2020 onwards, including all M1, M2, M3 and M4 models
- Older scissor keyboard: MacBook Air A1369 and A1466 (2011–2017)
Not sure of your model? The model number (A followed by four digits) is printed near the hinge on the underside. See MacBook chip types to match it to Intel or Apple silicon.
Common MacBook keyboard faults
- Sticky or jammed keys — the classic butterfly fault, caused by debris under the key
- Repeating letters (typing “hello” gives “helllo”) — a worn butterfly switch registering twice
- Keys that don’t respond — a failed switch, or liquid damage to the keyboard membrane
- A whole row or half the keyboard not working — usually liquid damage or a faulty keyboard ribbon cable
- Backlight dead on some keys — backlight layer damage, often after a spill
- Keyboard bulging or keys lifting — often a swollen battery pushing up from underneath. Stop charging and bring it in.
🔴 Spilled a drink on your MacBook keyboard? Shut it down straight away, unplug it, and turn it upside down in a tent shape. Do not switch it back on to test it. Liquid reaches the logic board quickly, so bring it in the same day. Read what logic board repair involves.
What to try before replacing the keyboard
For a single sticky butterfly key, hold the MacBook at about 75 degrees and use short bursts of compressed air across the key from left to right, then rotate and repeat. This can clear loose debris. If keys still repeat or stick, or several keys fail, the keyboard needs replacing. Apple’s Keyboard Service Program for butterfly keyboards has ended, so out-of-warranty replacement is now paid.
Why MacBook keyboard replacement takes longer
On most MacBooks the keyboard is riveted into the top case rather than screwed in, so replacing it means taking the MacBook apart down to the top case. It is still usually done the same day in our shops. Your files are not affected.
MacBook keyboard replacement prices
Fixed prices per model, including parts and labour, with a 90-day warranty. Prices run from $180 to $300. Popular models:
- MacBook Air 13″ A1932 (2018–2019), butterfly — $200
- MacBook Pro 13″ A1708, butterfly — $200
- MacBook Pro 13″ A1989 Touch Bar, butterfly — $200
- MacBook Pro 15″ A1990 (2018–2019), butterfly — $240
- MacBook Air 13″ A2337 M1 (2020) — $200
- MacBook Pro 13″ A2338 M1/M2 — $180
- MacBook Pro 14″ A2442 M1 Pro/Max (2021) — $250
See keyboard prices for all 21 MacBook models →
Related terms
- MacBook Chip Types — Intel vs M1, M2, M3 and M4 MacBooks
- Laptop Battery — a swollen battery can push up the keyboard
- Motherboard Repair — what happens after liquid damage
- Laptop Screen Repair — panel types and screen replacement
