Got a stuck key on your Mac keyboard? Are some keys unresponsive? It’s probably time for you to clean your keyboard. But before you take out your laptop cleaning kit, you have to understand first your Mac’s butterfly keyboard.
Your Mac Keyboard
Apple introduced the butterfly keyboard when it released the 12-inch MacBook in 2015. The first generation butterfly keyboard was met with more complaints than praises because users felt that it went too far with its minimal key travel. The second generation was released in 2016, with Apple boasting that the keyboard experience is refined for greater comfort and responsiveness. So if you have a MacBook (2015) or MacBook Pro (2016 and later), then what you have is the improved butterfly keyboard.
The new keyboard looked sleek and was more responsive compared to the first generation. The design also made it difficult for dust and dirt to accumulate underneath the keyboard. The downside is that once dirt and dust do slip through the keys and get stuck underneath, it is very difficult to get them out.
How To Clean Your Keyboard
Software cleanup of your Mac can be achieved through various tools, one of which is Outbyte macAries. It claims to scan your system and make recommendations for deletion. Make sure to assess its fit for your needs.
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What is the best way to clean your keyboard? There are many tutorials on how to clean Mac laptop keyboard, but according to Apple Support, all you need is a can of compressed air as a laptop cleaner. So if one of your keys is unresponsive or there seems to be something stuck underneath it, grab a can of compressed air and follow these steps:
- Tilt your MacBook or MacBook Pro at a 75-degree angle, with the lid open.
- Spray the compressed air unto the keyboard, from left to right. You can also choose to just spray on the affected keys.
- Rotate your Mac to its right side and spray the compressed air again, from left to right.
- Turn your Mac to its left side this time, and spray the keyboard again following the same pattern.
Keyboard Tips
If this does not solve your problem, don’t try to remove the keys yourself. Bring your computer to the nearest Apple store or service center and have it checked. Here are some tips to keep your Mac keyboard clean and in good working condition:
- Don’t try to remove the keys from your keyboard to clean them. Butterfly keyboards use butterfly mechanism which is different from the previous scissor switch keyboard version. You might end up ruining your keyboard for good if you try to pry off the keys.
- Keep your lid down when you are not using your computer to avoid dust from settling on your keyboard.
- Keep food and drinks away from your Mac, especially when you’re working.
- Don’t forget to turn off your computer before cleaning your keyboard.
- You can also use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surface of your keyboard and your screen. It will remove dust, grease and other dirt on top of your keyboard.
Clean your keyboard regularly to avoid dust and dirt from accumulating over time to avoid costly repairs. If the above solution doesn’t work, go to the nearest Apple store to have it checked and repaired.