Mac keyboard issues — dead, double and stuck keys
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Quick answer
Mac keyboard problems fall into three categories: the butterfly mechanism (2015-2019, notorious for dead keys), liquid damage (unrecoverable without fast action), and ordinary wear on scissor-mechanism keyboards. Unlike Apple and most other workshops, we repair butterfly keyboards at the individual key level (from DKK 50 per key) — so you usually avoid a full top case replacement.
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Why doesn't the keyboard work?
Test first: 1) boot in Recovery Mode (Cmd+R) — does the keyboard work there? If yes, it's software (login items or drivers). If no, it's hardware. 2) Plug in an external USB keyboard — if that works, it's the built-in keyboard. Repair with us: from DKK 50 per key on butterfly and scissor; full top case replacement DKK 1,800-4,500 depending on model.
Why don't some keys work?
Classic butterfly symptom (2015-2019): one or more letters don't respond. The mechanism is trapped by a dust particle or the mechanism is broken. We repair butterfly keys individually: with intact mechanism and good contact from DKK 50 per key, faulty mechanism + bad contact up to ~DKK 550. Spacebar runs DKK 150-750. On scissor-mechanism keyboards typically DKK 50-150 per key. Only with extensive damage (many dead keys, faulty battery or trackpad) does a full top case replacement become necessary.
Why does the keyboard type double?
Double-typing is a classic butterfly fault: a single press registers two or three times. The mechanism's silicone membrane (third generation) or the butterfly spring itself has lost its tension. We typically solve it by replacing the individual key mechanism — not the whole top case. Get a fixed quote after inspection.
Why are the keys stuck?
Stuck keys are caused by dust, lint or spilled liquid. On butterfly keyboards it's the most common fault. Try compressed air (hold the MacBook on edge and blow between the keys). If liquid is involved, shut the Mac down immediately and contact us — even small amounts can short the logic board.
Why doesn't the keyboard work after a spill?
A spill is an emergency. Shut the Mac down (10 seconds on the power button), unplug the charger, open the lid wide and rest the Mac upside-down on a towel. CALL US the same day. Time is critical — corrosion sets in over hours, not days. Read our complete liquid damage guide for first aid.
Why does the keyboard only work sometimes?
Intermittent keyboards are typically caused by a loose flex cable between keyboard and logic board, or internal corrosion from a previous spill. Both require opening the MacBook. We can diagnose it in 30-60 minutes.
Why does the keyboard respond slowly?
If the keyboard is physically responsive but the typing appears late, it's software — typically a hung app or swap. Check Activity Monitor. If the keystroke itself feels dead or too long, it's the physical mechanism. On butterfly models this gets worse over time.
Why doesn't the keyboard backlight work?
The backlight is controlled by a sensor in the webcam module (which measures ambient light). If it doesn't work: 1) check System Settings → Keyboard — is Auto-Brightness on? 2) F5/F6 for manual adjustment. 3) NVRAM reset (Intel). 4) If nothing helps, it's the LED driver or the flex cable — contact us.