[TribeLeader]

My 15" G4 Aluminum PB is about 1 year old. I've had no problems with it -- except for yesterday's Airport software update, but that's another story.

In recent days, I've developed something of a "sticky key" (or keys) -- the ctrl is the worst (the keys on both sides seem to be affected as well, but not as bad).

It's not a major problem, just an annoyance, at this point. When I press the ctrl key, it comes up right away, but with a popping or clicking sound. Sometimes the popping sound is delayed a second (or few seconds). I have noticed that if I press the key(s) slowly/gently, the popping doesn't happen.

Any solutions? In the meantime, I'll have to learn to be extra gentle with those keys.

I've read about removing keys, but I want to avoid that, if at all possible, expecially since it's not a major problem.

What about compressed air, would that help? If so, any guidelines? Any risks?

Thanks!

[dwood]

unforunetely your best bet is to pop the key up and see whats causing the stick. If you have an apple store near you go there and have them do it.

[vcutag]

Originally posted by TribeLeader:
My 15" G4 Aluminum PB is about 1 year old. I've had no problems with it -- except for yesterday's Airport software update, but that's another story.

In recent days, I've developed something of a "sticky key" (or keys) -- the ctrl is the worst (the keys on both sides seem to be affected as well, but not as bad).

It's not a major problem, just an annoyance, at this point. When I press the ctrl key, it comes up right away, but with a popping or clicking sound. Sometimes the popping sound is delayed a second (or few seconds). I have noticed that if I press the key(s) slowly/gently, the popping doesn't happen.

Any solutions? In the meantime, I'll have to learn to be extra gentle with those keys.

I've read about removing keys, but I want to avoid that, if at all possible, expecially since it's not a major problem.

What about compressed air, would that help? If so, any guidelines? Any risks?

Thanks!

I had a similar problem, apparently it's caused by the piece the keys are attached to being glued to the case... the eject, F12 and delete keys do that on my keyboard. When I tried to get it fixed at the Apple store, the guy basically told me that's how they were made, and there was nothing he could do.

I haven't tried to get it fixed because it's really no big deal, and I've long since gotten used to it. I'm more worried about the creaking sound the right handrest makes.

[TribeLeader]

Anyone know if it would be a good idea to try compressed air, if for no other reason than simply cleaning out the keyboard?

[K-Bat]

I had the same problem (15, backlit). After reading enough complaints on this issue over at Apple's Apple Discussions board (input devices), I concluded: 1) there's no definitive solution being offered by Apple (getting the keyboard replaced is a waste of time), 2) this is something I could fix myself. I posted a little write up of what I did/found out to one of the "sticky keys" topics over at Apple Discussions.

This is an abbreviated version: Apple uses an adhesive tape to hold down the keyb'd to the upper case, but the material isn't appropriate for this job. It sticks fine to the keyb'd unit, but it fails with the other surface, ie the upper case, because the surface is not completely flat. You need a different kind of adhesive tape than the one Apple uses. The tape I bought at a hardware store is more elastic and a tad thicker than the original tape Apple used. Apple's tape was very firm and thin and as the result couldn't handle the little bumps and dips on the upper case surface. At the end, I've got myself the best keyboard i've ever touched.

You've got only two options. Live with the sticky keys, or fix it yourself . Don't waste your time with Apple Store/Care because they can't fix this problem with the materials they currently use.

[mrmister]

maybe you could post a link to your longer description?

[K-Bat]

Message #15 in this Apple Discussions topic.