🛍Get a GhostCover: geni.us/z92L3 🛍Get Keyshorts: geni.us/AaCd2fw 👀See my MacBook Pro desk setup and accessories: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/lbphi6uE2tzSgIE.html

I think I'd rather live with glossy keys on my M2 MBA than have to adapt to the different feel from that cover.

I've been using a silicone keyboard cover on my 2020 Intel Macbook Pro since day one and I do a LOT of typing. So much that the silicone cover actually has shiny spots on it and had given the keyboard under shiny spots. By comparison, the silicone cover is much more shiny than the actual keyboard keys, so it did help quite a bit, but the shiny spots still appeared. I really like that Keyshorts company you mentioned and I think that might be the best option in the future. Great video!

Excellent review. I designed to purchase one from your link for my Macbook Pro. Thanks for the best option.

It’s been 6 months, how do you feel about the key shorts? Do they leave any marks on the screen? I was looking about this because of the language and not because of the marks on the keyboard but it’s also good to know

I have a MacBook Air from 2015, and it never in my use got shiny keys. However, most second hand Apple laptops/keyboards I have bought have had shiny keys. There are a few reasons why this happens, but it should be noted that this is an issue with 99% of laptops, and the early PowerBooks also have had this issue. Best thing Apple could do to get rid of the issue is to use PBT keycaps instead of the typical ABS they use (and what every other laptop manufacturer uses cuz it's cheap)

Super appreciative of your honest review of these products! Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work!

I switched back to the Magic Keyboard, since I’ve been having issues with Bluetooth and Bluetooth keyboards that I have been using. I do have the clear ghost cover on the keyboard, primarily because I am paranoid of spills and so forth. It definitely takes some getting used to to type, but I consider it a necessary trade-off, in the interests of protecting the keyboard from any accidents.

Hi, a question with regards to the stickers. When you remove them now, are they easy to remove and do they leave some kind of residue? Will Apple address this situation because it is kinda a low quality plastic which results in looking this way. The Space Black Macbook Pros is all about no fingerprints, why not the keyboard as well? I do not know what they are thinking, but not having this problem would be nice. Kinda regards.

Please don't recommend people using keyboard covers. They do the opposite of what they are supposed to do. First it blocks off the air ventilation and heat. Second, after a few months of usage, you will see keyboard marks on the screen and when you remove the plastic cover off your keyboard, you will see an oil like coating which makes the entire keyboard sticky. Had a really bad experience with these.

Yes, that silicon cover saved my butterfly keyboard. Previously, I was facing numerous issues with dust, but now I don't see any problems.

Thank you for the detailed video which is very very helpful and spot on of what I've been through over the years. I didn't use any cover in the first 3 years which could see hell lots of shiny spots on the keys. And when apple replaced the keyboard together with my battery under warranty, I picked up a keyboard cover and I thought that could avoid the shiny spots from happening. It did help during the first 2 years on the new keyboard, but the cover could no longer protect the keyboard when I replaced the 1st worn cover with a new one. I have been using the keyboard cover over on my MB Pro in the last 5-6 yrs, the shiny spot can be seen on keys i mostly use such as Shift, Command, Control and Space bar. I took a closer inspection on the back of the keyboard cover one day, I noticed various faded spots and I guess it was due to frictions and oxidation process as these TPU that could disintegrate over time which I had experienced once with the same brand which was Moshi keyboard cover. Had searched all over the net and discovered almost all manufacturers using the similar material. I ordered Keyshorts matte for my M3 Max which is due to be delivered before Christmas together with another keyboard cover from Ghostcover, but will not likely to use the cover since they are TPU as well. Instead, I've ordered Nuphy Air 75 V2 to carry out my daily typing works while placing my MBP on the deck stand with an additional monitor. Woola, this basically solved all the problems and the Nuphy keycaps can be replaced regularly and they are inexpensive to replace. Hope to see more videos on how to preserve our MBP in pristine condition. Cheers

How are these going for you? do they also do transparent ones- since after all you were after protecting the keys, not changing the letters, so it'd be neat if there were "ghost" keyshorts stickers, backlight would be no issue then. Any issues with damage to the screen after this?

Thanks for posting this. I thought I had a problem with my fingers being extra oily ha. I hate this keyboard issue.

question if I buy the key shorts do you think it will mess up my keys after removing?

Yes thank you for making this. I was wondering about it and yes it seemed a nuisance as everything else is perfect on the exterior and key board. My space bar has a shiny smudge.

I have also noticed that there is a shine developing on the metal area where I rest my wrist near the trackpad... but only on one side. It's shiny from wear... not grease or dirt.... It has only happened with my 2020 M1... the 2013 model I used previously that my child now uses, still looks pristine! Def a change in materials.

This is one of the biggest issues I have with my Macbook Pro 14 keyboard as I sweat a lot and live in a tropical climate. My personal favourite is the keyboard of lenovo laptops. The key travel and quality is excellent. I also find apple's keyboard a little mushy when compared to lenovo or HP.

What audio processing did you use for this video? I get a strange “frog in the pond” background noise over my SONY TV speaker… similar to mp3 over-compression but different… never heard this artefact before anywhere

I've been using TPU covers over my Macbook Pro 2017. It's been almost 6 years and they still look brand new! The TPU covers tend to turn dull or grey with use but it's always cheap to change them out!

Out of those two solutions, I'd just live with the shiny keys.

Pre 2016 keyboards were DEFINITELY higher quality plastic resin. My 2015 MBP retina developed keyboard wear after 5 years of heavy use. My M2 Air developed the same level of wear in less than 5 months. The quality of the plastic has definitely declined, you can feel the material on the new macbook keyboards is much thinner, malleable and flimsy compared to the older keys which were made of a harder material.

I thought I was the only one with the same issue, great video with excellent explanations and solutions. Also, I was wondering if there’s ay sticker for the ugly dark plastic base of the keyboard, it makes it more difficult to locate the keys as there’s not borders that can help with it. Thanks

Yours still looks like new compared to mine! Mine is a couple of months old and it's more worn out than my previous 2015 daily driver. The matte finish is already worn off.

I’ve had the same experience with the cover. Seems to work OK, with no shiny spots after a year or so but you do loss that feel. I’ll try the 2nd option.

I got a cover by the same company for the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. I have similar issues with typing that you are, and I just can’t get the cover to lay flat and stay put when typing.

I have the exact same keyboard cover. Typing is definitely harder, but doable.

The ghostcover will leave stains on the monitor instead since it will touce the screen when you close it.

Great video! Thx!

I have had the clear plastic cover and due to the height they add to the keys, when I closed the MacBook, the key cover pressed into my screen and damaged my screen in a year. The stickers may be a better option to avoid this. Thanks for making this video.

Those stickers look the best to me! I wonder if there is a brand who sells replacement keys in general?

This is a very helpful video

I am so glad you made this video Jerry!! It is also all over the subreddit for MacBook. I definitely could not use a cover or silly stickers for the same reason you mentioned. Plus the fact... that Apple will use it as a reason that the screen gets damaged. That is going to cause even more controversy. Excellent coverage Jerry, I hope we are not getting into another keyboard gate.

If this is to do with materials used for keypads, is it kinda abnormal wear and tear covered by apple care warranty?

The best solution as my opinion to use external Apple keyboard and the Macbook to install on a special stand for laptops that as well helps to you save your eyes and posture.

The same thing happens to Surface Pro keyboards. The good thing is that they're detachable, so you can just buy another keyboard instead of ripping out the keycaps and potentially damaging the rest of the laptop.

I’ve had the same issue with my MacBook Pro 14. The keyboard now looks awful. My other laptop - ThinkPad X1 - is far better in this regard. I love the Macbook but the keyboards still lag a long way behind those on Thinkpads sadly. Apple need to make these keyboards better, regarding use and appearance.

Hey Jerry can you just replace the keycaps as an alternative? Definitely more risky and labor intensive but curious to hear if you looked into this

My 2017 Air after millions of keypresses still looks great and the keys aren’t even too shiny. They must’ve changed the material in newer models

There once was a company selling high quality products. It was called Apple. Unfortunately that company doesn‘t exist anymore.

I use that ghost keyboard cover since day one. It didn’t feel comfortable, keys felt stiff. So on the cover, I cut a slip above and below each key, it instantly felt like natural keyboard. I use cover not for shy key, but to prevent crumps get into the keyboard.

I just gave up on worrying. iPad Pro keyboard has same issue. I’m not fond of the clear covers but the skins may be promising. In the end it may be easier just replace the key caps in the future. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Can thoroughly recommend the transparent Keyshorts. Have used them on a Magic Keyboard and my M1 MBP. They also get glossy in time due to abrasions, but at least it's not happening to the keys underneath, stickers can be more easily replaced than keys. I started with silicone covers and even the ultra thin ones felt wrong, and slowed down my typing. My big recommendation with Keyshorts given how long it takes to get them is to probably order two sets at once, so you have a backup.

I am using keyboard covers for years and I don’t have any shiny spot on either the Pro or Air, various intel versions since 2009. My MBA from May 2023 had start showing shinny keys after 3 month. The daily use of the keyboard is app 4 hours in total. On the the Pro I see some slight “imprints” but can easily wiped off with a glass cleaning cloth from time to time.

Thank you for the video! I have tried the ghost cover and I agree, the typing experience is definitely different with it. I used it for about 6 months, but had to go away from it. Also, I noticed that my touch ID had to constantly be reset with the ghost cover. I don't know if it was interfering with my finger, but it would stop working and I had to reset it. I'm think I'm going to try the key shorts, but it's a bummer that it takes so long to arrive.

Yes, I hv the same issue for my new 16" MBP touch bar 2019 even I never use it with dirty/oily finger and I use keyboard protector since I bought it, sometimes some button such as: a, shift, option and space always look shinny, it will clean just for a while when I use lens cleaner liquid and then its will back shinny again,...I hv try with sticker solution for my old MBP retina 2007, but in the long term the black sticker buttons became smear in white hole in same buttons that I often touch it (a, w, left shift, left option and space),...so I never use that solution for my new one

I recently bought a macbook pro 16 m3 max and it had this problem in less than a week! I previously had a macbook m1 max but I don't remember it being so fast that the keys got stained, fortunately I returned the m3 max and bought a new one, now it I use it with a cover, but I remove it when I close the MacBook.

Mac keyboard use same material as my 2008 old cheap Acer notebook. It really easy stain with greasy finger but comfortable to use.

I just applied a lite layer of WD-40 ... now my whole keyboard is shiny 😃

should use screen gaurd for mack or not use ?

I did encounter a similar experience when using Intel MBP, thus, starting from MBP M1 Max, I began covering my keyboard with a silicone cover, sure enough, after a year or so, the matte finish on the top of keycaps has not peeled off yet. But, as a you said, the silicone cover, slows my typing speed. In addition, the silicone cover ALWAYS leaves an imprint on the screen when I close my top lid, leaving me constantly rubbing and cleaning my screen. At the end of the day, I would rather have peeling keycaps to risking my screen as I have to frequently wipe the screen.

I've certainly had the shiny keys, but only after years of use. My one-year old MBP doesn't have them. I suspect it probably has to do with whether you use lotions or other hand creams that might be coercive to plastic?

I used a keyboard cover on my 2018 MacBook Air, keeping the keys looking pristine until I sold it four years later. It's worth noting that leaving the keyboard cover on when closing your MacBook is not advisable, as it can leave marks on the screen regardless of how well you clean it. Lesson learned: remove the keyboard cover when closing your MacBook, and put it back on when in use.

The plastic that goes over the entire keyboard helps protect from liquid damage. On earlier Macbooks, we did not want to use them because part of the ventilation provided went up through the keys. I don't own a newer Macbook after 2020 yet. I see intake vents on the bottom edges of most newer Macbooks and I think they exhaust heat out the back now, but I cannot be positive. The plastic keyboard cover should not be used on my older Macbook due to heat considerations. Check your earlier macbooks before you do.

This is just a follow up for keyboard covers rubbing your keys into a mirror shine. I have this M2 MacBook Pro 13 inch that I've been using daily for a year. I use a similar keyboard cover as shown in the video (TPU material, very thin). After a year, there has been no wear on the keys whatsoever. I did notice that instead of the keys wearing, the cover was wearing instead. It isn't getting shiny, but bumps up slightly. It's so little, it shouldn't be making a difference, and I I had to do was push/stretch it back down. TPU material is supposedly resistant to abrasions, so it should be good as a cover that needs to withstand human skin rubbing on it 24/7.

I have this same issue with Logitech Mechanical keyboard as well. It's an eyesore.

Yes, I still have the shiny spots and I use a cover with my MacBook Air M2

Not my intention to be presumptuous, only to depict this obvious quality problem. I have a MacBook Pro 14 m1 and the shiny keys started to appear in the first months of use. On the other hand I have a Lenovo Legion laptop with more heavy use than my MacBook and the keyboard is in pristine condition after almost 2 years. So yes it is an Apple quality problem.

this also annoyed me. my mba 2011 never had this issue for years then suddenly im shocked with my m1 having in the oil looking thing on my keyboard

Is this a problem with every MacBook and also the iMac Keyboards?

I'm picky but neither option seems viable to me. Those self stick pads are definitely an over the top pain in the keister -- especially if you have to replace one.

thanks god I thought I did something back in the day with my brand new Macbook Air M1, literally after 3 months I started noticing like keys wanted to start going shiny

The sticker "solution" opens a whole new can of worms. It's downright stressful, psychotic and frustrating to apply. It will wear sooner rather than later. The ultra thin cover is the best trade off as a solution. My 12 y/o Apple Magic Keyboard still looks flawless and works like new thanks to a iSkin thin cover. So did my previous 8 y/o MBP 13" Retina. So it was natural to buy another one for my new 14" MBP. The key "greasy" wear look triggers my OCD.

I think the issues with keyboard covers apply only to older MacBooks. I've been using a cover 100% of the time on my M1 MacBook Pro and have had zero issues. My keycaps aren't "shiny" at all

Has anybody tried the Rainbow 191 Matt Lacque - Matte key coating to spray onto the keyboard? does it work?

perhaps there are replacement keycaps?

Is it thé case on MacBook Pro m1? Or just on m2?

I decided to just switch to a low profile mechanical keyboard like the NuPhy to serve as the keyboard for the macbook. It's far more satisfying to type on and it rests over the top of the current macbook keyboard. The unit is wireless, thocky, and everything is serviceable. I think the matte finish is always a bummer for macs. Might as well upgrade the keyboard itself for a better typing feel.

Yeah got the same on mine. M2 Air, shiny after few months. Air 2015, still like new.

I have used a transparent keyboard cover on my 2019 MacBook Pro. It did develop shiny area on the space bar as well as left a dust line across the screen. Very annoying...

It’s easy just clean it a little with microfiber cloth then put a keyboard tpu cover on it use it for a few months and ur shiny spots will be gone. I tried everything to try and get them off then I just got tired and put on a tpu keyboard cover. That was a several months ago today I took off the cover to clean it and I was suprised to see the keyboard matt like brand new. The tpu material must obsorb whatever is making these keys boards shiny.

My Dell N5050 has this issue as well and I had it for over 10 years

I miss PowerBook Pismo! That "MacBook" had the best solution for keyboards!

Can't you just replace the keycaps?

Does anyone actually make complete key replacements?

question do you think that apple care can replace the keys if your keys get stained like that?

mine took 1.5 years before it started going shiny (M1 MacBook Air)

Weird. I have the same issue on all keyboards.

I currently have a 2021 14" MacBook Pro. I may have some shiny texture around the most used keys since I like to tipe quite much on it. The only thing I'm concerned about isn't the "new shiny texture" is forming but more about the plastic that could potentially begin to scratch/peeling off around the letters, making them impossible to read. Anyone has faced this problem before? And most important, after how many years of use?

I wonder how fun it would be to change those stickers... Take all of those out and then put another one in :-D

yes, I have been complaining about shiny keys for a few months. it hurts a lot re-sale value. I buy cheap membrane key covers.

That never happened with my 2016 MacBook Pro, which was a fabulous machine. My M1 MacBook Pro shined up almost immediately. It's super annoying. I imagine that if a company like GMK started producing custom keycap sets for the MacBook Pro, a lot of people would buy them.

Been using silicon keyboard cover for over 7 years, my keyboard is just as just how it was as brand new. (Random info: Recently removed the protection from trackpad and trackpad feels more responsive, my fingertip doesn't get stuck as it did with trackpad protector)

Wonder if an automotive ceramic spray would help. Spray into rag and apply.

That issue really frustrated me, I paid thousands of euros for this MacBook Pro and I am using it not heavily and clean as much as I can (I must admit I take care of my devices really good) and anyway I have this stain especially on my space bar. This is unacceptable for such a laptop with such a high build quality on every part except the fucking cheapest part used - the keyboard.

I would just use it bare and live with the glossy keys. It's a productivity tool and you're not going to be productive if you waste time trying to prevent an inevitable process.

I just got the mcbook pro 16. This is really disappointing. WTF?

I got macbook pro 16". I wash my hands with soap before work :DDDD. And still some shininness appears. On the other side of the story, we also have an Asus gaming laptop (from 2014) - despite the fact that it can't run new titles or is slower when calculating stuff still the materials are so good it is enough to wipe it with fiber. The prob is that stickers hide backlight. It would be EPIC if apple provide more keycaps for replacing old ones if they decided to cheap out on them..

Thank you for the review. Imagine if Apple just use PBS plastic instead of ABS.

I've had a keyboard cover since I got my MacBook Air m1 and have had it for 2 and a half years and my keys are perfectly matte so I do think it makes a difference whereas friends who have just gotten new Macs and don't use keyboard covers already have shiny keys starting to show. I just cannot deal with the ugly greasy look of the used keyboard so cover is def better for me

i use a cover righ out of the box, to keep my +2K dollar laptop looking prestine and clean!

But the keyboard cover will leave oily residue blemishes on your screen when you close the lid.

Ive had my MacBook Pro for 3,5 years now, and i dont have any shiny spots on my keyboard

I am glad someone made a video about this serious and shameful problem that plagues us consumers. Let me preface this by saying, I have been an Apple customer for 20 years and have always had Apple products, and it is undeniable that despite the remarkable technological evolution, today the problems are much more evident and often unjustifiable. Let's get specific, in May last year I bought my MacBook Pro m2 max, I work on it, I wanted the maximum and I demand the maximum. And when we talk about Apple we mean maximum we know, performance and aesthetics, two points that with Apple should never have any flaws... and instead, these damn keys on all the models of the last few years have this cursed and horrible production flaw. I have to say, I'm very manic in my use, and believe me, seeing only after 3 months that shit on the keys was an incredulous blow. I immediately started monitoring the problem and taking photos and reporting everything to Apple, clearly receiving evasive responses, passing it off as 'normal' ... it's not normal, don't believe it. Several months later I have continued to complain about the problem, saying that there are thousands of people online who complain about this problem and that it is unacceptable for an almost 4k Mac to have a keyboard in this condition, which, mind you, is not just an aesthetic issue, but also a very obvious feeltouch issue... (ps. I have used at least 4/5 different keyboard covers, forget it). I don't want covers, I don't want stickers, we are talking about Apple! The keys don't have to be cheap or poorly made, but this is now crap keys. I'll get to the point... after months, at my last Apple meeting I managed to get all the keys changed and now it's as good as new again... I don't know how long but you have to insist and demand this. It's not your sweaty or greasy hands, it's the keys that are shit! The more people do this the more they will recognise the problem! Trust me

Keyboard covers damage screens btw

I have found that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleans the keys and make them look new.

You sure do type the words Swedge, Fenced, Gendes, Fecund, Gnawed, Dewsnug, Wends, Swen, Fends and Sned a whole bunch of times :)

F key is having a few bubbles within ;-)

I’m actually in a coffee café now and noticed that the person at the other table has the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard and her keys are all shiny.

Nice video! Glad I'm not the only one experiencing this. I find it really annoying. I spent 3000€ on this Macbook and some keys already look pretty bad. And they sell the same keyboard even with configurations that cost 6000€! It makes the other wise perfect Macbook look really dirty and worn... Even though I hate it, I think I could live with it since I have no other choice but I want to sell this thing when upgrading to a new one and who wants a Macbook that looks like that?