Keycaps-exchange
How to order replacement keys
We currently do not have keys as normal orderable items in the store, but we do have a large amount of keys of various types in stock. Both the types of keys listed below and keys for the older 15" MacBook Pro models from 2006 (A1150 / A1211 / A1226 / A1260), the 17" MacBook Pro (A1151 / A1212 / A1229 / A1261) and the MacBook A1181 models. Besides German keys, we also stock keys from English (international and US) as well as more exotic keyboards (Switzerland, Thailand, France and many more).
Depending on the key and accessories (mechanics to the key) a key costs between 3.- and 6.- Euro, minimum order value is here 6.- Euro. Shipping can be done by letter and costs within Germany 1.50 euros, for shipping to an EU country please see the shipping list.
To check the availability of the desired keys and request a quote from us, please click here: Spare keys request
We will then immediately check availability and get back to you with an offer. The more precise your information is, the better. We need information about the MacBook model, the underlying language layout, the desired keys incl. the respective quantity, the mechanics diagram (see below) and whether you need the mechanics for it. Ideally you should attach some pictures to the e-mail, e.g. of the inner mechanics of a removed letter key. For models not covered by the list below, we definitely need photos, i.e. of the old models from 2006 on or even PowerBooks iBooks.
Faulty keyboard?
Your keyboard is defective, e.g. after a fluid damage? You can't find a replacement in the appropriate language because there is currently no keyboard available, e.g. in German? Then you have the possibility to buy a keyboard suitable for your model in any other language and simply use the keycaps of your old keyboard to convert the keyboard in another language into e.g. a German keyboard. All languages except the English keyboard with US assignment can be used for this purpose, provided that the key mechanics used fit together. US keyboards are not usable, because the key shapes of e.g. the return key do not match.
To turn a Swedish keyboard into a German keyboard, for example, only 13 keys need to be swapped:
What you need to pay attention to
It is important that the key mechanics used match. Between 2008 and 2015 Apple used four different types of key mechanics. To find out which type was used on your keyboard, you need to lift the cap of a letter key. This is not really complicated, you only need a flat spatula and a standard thumb, the latter usually found on both hands (one for each hand). Fingernails are also useful here. Using the spatula, lift the key slightly from underneath, grab the key cap with your fingernail and pull it back up with a quick jerk. Important: Do not lift it very slowly, the danger that one of the small holders of the mechanism will break is higher if you do it slowly. Don't be afraid of a quick jerk: You have plenty of spare mechanics in the new keyboard. But it's best to practice with keys that you don't have to change, so you always have a spare key! You can find a short video on our Youtube channel.
The four types of key-mechanics
The key-mechanics are offered with different names, here are some explanations
Type E - AP02
Used in MacBook Airs, MacBook unibody, and MacBook Pro unibody from 2008, MacBook Airs from Mid 2010 onwards used type J or K (see below).
Type G - AP04
As of 2008 used in MacBook unibody and MacBook Pro unibody as an alternative to type E above.
Type J - AP08 - AC06
Used in the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs in 2010 and later in the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina in 2012.
Type K - AP11 - AC07
Used in the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Airs starting in 2012, and in the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro Retina starting in 2012.
To place another keycap in the free space, simply put it on and press firmly, the cap will easily click back in.