Darn Shiny keys!!

[lambertjohn]

Is there really a thread on this subject? How do shiny keys affect the operation of the computer? Someone explain that too me. Shiny keys are just a byproduct of using the computer. All my MacBooks have had shiny keys because that's what happens when you type on a computer.

 

[unrigestered]

yes, but Apple is using some plastic that is more prone to this than some others

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Is there really a thread on this subject? How do shiny keys affect the operation of the computer? Someone explain that too me. Shiny keys are just a byproduct of using the computer. All my MacBooks have had shiny keys because that's what happens when you type on a computer.

Ok I'll explain in as much detail as possible: It looks crap!!!

I'll expand on this. Apple touts itself as a premium brand and users equally pay, expect and appreciate this quality. Now, if this already has occurred after 3 months, as in this case, there's a massive problem with the cheap plastics used.

Obviously one expects the input device (KB) on a laptop to be somewhat resilient. Would you yourself be happy after only 3 months and having paid thousands of dollars to see this? Also, I'm typing this on a 13 yr old MBP whose keys still look as they did in 2009.

 

[smirking]

They use ABS plastic because you can get more precise colors and more durable key caps that are thinner. PBT key caps would likely have some undesirable effects on the look or might be hard to manufacture at the thinness that Apple would want them at.

Different plastics behave differently. ABS is the most popular kind of plastic to use for keyboards because it's (usually) cheaper and easier to work with. This is a pretty common thread of conversation in keyboard enthusiast forums. People are always wanting their keycaps in an exact shade, PBT, and cheap. Well, you can get two at most, but often just one.

I don't think all Apple laptops have used ABS plastic though. I believe the ancient G3 "Wallstreet" PowerBooks may have used PBT key caps. I haven't seen one in years, but I seem to remember that they had the look and feel of PBT plastic.

 

[jdb8167]

I’ve not really had to clean my laptop screens that often since they're not touch screens. But I have used iKlear over the years when needed and have never run into this.

I just want to confirm that iKlear takes away the shininess of the keys. I had an old bottle lying around and tried it. The shiny space bar was no longer shiny. I had tried Whoosh! previously but it didn’t do anything. I don’t know if you can still find iKlear but it definitely seems to work.

 

[jdb8167]

The shininess is not dirt or oil, it is what happens when friction polishes the surface of the keys. By rubbing them with a microfiber cloth you are further polishing them. Don’t do that so often.

That might happen eventually but my M2 MacBook Air is less than 6 months old. The shiny keys are definitely finger grease.

 

[papbot]

I don’t know if you can still find iKlear but it definitely seems to work.

Amazon carries it. I just checked because of your post and we’re running low. Just ordered 2 more bottles. Good stuff. I use it to clean all our devices and my eyeglasses.

 

[smirking]

I just want to confirm that iKlear takes away the shininess of the keys. I had an old bottle lying around and tried it. The shiny space bar was no longer shiny. I had tried Whoosh! previously but it didn’t do anything. I don’t know if you can still find iKlear but it definitely seems to work.

Cleaners will remove the oil so that the key caps won't look greasy, but over time they're still going to get shiny. There's absolutely no way to prevent this without a keyboard cover (which isn't something I'm advocating for). This is a universal problem for any key caps made from ABS plastic. Even PBT plastics will develop a shine given enough time and use, but it's harder to feel and see on those.

 

[James Godfrey]

This is the exact reason why I was hoping for the white key/white bezel MacBook Air, yes the white bezels aren’t great but those keys stay looking fine for a long time in my experience.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I understand that Apple uses cheap keyboard abs plastic keyboard keys and I really don't know why? I have had multiple MacBook Pro's, and now my M2 MBA and it is already got shiny keys. No matter how you clean them it doesn't go away. no matter if you wash your hands etc. Shiny darn keys.

I have had multiple Windows laptops and I have never had this issue. It looks really bad and happens really fast. Surely I am not the only one who it bothers and Apple has been using these keys for years so I am sure many other people have complained.

Why do they use such crappy materials on their keyboards?

I generally use keyboard covers on my Mac laptops. I like the ones Moshi makes, but there are definitely others out there that cost less. You still get some shine on those, but I'd rather that on a $10-50 keyboard cover than a $1000-3000 MacBook.

 

[papbot]

This is the exact reason why I was hoping for the white key/white bezel MacBook Air, yes the white bezels aren’t great but those keys stay looking fine for a long time in my experience.

I had a white Apple Bluetooth keyboard. I didn’t use it that much, I don’t do a lot of typing, certainly not as much as many who are posting here. Those white keys got ugly looking fairly quickly, for me about a year or two maybe a little more. For a frequent typist it would occur even faster. The black keyboards even though they eventually will show signs of wear are much nicer looking. I did take notice of my wife’s and my previous 2013 MacBook Pro, both showed the expected wear but not so obvious unless you were looking for it. Not so bad for an almost 10 year old laptop and more than acceptable to us. I would never have a white keyboard of any kind. Unless Apple produces a white Smart Keyboard Folio, I have one, black of course since that’s all that’s available as far as I know. This is the only keyboard that shows virtually no wear and is the one I’ve used a lot for several years on my iPad Pros. But that‘s a very different material and not likely to ever be on any laptop.

 

[h.gilbert]

Is there really a thread on this subject? How do shiny keys affect the operation of the computer? Someone explain that too me. Shiny keys are just a byproduct of using the computer. All my MacBooks have had shiny keys because that's what happens when you type on a computer.

Because all this forum is concerned about is the functional value of these products as tools? Please.

Shiny keys are not a byproduct of using the computer. My single experience of owning a 2016 macbook up to now is enough to disprove your theory. 6 years old and the only computer I've been using since them. Did all my university studies and reports on here and not a single shiny patch anywhere.

 

[whizkid11]

I can confirm this too. Had my M2 since Sept 7 and clean it regularly. Just starting to notice what appears to be a very slight halo around the letters on the A and S keys. This is one of two laptops so it doesn’t get excessive use.

Very early for this to happen. May have to get the clear stickers but then those will likely shine too eventually.

 

[smirking]

Shiny keys are not a byproduct of using the computer.

I had a 2016 MBP myself. The same thing happens to those too, but it's much harder to see. Starting with the 2019 MBP redesign, Apple started using a highly reflective matte coating that picks up fingerprints very very easily.

The shine that most people complain about is usually just oil from your skin getting transferred to the keyboard. That can be wiped away, but what will persist regardless is the surface being worn smooth. Even if you impossibly dry skin, just the normal wear and tear will cause the surface of the key to become smoother and some people will say it looks shiny to them. Under the right light it will have a glossy patchy look.

This smoothing happens to all keyboards, but is harder to see on some. It's happening to yours too, but you may not be able to see it without a flashlight or you may not perceive it to be shiny as some would.

 

[whizkid11]

Technerd,

Apparently individual keys can be popped out and replaced. If the issue is related to a few keys, it might be worthwhile to replace them yourself.

 

[trevpimp]

My keyboard is crispy clean, been using it since January 2021.

I would not say that they use cheaper materials in their laptops, I think they can hold up perfectly fine for an countable amount of years- if being properly careful with them

I keep my keyboard crispy clean. If my hands are dirty I don't touch my Mac
btw I clean my hands more than 6+ times a day

 

[smirking]

I would not say that they use cheaper materials in their laptops, I think they can hold up perfectly fine for an countable amount of years- if being properly careful with them

They do use cheaper plastic though, but it's unlikely they're doing it because it costs less. Keycaps are generally made from either ABS or PBT plastic. ABS keycaps are cheaper and softer, but can be colored however you want and can be made thin.

PBT is the more expensive and durable plastic, but the modern day Apple is unlikely to use it because you can't get the coloring exact. Because PBT is harder than ABS, it's actually more likely to shatter at the very thin sizing that Apple would need.

 

[klover]

I've always wanted someone to produce some kind of translucent keycap stickers. They'd be practically imperceptible, low cost, replaceable, wouldn't impact typing, etc. Would be a simple solution.

Could do all kinds of speciality versions as well with common hotkeys for things like PhotoShop, etc.

 

[whizkid11]

I've always wanted someone to produce some kind of translucent keycap stickers. They'd be practically imperceptible, low cost, replaceable, wouldn't impact typing, etc. Would be a simple solution.

Could do all kinds of speciality versions as well with common hotkeys for things like PhotoShop, etc.

Keyshorts.com

 

[Scarrus]

Just buy a new computer already and stop complaining! Sheesh!



/sarcasm

 

[Nhwhazup]

Two images of my Shift key, one before cleaning and one after wiping with a tiny spritz of iKlear. Just wiping with a cloth will not clear smudges. A lightly damp cloth will improve it a little but you’ll still see a little shine, with iKlear no shine.

View attachment 2143874

View attachment 2143875

Have been using iKlear for years. Love it.

 

[russell_314]

It's a laptop not a work of art... I got it some Apple users can be a little OCD with their devices but there's a point when it becomes silly. IMO this is that point but also it's your money so if you want to buy new keys or a whole new MacBook every few months that's your choice.

If you're really bothered by it you can buy new keys. I'm typing on my gaming PC and I noticved some of the keys are a little shiny but I didn't notice till I looked for it.

 

[michaelscarn]

I noticed this immediately upon upgrading from a 2014 MBP to the M1 MBA, probably because I am very specific about the cleanliness of touch-points, such as keyboards, mouse, steering wheels, etc. Needless to say, it isn't my hands; I don't use any lotions or oily products, and wash my hands constantly. It seems like the new keys pick up and retain dirt and oil more easily. Luckily, my MBA spends most of the time connected to an external monitor and keyboard/mouse, but the shiny keys became apparent on a week-long trip with just the laptop.

Approximately 2 months ago, I received a new HP Elitebook for work. Even though I use it like an actual laptop, moving around constantly, typing and using the trackpad, there are no signs of wear except for a slightly glossier area on the trackpad (which looks more like residual dirt/oil, and not actual damage to the material). The difference between the HP and the MBA keyboard wear is night and day. I really wish they'd go back to the old plastic that wasn't as susceptible to such minor wear.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I noticed this immediately upon upgrading from a 2014 MBP to the M1 MBA, probably because I am very specific about the cleanliness of touch-points, such as keyboards, mouse, steering wheels, etc. Needless to say, it isn't my hands; I don't use any lotions or oily products, and wash my hands constantly. It seems like the new keys pick up and retain dirt and oil more easily. Luckily, my MBA spends most of the time connected to an external monitor and keyboard/mouse, but the shiny keys became apparent on a week-long trip with just the laptop.

Approximately 2 months ago, I received a new HP Elitebook for work. Even though I use it like an actual laptop, moving around constantly, typing and using the trackpad, there are no signs of wear except for a slightly glossier area on the trackpad (which looks more like residual dirt/oil, and not actual damage to the material). The difference between the HP and the MBA keyboard wear is night and day. I really wish they'd go back to the old plastic that wasn't as susceptible to such minor wear.

Wow. That’s really sad that the MBA keys are so inferior.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I know it’s cosmetic and superficial but I hate the super shiny keys. I’ve always preferred either silver or white keys caps so at least it’s not as noticeable.