Some Keys On MacBook Randomly Stop Working

Hey segaface,

As the issue is limited to those specific keys and doesn't occur with external keyboards, that would indicate a hardware issue specific to the keyboard.

To get that resolved, you'd want to get your Mac in for service. You can find Apple's service options here: Mac Repair - Official Apple Support

If you need further assistance or help setting up service, contact Apple Support here: Get Support

Thanks!

segaface wrote:

I've been having a problem lately where a few keys on my MacBook's (2012) keyboard randomly stop responding when pressed. The keys in question are S, D, L and sometimes the spacebar. If I rock my fingers against the keys for a few seconds they will start to work again.

I don't think there is a problem with the motherboard, because I tried a bluetooth keyboard and everything responded just fine there, whereas the article I read said that if the motherboard is bad, a bluetooth keyboard would be unresponsive as well. I'm also not having any issues with the display, USB ports, or with the battery charging. The MacBook also never crashes and seems to be working perfectly fine in all other areas. It's just this one handful of keys that quit working sporadically while everything else is behaving normally.

The keyboard hasn't had anything spilled on it, either. And I don't eat while using it so there shouldn't be crumbs or anything caught under the keys. The only way I can think it could have been damaged is maybe I pressed the keys too hard, if that's something that could harm it.

Is there anything I should try to get these keys to start working correctly again? If they're dead, I'll switch to the external keyboard instead, but I would like to have them functioning properly again if possible.

Keyboards do wear out.

Isolated keys like your S,D and L typically point to a hardware issue with the keyboard.

You can compare your results with an external keyboard, this would eliminate a software issue if no issues externally.

A Keyboard replacement is a upper case replacement, the entire display assembly, logic board need to come out and reinstalled successfully...in the replacement upper case. Some replacements include the trackpad others do not.

see vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired ...

A keyboard is a complex of mylar sheets with circuit traces, buffer in between and tactile domes

— faults can develop over time.