The butterfly mechanism is a key attachment system developed by Apple in 2015. Unlike the traditional scissor mechanism, where two plastic pieces intertwine to guide the key, the butterfly mechanism uses a single butterfly-shaped piece that pivots around a central axis.
Apple's aim was twofold: to reduce the thickness of the keyboard to produce thinner MacBooks, and to offer more stable feedback across the entire key surface. On paper, the idea was a good one. In practice, the mechanism proved to be extremely sensitive to dust particles and crumbs, which slip under the keys and block the mechanism.
Apple has iterated three versions of the butterfly keyboard (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation with silicone membrane), but none has satisfactorily resolved the problem. In 2019, Apple returned to the scissor mechanism (Magic Keyboard) on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, then across the range in 2020.
| Model | Years | Butterfly generation | Eligible for Apple programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook 12″ | 2015, 2016, 2017 | 1st and 2nd generation | Yes (if within 4 years) |
| MacBook Air | 2018, 2019 | 3rd generation | Yes (if within 4 years) |
| MacBook Pro 13″ | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 | 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation | Yes (if within 4 years) |
| MacBook Pro 15″ | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 | 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation | Yes (if within 4 years) |
Butterfly keyboard problems manifest themselves in several ways, sometimes intermittently, which complicates diagnosis:
| Symptom | Description | Probable cause |
|---|---|---|
| Key not responding | You press down and nothing happens, or you have to press down really hard | Particle trapped under the mechanism |
| Repeat button | Typing produces «ee», «ll» or «nn» instead of a single letter | Unstable mechanism, intermittent contact |
| Touch that sticks | The fingerboard digs in and comes up with difficulty or gets stuck. | Dust, crumbs or damaged membrane |
| Soft-touch key | The key no longer clicks, it presses down without resistance | Broken butterfly mechanism |
| Abnormal clicking noise | Some keys click harder or sound metallic | Off-centre or damaged butterfly clip |
The most common symptom we see in the workshop is double typing: you type «bonjour» and get «bonnjour» or «bonjouur». This problem is particularly frustrating because it is intermittent and gets worse over time.
The butterfly mechanism suffers from three fundamental design flaws. Firstly, the mechanical tolerance is too low: the slightest speck of dust is enough to block the movement of the key, whereas a traditional scissor mechanism tolerates much larger particles.
Secondly, the mechanism is almost impossible to clean without dismantling. On a conventional keyboard, dust passes through or around the mechanism. On the butterfly, it remains trapped in a confined space between the key and the chassis.
Thirdly, replacing a single key is technically very difficult. The butterfly clip is fragile and often breaks during disassembly. In most cases, you have to replace the whole top case (the upper chassis including the keyboard, battery and sometimes the trackpad), which makes repairs expensive.
Apple officially recommends cleaning with compressed air as the first solution. This method works in around 30 to 40 % of cases, mainly when the problem is caused by a single particle of dust.
Switch off your MacBook and unplug it. Tilt the MacBook to about 75 degrees (almost vertical). Use a can of compressed air, keeping the nozzle about 2 cm from the keyboard, taking care not to tilt the can. Spray from left to right, passing over all the keys. Turn the MacBook on its right side and repeat the operation. Turn to the left and repeat a third time.
In the face of massive complaints and a class action lawsuit, Apple launched a free repair programme for butterfly keyboards in 2018. This programme covers free keyboard replacement for eligible MacBooks for 4 years after the original purchase date.
First check the eligibility of your model on the dedicated Apple support page. If your MacBook is eligible, make an appointment at an Apple Retail Store or authorised service centre. Apple will then replace the entire top case (upper chassis, keyboard, battery) free of charge. Repair time is generally 3 to 5 working days.
| Benefits of the Apple programme | Limits of the Apple programme |
|---|---|
| Free repair 100 % | Limited to 4 years after purchase |
| Apple Genuine Parts | 3 to 5 days without Mac |
| New battery included (top case) | Replacement with the same type of butterfly keypad (not always improved) |
| No risk of loss of guarantee | Many MacBooks are now out of date |
For MacBooks that are not part of the Apple programme, replacement in an independent workshop is often a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to going to Apple out of warranty.
At Réparation MAC, we offer two approaches depending on the severity of the problem:
Professional keyboard cleaning : complete dismantling of the MacBook, ultrasonic or isopropyl alcohol cleaning of the mechanisms, and checking of each key. This procedure resolves around 60 % of cases and costs considerably less than a complete replacement.
Replacing the top case : when the mechanism is physically damaged or cleaning is not enough, we replace the entire top case (keyboard, battery, top chassis) with a professional quality part. This includes a new battery, which also restores full autonomy to the MacBook.
Consult our page dedicated to Mac keyboard replacement or our detailed rates to find out the exact cost for your model. All our work is covered by a 180-day guarantee.
While you're waiting for repairs, an external keyboard is an effective temporary solution. Any USB or Bluetooth keyboard works immediately with macOS without driver installation.
Apple's Magic Keyboard offers the best native compatibility, but any Logitech, Keychron or other Bluetooth keyboard will work perfectly. This is also an opportunity to test whether a mechanical keyboard suits your typing habits before investing.
You can also adjust the behaviour of the internal keyboard in macOS to compensate for certain problems. Go to System settings, then Accessibility, then Keyboard The «Slow Keys» option filters out accidental key presses, and «Ignore Repeated Keys» helps get round the problem of double-typing. These are just stopgap measures, but they make the MacBook more usable while you wait for a repair.
If your butterfly keyboard is still working properly, a few simple habits can extend its life:
| Habit | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Never eat over your MacBook | Crumbs are the main cause of sticking butterfly switches |
| Use a silicone keyboard cover | Blocks dust and particles, remove for regular cleaning |
| Blowing regularly with compressed air | Dislodge particles before they get stuck in the mechanism |
| Close your MacBook when not in use | The screen protects the keyboard from ambient dust |
| Avoid dusty environments | Workshops, building sites and DIY areas accelerate soiling |
Since 2020, all MacBooks have used the Magic Keyboard scissor mechanism. If you're thinking of replacing your MacBook with the butterfly keyboard, here's what's changing:
| Features | Butterfly keyboard | Magic Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Key travel | 0.55 mm (very low) | 1 mm (comfortable) |
| Dust resistance | Very low | Good (tolerance to particles) |
| Distribution | Very difficult (full top case) | Easier (replaceable individual keys) |
| Durability | Issues | Excellent |
| Comfortable typing | Divisive (snapping, short stroke) | Unanimously appreciated |
If your MacBook with butterfly keyboard is getting old and the repairs are piling up, it might be worth considering a switch to a recent model. Our Mac buyback service allows you to recover part of the value of your old MacBook to finance the purchase of a new model.
The programme covers eligible MacBooks for 4 years from the date of purchase. In 2026, almost all MacBooks with butterfly keyboards exceeded this time limit. The last eligible models (MacBook Pro 2019) reached their limit in 2023. Check the Apple website or contact an Apple Retail Store for confirmation.
Technically, it's possible but very tricky. The butterfly clip is fragile and often breaks during disassembly. If the problem lies with the mechanism under the fingerboard and not with the fingerboard itself, individual replacement will not solve the problem. In the workshop, we will assess whether a targeted replacement is feasible or whether a complete top case is necessary.
Applications such as Unshaky (free, open source) can filter out double hits by defining a minimum delay between two identical presses. This is a good workaround, but it doesn't solve the underlying hardware problem. The mechanism will continue to degrade over time.
The cost depends on the exact model and the work required. At Réparation MAC, a professional cleaning is considerably cheaper than a complete top case replacement. Consult our rates or ask for a free quote. All our work includes a 180-day guarantee.
After years of complaints, class action lawsuits and a massive replacement programme, Apple has returned to the scissor mechanism in 2019-2020 (Magic Keyboard). The scissor mechanism offers better reliability, a smoother keystroke and superior repairability.
Used correctly (straight can, remote nozzle, short pulses), the risk is low. On the other hand, if you tilt the can, the liquid propellant can damage the components. It's best not to blow too hard directly into the mechanism, as this can push the particles deeper.
It depends on the overall condition of the MacBook and your needs. A 2018-2019 MacBook Pro with a good processor and enough RAM is still a high-performance computer. If the only problem is the keyboard, a top case replacement (which includes a new battery) will give it several years of life. If other problems accumulate, a replacement may make more sense.
No. All MacBooks released from 2020 onwards (MacBook Air M1 and later, MacBook Pro 13″ 2020 and later) use the Magic Keyboard scissor keyboard. This mechanism is much more reliable and does not suffer from the problems of the butterfly.
Yes, a thin silicone cover effectively prevents dust and crumbs from getting under the keys. Be careful, though: remove it regularly to clean underneath, and choose a thin model so as not to interfere with the screen closure (the gap between keyboard and screen is very small on MacBooks).
No, this is not possible. The two types of keyboard have different physical architectures and are not interchangeable. A MacBook with a butterfly keyboard can only be fitted with a top case with a butterfly keyboard. To switch to a scissor keyboard, you need to change MacBook model.
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