M2 MacBook Air mushy key help

[FangRock]

My MacBook Air M2 has developed a mushy key. The 'L' key. Sometimes when I'm typing, the L doesn't show up because it needs slightly more pressure to register.

I think a crumb of monster munch (roast beef) may be in there.

I have no AppleCare, but it's within warrantee. The problem is a trip to the apple store is a days work.

How easy is it to pop the L off and give it a clean?

 

[maflynn]

How easy is it to pop the L off and give it a clean?

The risk of damage may be higher then its worth trying. I'd just bring it to apple and play it safe

 

[FangRock]

The risk of damage may be higher then its worth trying. I'd just bring it to apple and play it safe

I think you're right

 

[lambertjohn]

Get a can of compressed air and blow it into and under the keys. I keep a can handy and routinely blow out my keys to keep them clean and working freely.

 

[maflynn]

Get a can of compressed air and blow it into and under the keys. I keep a can handy and routinely blow out my keys to keep them clean and working freely.

I also tip the laptop upside down and gently, tap it. Its like a baby, where violent shakes are a no-no, but I think you can dislodge stuff without damaging it.

 

[h.gilbert]

I think a crumb of monster munch (roast beef) may be in there.

Thank you for specifying the flavor. Too many people don't do this and it generally leads to insufficient information to correctly provide a solution.

 

[FangRock]

Thank you for specifying the flavor. Too many people don't do this and it generally leads to insufficient information to correctly provide a solution.

Exactly - pickled onion feels like it would be worse because of the vinegar, so I think it's relevant.

 

[Mike Boreham]

I also tip the laptop upside down and gently, tap it. Its like a baby, where violent shakes are a no-no, but I think you can dislodge stuff without damaging it.

This has worked for me a few times over the years. Doing it repeatedly can break up the crumb has worked a few times.

 

[Ruggy]

I also tip the laptop upside down and gently, tap it. Its like a baby, where violent shakes are a no-no, but I think you can dislodge stuff without damaging it.

I do the same thing. Upside down, on the side, keep at it until the key moves differently. As long as it's just a crumb or something solid you can move it and I've done it several times on different machines- if it's something sticky, probably not.

 

[lentils]

I also tip the laptop upside down and gently, tap it. Its like a baby, where violent shakes are a no-no, but I think you can dislodge stuff without damaging it.

+1. I was skeptical, but it worked! Thank you thank you. I don't know where the crumb, or dog hair, or whatever is now, but it's not under the key anymore.
BTW I can't vouch for the 'L' key, but it definitely works for the 'Z'.