MacBook Pro 14" 2017 Keyboard Replacement
Complete guide to MacBook Pro 14" 2017 keyboard replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Keyboard Replacement is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Pro 14" 2017. This repair involves replacing the damaged input component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 2-4 hours and requires difficult skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement input part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1:
For blowing out the dirt you will need a bellow as they are used for camera cleaning.
'''Do not use compressed air or too much force when blowing.''' Underneath the key is a fragile black piece of plastic that blocks off some of the key backlight. Too much air pressure can break this plastic making that key permanently lighter than the others.
Step 2:
Use the bellow to clean your keyboard. Otherwise you might end up getting even more dirt into the key after removing the cap.
Step 3:
You need a thin credit card or laminated piece of thin cardboard. It needs to be thin enough to fit into the gap between key cap and casing, but sturdy enough to lift the cap up.
Most credit cards might be too thick for the job. I found one in my wallet that was thinner and more flexible than the others and it worked just fine.
Step 4:
Slide the card into the gap between upper edge of the key cap and casing. (For the small "arrow up" key it's on the right side, for the "arrow down" key it's on the left side, for the "return" key it's on the left side.)
Gently lever up until you hear two clicks (or up to four for longer keys like shift or space bar). They indicate that the cap is released on both notches.
Be careful not to use too much force. All parts of the MacBook keys are quite fragile with tiny plastic notches that can easliy be broken.
Step 5:
While lifted up, take the key cap with your fingers and gently pull it towards the display.
Again, don't use much force. The cap can easily be pulled when dragged towards the display being fully released afterwards.
When examining the back of the cap (second picture) you'll see that the notches on the upper edge of the key cap are designed to be pulled up (left circle) while the lower edge notches need to be slid (right circle).
Step 6:
Using the bellow, blow out dust and dirt.
Remember not to use to much air pressure as the vulnerable black backlight cover is now directly exposed. Normal airflow is sufficient to get most of the dust out.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Easy | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $120-$360)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($200-$600)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Pro 14" 2017 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 275 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Pro 14" 2017 generates 290 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 15 kg of CO₂. That's a 95% reduction in carbon emissions!
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