Macbooks are high-priced devices that are delicate in certain critical areas. Anyone who has owned one is aware of the keyboard gloss that develops over time. While it can’t be completely stopped, it can be mitigated with some consistent care.
Here’s how to keep Macbook keyboards from becoming glossy.
Why the Shine?
The reason this recognizable sheen occurs on Macbooks and does so relatively swiftly compared to other laptops is that Apple employs ABS plastic for its keys. ABS refers to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, and this kind of plastic, in comparison to other materials used for key caps, has some benefits. It is robust and economical compared to alternatives.
The factors contributing to the shiny keys, which become more apparent and develop more quickly than keyboards composed of other plastics, come from a couple of elements. The first is physical – the matte surface of the keys wears down over time from use, and since the matte finish is especially fine and as thin as feasible, this can occur rapidly. You’ll particularly notice it on the keys and sections of the space bar that you utilize most, as that’s where there is the greatest and most frequent impact from typing.
The second reason is where you can significantly slow the process of keys becoming shinier.
Prevention Tips
Our fingers and hands are constantly producing oils and perspiration. They are also particularly adept at collecting dirt – all of which can build up on your keys and increase their shine over time. Try to wash your hands before you sit down at your Macbook each time. This will aid in removing excess oils and dirt. Also, avoid eating over your keyboard to prevent additional grease, grime, and dirt from accumulating.
ABS plastic is also particularly susceptible to heat and UV light. Typing outdoors and in the sun, in particular, can gradually degrade the plastic, which you will start to observe as shine, over time. Whenever possible, avoid using your Macbook in extremely hot environments or outside in direct sunlight.
Utilizing a cleaning solution like iKlear, which many Apple stores apply to their display models weekly, keeps oils and grease to a minimum and decreases the amount of shine it will acquire. While Macbook keyboard shine isn’t completely avoidable, you can slow it down, and now you are informed on how. If this is something you are particularly concerned about, you can purchase a keyboard cover, but eventually, the impact of typing – will wear down your keyboard, even if dirt and grease are kept away.