Repair a 2015 MBP keyboard? (difficulty?) or sell it.

[mikeshep]

Yesterday a single key popped off my 2015 Retina 15-inch keyboard after an innocent attempt to clean around it...
I couldn't replace it...had no idea of the intricacy involved - Went to the Apple Bar and was told it couldn't be
fixed - tiny metal hold tab was apparently broken off. Was told my only option is a new keyboard (top cover).
Apparently that is done with a battery repair - but that's listed as $199, and he said $299 ... so it's a dillemma-
the battery count's still pretty good, and there is nothing wrong with this machine at all. It looks like a major
challenge to try to DIY a top cover or battery on these. Wondering if anyone here has done that, and whether
it's worth pursuing the battery replacement and gambling that they'll replace the keyboard - or.. to sell the
machine with the repair issue and buy a used replacement for around $400 or a little less ??

Thanks for any opinions! Very frustrating when a single key can't just be replaced - and a whole keyboard
replacement would cost more than the value of the computer : ((

 

[profcutter]

Hmm. High spec‘d version, or bottom of the line? Are they really going for 300 in good shape?

 

[mo5214]

Apple never fix individual keycaps I think. (Entire topcase only)

First, check the keycap and under keycap for damage (take pictures)

there should be two parts (black keycap, and white plastic scissor switch. And a metal “arm” holding the scissors in place.

usually failure modes of keycaps are

1. black keycap broke and no longer holds on to the scissor switch (replace key cap, get them on ebay, make sure to get the right type)

2 scissor switch broke (and no longer hold onto metal clips on the keyboard assembly)

3. the rare case is that the metal clip on the keyboard assembly broke. (This requires change of keyboard. Very tedious to replace as it requires complete disassembly and then removal of rivets holding keyboard assembly, and back-tracking all that. Watch videos of it on youtube, your model is A398)



TBH it should cost around $10 (and more than $30) to replace the broken keycap and the scissor switch under the cap. (Case 1-2)

case 3 would cost $20, but a lot of effort (unless you are buying new top case assembly)

 

[mikeshep]

Hmm. High spec‘d version, or bottom of the line? Are they really going for 300 in good shape?

On closer inspection, closer to 400 for comparable to mine... Retina, 256g SSD, 16gb RAM.
so...bit more of an expensive proposition than i thought...

 

[mikeshep]

Apple never fix individual keycaps I think. (Entire topcase only)

First, check the keycap and under keycap for damage (take pictures)

there should be two parts (black keycap, and white plastic scissor switch. And a metal “arm” holding the scissors in place.

usually failure modes of keycaps are

1. black keycap broke and no longer holds on to the scissor switch (replace key cap, get them on ebay, make sure to get the right type)

2 scissor switch broke (and no longer hold onto metal clips on the keyboard assembly)

3. the rare case is that the metal clip on the keyboard assembly broke. (This requires change of keyboard. Very tedious to replace as it requires complete disassembly and then removal of rivets holding keyboard assembly, and back-tracking all that. Watch videos of it on youtube, your model is A398)



TBH it should cost around $10 (and more than $30) to replace the broken keycap and the scissor switch under the cap. (Case 1-2)

case 3 would cost $20, but a lot of effort (unless you are buying new top case assembly)

Hi, yeah, the machine was checked out at the Apple Store.. They already have told me it is the third example that you mentioned - the very fragile metal clip (one part of it) broke off apparently... when the key was lifted up. Agreed, it should cost $20.

 

[mo5214]

Hi, yeah, the machine was checked out at the Apple Store.. They already have told me it is the third example that you mentioned - the very fragile metal clip (one part of it) broke off apparently... when the key was lifted up. Agreed, it should cost $20.

Just to make sure, please check it visually and maybe post picture here. I don’t trust Apple geniuses tbh. (As they have incentive to make you replace top-case)

 

[profcutter]

Discrete graphics? 2.8 GHz? Those are the top of the line specs. I’d be surprised if they’d fallen that far already since there’s still no viable replacement, given the price and difficulties with the 16”.

 

[Fishrrman]

If the battery change will get you a new keyboard, that's probably the way to go.
But be sure to ask first (or it's liable to come back with a new battery but the same broken keyboard).

And next time... perhaps refrain from "cleaning" it so thoroughly.... (sigh)