Keyboard Problems Developing - 15-inch, 2019 MacBook Pro.

The keyboard on my 15-inch, 2019 MacBook Pro has started malfunctioning over the last few weeks. The "Z" key usually fails to type the Z unless it is depressed forcefully or repeatedly. And multiple keys are double striking the character, especially the "R", "S" and "T" keys. The error rate varies, but my MacBook has days where it has become a useless brick for anything but mouse work.

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Apr 12, 2025 11:10 AM

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Posted on Apr 12, 2025 12:35 PM

Richard.H.Legere wrote:

The keyboard on my 15-inch, 2019 MacBook Pro has started malfunctioning over the last few weeks. The "Z" key usually fails to type the Z unless it is depressed forcefully or repeatedly. And multiple keys are double striking the character, especially the "R", "S" and "T" keys. The error rate varies, but my MacBook has days where it has become a useless brick for anything but mouse work.


Keyboards do wear out and can fail.


How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro


An external keyboard is a work a round.


Keyboards are not repaired, they are replaced along with the uppercase—which can incluse battery/trackpad


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support



get an assessment and make a cost benefit analysis if it is worth it..

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 12, 2025 12:35 PM in response to Richard.H.Legere

Richard.H.Legere wrote:

The keyboard on my 15-inch, 2019 MacBook Pro has started malfunctioning over the last few weeks. The "Z" key usually fails to type the Z unless it is depressed forcefully or repeatedly. And multiple keys are double striking the character, especially the "R", "S" and "T" keys. The error rate varies, but my MacBook has days where it has become a useless brick for anything but mouse work.


Keyboards do wear out and can fail.


How to clean the keyboard of your MacBook or MacBook Pro


An external keyboard is a work a round.


Keyboards are not repaired, they are replaced along with the uppercase—which can incluse battery/trackpad


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support



get an assessment and make a cost benefit analysis if it is worth it..

Apr 13, 2025 9:11 AM in response to Richard.H.Legere

Another possibility is a swelling battery. A checklist:


Symptoms of a swelling battery:

•Unexpected trackpad and/or keyboard inputs or behavior.

•The gap between the display and the deck* is uneven when the display is closed.

•The gap between the bottom plate and chassis is uneven in places.

•Some of the screws that hold the bottom plate have popped out or are loose.

•The trackpad surface is higher than the surrounding deck surface.

•The computer "rocks" a bit on a known flat surface†.


*— "deck" is the upper surface of the chassis assembly that holds the keyboard and trackpad.

†—I find solid-surface and granite countertops very effective known-flat test surfaces.


If the battery is swollen, you need to take immediate action. Swelling can progress at mind-blowing rates and will damage other internal components and eventually render the computer unrepairable if ignored.

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Keyboard Problems Developing - 15-inch, 2019 MacBook Pro.

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