Apple MacBook Keyboard Repair

From $280

All prices mentioned here are advisory only and are not considered as quotes. The prices may change anytime without notice. We take no responsibility for incorrect pricing on our website.

Have a question? Call 1800 85 83 82 or Request an Estimate

Service Description

Are some of your MacBook keys not working, typing the wrong letters, or feeling sticky or unresponsive?

Common keyboard problems include keys that don’t register, double-typing, stuck keys, uneven pressure, or liquid spills causing random behavior. This can happen from general wear and tear, crumbs, dust buildup, or damage from a drink spill.

At Safemode, we repair and replace MacBook keyboards using high-quality, compatible parts. Whether you have an older model or a newer Retina MacBook with a butterfly or scissor-switch keyboard, we’ve got you covered.

Pricing Breakdown

Apple MacBook keyboard repair typically starts from $280, depending on your MacBook model and how the keyboard is built into the system.

Here’s how pricing generally breaks down:

  • $280–$350 → For non-Retina MacBooks or older models with standard keyboard designs that allow easier replacement of just the keyboard component.
  • $350–$450+ → For Retina MacBook Air and Pro 13″ and 14″ models, especially those with the butterfly keyboard design (commonly used from 2015–2019 onwards).
  • $550-$700+ → For Retina MacBook Air and Pro 15″ and 16″ models, especially those with the butterfly keyboard design (commonly used from 2019 onwards).

What affects the cost:

  • Keyboard type – Standard scissor-switch vs butterfly mechanism
  • Whether the keyboard is replaceable alone or part of the top case
  • Model year – Newer MacBooks typically have more compact and sealed assemblies
  • Size of the Mac – The bigger size models will cost more than smaller ones to replace the keyboard.
  • Labour complexity – Butterfly keyboard replacements require full disassembly and careful alignment.
  • The cost can exceed the price estimate here in the instance of liquid spill damage that affects more than the keyboard.

➡ MacBook models with butterfly keyboards (2016 onwards) often cost more to repair due to the complexity of the repair.

Our Process

  • Initial Testing – We test every key to confirm which ones are faulty and check for signs of water damage or short circuits beneath the keyboard.
  • Model Identification – We confirm your MacBook model and year to determine if the keyboard is replaceable as an individual unit or part of the full top case.
  • Disassembly – We remove the bottom casing, battery, and logic board to access the keyboard. Some models require removing dozens of screws or rivets.
  • Keyboard Replacement – We install a new keyboard or top case assembly, depending on what your MacBook requires. If needed, we also replace the keyboard backlight and power button.
  • Final Testing – We test every key, backlight brightness, and keyboard shortcuts (like Command, Option, Function keys) before reassembly.

The Technical Stuff

MacBook keyboard repairs vary depending on model and design:

  • Scissor-switch vs Butterfly-switch – Butterfly keyboards are thinner but more fragile and require full top-case replacement.
  • Top-case integration – In newer models, the keyboard is permanently fixed to the top case, which includes the palm rest and power button.
  • Backlit layers – Most MacBook keyboards are backlit; damaged layers may cause uneven or missing lighting.
  • Power button with Touch ID – Newer MacBooks have the power button integrated into the keyboard assembly.
  • Liquid exposure – Even small spills can cause slow corrosion under the keyboard, leading to delayed failure.
  • Replacing single keys is not possible, the entire keyboard will need to be replaced.

We match parts based on model number and year to ensure compatibility and long-term reliability.

Our Difference

MacBook keyboard repairs require patience, care, and the right tools — especially with butterfly or Touch ID models. At Safemode, we go beyond a basic part swap. We check for signs of deeper damage, clean everything properly, and make sure your new keyboard feels just right.

Our technicians have repaired thousands of MacBooks, and we’re experienced with all Apple models — from older scissor-switch keyboards to newer Retina designs. We use quality parts from trusted suppliers and test everything thoroughly before you pick it up.

At Safemode, we believe every key should just work — quietly, reliably, and exactly how you expect it to.

Close-up of an Apple MacBook keyboard and trackpad, representing repair or replacement service for non-working keys or input issues

Frequently Asked Questions

In-store repair appointment: We offer a Free Initial Inspection and a Free Quote. Book an appointment here.

The service cost varies depending on the problems and specific model of your computer. You can also find more information and price guides in Our Services.

Free quotes are not applicable for computers under third-party warranty or for insurance damage reports, a quoting fee applies in these instances.

The initial inspection takes less than 15 minutes. If it takes longer, we’ll let you know.

Our technician will check your computer details and spare part availablity to give you an estimated completion date. Backing up your data before bringing-in will help reduce the turnaround time.

For most common problems such as RAM, PSU, HDD or SSD replacement, we will complete the service on the same or next day if the computer is brought in in the morning and the part is in stock. However, this is never a guarantee. If the part is not in stock, we’ll need to order it from our suppliers. The delivery time is 1-2 business days for express deliveries, or 3-5 business days for standard deliveries.

For faster turnaround time, it’s recommended to bring in on regular business days, avoid weekends and public holidays.

Unexpected delays may occur. We strictly do not offer any guaranteed turnaround time such as same-day, or 24-hour, or any other deadline guarantee on turnaround time.

In most cases, Yes.

Files such as documents or pictures can often be saved. However, in the instance of hard drive failures, there is a higher risk of data loss.

It is highly recommended to keep regular backups of your data prior to services.

Yes. Appointments are recommended to ensure staff availability.

Find our store locations and contacts.

For Enmore location, if you come in without appointment, we’ll be happy to provide assistance within 20 minutes.

Yes. We’ve fixed many 15 year-old computers and we can fix yours too. Having said that, when a computer is too old, spare parts for it will become scarce in the market and takes longer to order.

Yes, just let us know. We’ll take pictures and record the necessary details of the part to order it then return the computer to you.

We accept Cash, EFTPOS, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Internet bank transfer and AfterPay. There is no surcharge on all card payments. Internet bank transfer must clear first before computers are returned unless we receive a valid remittance advice.

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