One key on my keyboard is damaged

Question

Level 1

4 points

One key on my keyboard is damaged

I have a M3. I accidentally broke the lock or say the key switch, right below a single key of its keyboard. The key is working all fine. But the key, due to its switch being broken, is not able to stay still on the keyboard.

I took it to the Apple authorized service centre and they told me that the whole keyabord will get replaced which is **** expensive. Can anyone guide me, If there's any way I can replace the switch on this keyboard.

I have experience with mechanical keyboards and have played around switches. So, seeing the switch on Mac's keyboard, I get the feeling that It shouldn't be that hard to replace just the key switch instead of the whole keyboard.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Jan 18, 2025 8:28 AM

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Answer 1

HWTech

Level 9

62,156 points

Jan 18, 2025 1:05 PM in response to sidstepup

The only replaceable components of the keyboard are the Key Cap and the Scissor Mechanism. If one or both of these are damaged, then it should be possible to have just those items replaced. Apple usually has Key Caps & Scissor Mechanisms available, but they are only available in a full set so it could still be a bit expensive.

Unfortunately some techs may not be aware these items are available and those items may not be easy to locate within their GSX service portal. Ask them to search for a Key Cap kit and Scissor kit....I'm not sure how they would be named (have them filter parts by "keycap" which should show both keycap & keycap scissors....although searching for "key", "cap", and "scissor" may be better to narrow it down since Apple is never consistent on naming things), but they exist at least for some models.

Of course if the actual switch is bad or the mounts within key switch bay are damaged, then it will require the replacement of the entire Top Case/Keyboard Assembly.

Sometimes individual KeyCaps and Scissor mechanisms can be purchased online but it can be very difficult finding & identifying the correct ones for your specific laptop. KeyCaps & scissors can vary greatly even for one specific model laptop because Apple will many times utilize parts from two different parts suppliers. Plus there are regional versions of the Keyboards as well.

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Answer 2

sidstepup Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 18, 2025 1:16 PM in response to HWTech

Hey, Thanks for the reply.

I am pretty sure that it's scissor mechanism that is damaged and not the actual switch. I tried searching for scissor s mechanisms that you're referring to but I m not able to get any online. I indeed got for few other macs' but can't really find for my model i.e. A3113. Scissor mechanisms might still be cheaper than replacing the whole keyboard.

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