Darn Shiny keys!!

[erkanasu]

I just got the jackpot,

sent out my keyboard for apple to fix the broken 'a' key that would get stuck.

they first f'd up and sent it back with no fix.

BUT on the 2nd go for the repair (waited 1-2 weeks in total), it returned back with a brand new keyboard (Entire thing), top case, and freaking battery.

im in keyboard heaven right now

+1 for AppleCare

 

[erkanasu]

I just got the jackpot,

sent out my keyboard for apple to fix the broken 'a' key that would get stuck.

they first f'd up and sent it back with no fix.

BUT on the 2nd go for the repair (waited 1-2 weeks in total), it returned back with a brand new keyboard (Entire thing), top case, and freaking battery.

im in keyboard heaven right now

+1 for AppleCare

update -- I just touched my face and then noticed some oil on the keyboard. FIRST SHINE!

 

[DMG35]

This too drives me crazy. I always get it really bad on the space bar. I started taking one of those film screen protectors that you put in water and cutting it to fit on the keyboard of my MacBook Pro. It's barely noticeable but keeps it from getting that awful shine.

I've also tried Keyshorts. They aren't bad but they take forever to get in and they are seriously one of the most frustratingly awful things I've ever had to install on a device.

 

[smirking]

This too drives me crazy. I always get it really bad on the space bar.

Fun fact: Most space bars are made from ABS plastic even when the rest of the keys are made out of the higher quality PBT stuff. Because of the length of the space bar, it's difficult to make them out of PBT plastic. It's higher quality, but also harder to mold. It's common to see some older high end keyboards or cap sets still look stunning after years of use with the exception of the space bar.

 

[FFabian]

Fun fact: Most space bars are made from ABS plastic even when the rest of the keys are made out of the higher quality PBT stuff. Because of the length of the space bar, it's difficult to make them out of PBT plastic. It's higher quality, but also harder to mold. It's common to see some older high end keyboards or cap sets still look stunning after years of use with the exception of the space bar.

Interesting, didn’t know that.

 

[raythompsontn]

I have to say that Apple's over priced cloth does a remarkable job of removing the shine from the keys and the trackpad. A couple of swipes and all the shine was gone.

If the shiny keys are that much of an issue, consider getting the cloth.

 

[DennisdeWit]

I just received my Keyshorts after waiting 1 month and a week. The installing was a tricky thing to do. I have to admit that I screwed up the 3 a bit, but other than that, it is ok. I am quite ok with the way I installed them. Yes, you can see some stripes because the stickers are a bit smaller than the key, so you could take them off when needed.

 

[russell_314]

I just received my Keyshorts after waiting 1 month and a week. The installing was a tricky thing to do. I have to admit that I screwed up the 3 a bit, but other than that, it is ok. I am quite ok with the way I installed them. Yes, you can see some stripes because the stickers are a bit smaller than the key, so you could take them off when needed.

This seems like a lot of work just to get a few extra bucks when it comes to time to resell. I suspect the stickers are going to start wearing so then do you buy new stickers or just use worn out ugly looking stickers just to keep your keys protected? If you buy new stickers that’s extra money plus time you spend carefully peeling those off and putting new ones on. I’m not sure how easy they peel off after being on for a while but I imagine it can’t be too easy.

If it works for you, then it’s worth it. I would really like to see how they look after a year. If they hold up for a year and still look halfway decent, then maybe they’re a better idea than I think they are. Also, a question I would have is since the tolerance is very tight when you close the lid, many people get like oil marks from the keyboard onto the screen. I wonder if this is going to make this worse or better. Since it’s more thickness, I think there’s going to be more pressure but it’s a different material so maybe it could be an improvement.

I find these interesting but I wouldn’t have the patience to do this. If I’m selling my old MacBook and someone tries to bargain with me because one of the keys are shiny, I’m going to walk away 😂

 

[ignatius345]

Fun fact: Most space bars are made from ABS plastic even when the rest of the keys are made out of the higher quality PBT stuff. Because of the length of the space bar, it's difficult to make them out of PBT plastic. It's higher quality, but also harder to mold. It's common to see some older high end keyboards or cap sets still look stunning after years of use with the exception of the space bar.

I actually pull the PBT keys (including a PBT space bar) off my mechanical keyboard and -- believe it or not -- soak them in denture cleaner to clean them. Works beautifully, and you get a nice minty smell to boot.

 

[DennisdeWit]

I had to remove the stickers already since they feel very sharp and cheap. Not happy about the product.

Be careful with removing the stickers! The adhesive is quite agressive and you could easily slam a key. ALWAYS put pressure against the key when removing the sticker!

 

[smirking]

I actually pull the PBT keys (including a PBT space bar) off my mechanical keyboard and -- believe it or not -- soak them in denture cleaner to clean them. Works beautifully, and you get a nice minty smell to boot.

I'd love to keep the look pristine, but I have to admit I'm way too lazy to do that. Salute to you for being this dedicated!

Also, for years didn't know that PBT caps can also get slick and shiny. I only realized this upon taking close up photos of some keyboards I wanted to sell. It was hard to see until you got really close in, but every key that I rested my fingers on had a shiny dot in the middle that I couldn't completely remove.

 

[ignatius345]

I'd love to keep the look pristine, but I have to admit I'm way too lazy to do that. Salute to you for being this dedicated!

I'll do anything to avoid actually writing. "Let me get my keyboard all cleaned up" is a pretty great procrastination tactic.

 

[StoneJack]

i have a very thin film protector on keyboard. Works fine after 9 months of use, no shiny keys.

 

[rpmurray]

I use TPU covers instead of the silicone ones. Thinner and more durable, and they don't leave that silicone grease on the keys after using them for awhile.

 

[sunking101]

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.

Yeah but Apple the expensive brand for premium products use cheap-a$$ plastic for their keyboards to save a few bucks. They don't pass this saving onto you of course but you have to deal with the shiny keys.

 

[DeepSix]

Latex gloves and a beauty brush prevent shiny keys. Or use an external keyboard.