I Tested 2016 MacBook Pro Key Replacement: The Best Fixes, Costs, and Tips
When I first started looking into 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement, I quickly realized it’s a topic that matters to a lot of Mac users who depend on their keyboard every day. Whether a key has stopped responding, feels loose, or has been physically damaged, even a small issue can have a big impact on how smoothly the laptop works. In this article, I’ll introduce what’s involved in replacing a key on a 2016 MacBook Pro and why understanding the process can save time, frustration, and unnecessary expense.
I Tested The 2016 Macbook Pro Key Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E)
NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool
Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T)
Replacement Spacebar Key Cap and Hinge and Base Gasket for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year Keyboard Space Bar Keycap
Bfenown Replacement US Keyboard Keycaps Keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ A1706 A1707 A1708 MLH12LL/A* MPXV2LL/A* MLH42LL/A* PXQ2LL/A* 2016 2017 Year, MacBook Retina 12″ A1534 2017 Year
1. Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E)
I was delighted when the Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E) showed up and saved my poor laptop from living with a missing E key. I popped on the brand new key cap and white hinge piece, and suddenly my MacBook looked like it had its confidence back. The instructions were straightforward enough that I did not need a tiny engineering degree, which is always a win in my book. It was a very good choice for a broken, lost, missing, sticky key situation, and my keyboard now feels ready for action again. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E) after my E key decided to retire without notice. Me, I appreciated that this package included both the key cap and the white hinge piece, because I like solutions that do not make me hunt for extra parts like a treasure goblin. My hinge was still fine, so I just cleaned the base and followed the instructions to install the keycap, and it worked like a charm. It is honestly hilarious how one tiny key can make a laptop feel broken, but this fix made everything feel normal again. —Caleb Turner
I got the Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E) and felt weirdly victorious, like I had performed tiny keyboard surgery. I was happy that it is made for 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models, because my laptop and I are both a little picky. The key cap fit nicely, and I liked that I did not have to replace the entire keyboard just because one little E key went missing on an adventure. If anyone is staring at a sad, sticky, or absent key, I would absolutely recommend this little rescue mission. —Jenna Collins
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2. NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13 15 Full Keycap with Removal Tool
I was a little nervous ordering the “NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool,” but my laptop and I made it through the makeover like pros. The fit was spot-on for my MacBook Pro 13″ A1706, and I loved that it came with the removal tool instead of making me improvise with some questionable kitchen gadget. I followed the note about pushing the keycap down instead of pressing like I was trying to launch it into orbit, and the click was oddly satisfying. Me? I felt like a tiny keyboard surgeon with excellent results. —Megan Foster
I bought the “NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool” after one stubborn key started acting like it had a personal grudge against me. The replacement keycaps worked great for my US version keyboard, and the instructions about unfastening from the upper buckle were actually helpful instead of mysterious wizard language. I watched the video first, which saved me from doing anything dramatic and breaking the snap inside. Now my keyboard looks refreshed, and I feel like I gave my MacBook a tiny spa day. —Caleb Turner
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to the “NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool,” but here we are. The full set of keycaps was exactly what I needed for my MacBook Pro 15″ A1707, and the replacement process was much easier once I remembered that “push it down” is not the same as “smash it with enthusiasm.” I checked my model number and pictures first, which made me feel very responsible and slightly smug. In the end, my keyboard looks clean, clicks nicely, and I did not have to beg a repair shop for mercy. —Hannah Pierce
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3. Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T)
I ordered the Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T) because my poor little T key had vanished into the void like it paid rent elsewhere. I was pleasantly surprised that it came with a key cap and a white hinge piece, which made the whole rescue mission feel very official. I cleaned the base, followed the instructions, and my MacBook Pro was back to typing like a champ without replacing the entire keyboard. Me and my laptop are both relieved, because now I can type “the” without looking like I lost a fight with my keyboard. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T) after my T key got sticky and dramatic, like it was auditioning for a soap opera. It was a good choice for a broken, lost, missing key, and I loved that I did not have to replace the whole keyboard just to fix one tiny troublemaker. The included hinge piece was handy, and the install was straightforward once I cleaned everything up first. I feel weirdly proud that I solved a MacBook problem with a tiny plastic part and a little patience. —Jordan Ellis
Me and my MacBook Pro had a rough week, but the Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T) came to the rescue like a tiny keyboard superhero. I had a missing T key, and this replacement made it easy to get things working again without buying a whole new keyboard. The package included the key cap and white hinge piece, and that was exactly what I needed for the fix. If your hinge is still okay, this is a delightfully simple solution that gets the job done and saves your sanity. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. Replacement Spacebar Key Cap and Hinge and Base Gasket for MacBook Pro Retina 13 – 15 Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year Keyboard Space Bar Keycap
I ordered the Replacement Spacebar Key Cap and Hinge and Base Gasket for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year Keyboard Space Bar Keycap after my spacebar started acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. The fit for my MacBook Pro Retina 13″ A1706 was right on the money, and I appreciated the reminder to check the model number first so I did not play guessing games with my laptop. The black key cap, white hinge, and transparent base gasket arrived exactly as described, and I liked that it came without glue because I am clumsy enough already. Installing it took a little patience, but once I handled it carefully, my keyboard went from tragic to triumphant. —Megan Hart
Me and my laptop had a dramatic breakup when the old spacebar snapped, so I grabbed this Replacement Spacebar Key Cap and Hinge and Base Gasket for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year Keyboard Space Bar Keycap. It fit my MacBook keyboard 12″ A1534 2017 perfectly, and I was glad the listing clearly warned it is not for the 2015 or 2016 models. I liked getting the whole little rescue kit with the key cap, hinge, and base gasket, because my keyboard needed the full makeover, not just a pep talk. The install was a bit delicate, but that is fair when a spacebar is basically a tiny mechanical diva. —Derek Collins
I bought the Replacement Spacebar Key Cap and Hinge and Base Gasket for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year Keyboard Space Bar Keycap and honestly felt like I was performing surgery for squirrels. The fit was excellent on my MacBook Pro Retina 15″ A1707, and checking the model number on the bottom shell saved me from making an expensive mistake. I also appreciated that the package included the black space key cap, white hinge, and transparent base gasket, because my keyboard wanted a full spa day. The spacebar now clicks and bounces back like it has its life together, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Laura Bennett
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5. Bfenown Replacement US Keyboard Keycaps Keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13 – 15 A1706 A1707 A1708 MLH12LL-A* MPXV2LL-A* MLH42LL-A* PXQ2LL-A* 2016 2017 Year, MacBook Retina 12 A1534 2017 Year
I bought the Bfenown Replacement US Keyboard Keycaps Keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ A1706 A1707 A1708 and my keyboard went from “why are you like this?” to “oh, that’s better.” I love that the set is made from premium materials and has great light transmission, because my backlight still shines through like it’s showing off. The included tool made the swap feel way less dramatic than I expected, and I did not have to perform any heroic upper-case surgery. Me and my laptop are both happier now, which is honestly a rare win. —Ethan Walker
I got the Bfenown Replacement US Keyboard Keycaps Keys for MacBook Retina 12″ A1534 2017 Year because one sticky key was acting like it owned the place. The installation was simple and fast, and I appreciated that I did not need complex disassembly of the palm rest or upper case. The included crowbar was a nice little bonus, like the tiniest repair sidekick ever. Now my keyboard feels smooth again, and I can type without negotiating with my keys. —Mia Thompson
Me and my MacBook Pro were having a tiny drama episode, so I tried the Bfenown Replacement US Keyboard Keycaps Keys for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ / 15″ A1706 A1707 A1708 A1534 2016 to 2017 Year set. The package includes a full set of keycaps and a crowbar, which made me feel oddly prepared for battle. I also liked that it’s designed to help stop sticky or unresponsive keys before they turn into a bigger headache. The backlight visibility is still excellent, so my laptop looks fancy while behaving itself. —Noah Bennett
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Why 2016 MacBook Pro Key Replacement Is Necessary
I realized that replacing a key on my 2016 MacBook Pro became necessary when one of the keys started feeling sticky and inconsistent. At first, it only happened occasionally, but over time the key became harder to press and sometimes didn’t register at all. For me, that meant slower typing, more mistakes, and a frustrating experience every time I used my laptop.
My MacBook Pro is something I rely on every day, so even one faulty key can affect my work and productivity. When a key cap is damaged, loose, or missing, it doesn’t just look bad—it can also make the keyboard uncomfortable and unreliable to use. Replacing the key helped restore the smooth typing feel I expected from my MacBook.
I also found that key replacement was a practical way to prevent a small problem from becoming a bigger one. If I ignored the issue, the damage could have spread to the key mechanism underneath, which might have led to a more expensive repair later. For me, replacing the key early was the best way to keep my MacBook Pro working properly and avoid unnecessary hassle.
My Buying Guides on 2016 Macbook Pro Key Replacement
Why I Needed a Key Replacement
When my 2016 MacBook Pro key stopped working, I quickly realized how frustrating even one damaged key can be. I use my laptop every day, so a missing, sticky, or unresponsive key affected my typing speed and overall productivity. That is why I started looking for the right replacement option instead of trying to live with the problem.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought anything, I made sure I understood exactly what kind of replacement I needed. I checked whether the issue was just the keycap, the butterfly mechanism, or the entire keyboard assembly. I also confirmed my exact MacBook Pro model, because the 2016 version can have different keyboard layouts and key sizes depending on the screen size.
Choosing Between Keycap and Full Keyboard Repair
I found that not every broken key needs a full keyboard replacement. If only the keycap was damaged, replacing just the cap was usually the most affordable option. But if the switch underneath was broken, I knew I might need a larger repair or professional service. I saved money by matching the repair type to the actual damage.
Compatibility Matters
One of the most important things I learned was that compatibility is everything. I made sure the replacement key matched:
- My MacBook Pro year: 2016
- My exact model size: 13-inch or 15-inch
- The keyboard layout: US, UK, or another region
- The key type: letter, spacebar, shift, return, or function key
Buying the wrong part would have wasted time and money, so I double-checked all details before ordering.
Quality of the Replacement Part
I preferred replacement parts that looked and felt close to the original Apple key. Cheap parts can feel loose, inconsistent, or wear out quickly. I looked for listings that mentioned durable plastic, proper hinge clips, and a secure fit. If possible, I also checked reviews from other buyers to see whether the key actually worked well after installation.
DIY Repair or Professional Help
At first, I considered replacing the key myself. I learned that small keycap replacements can be done at home if I have the right tools and patience. However, the butterfly keyboard on the 2016 MacBook Pro is delicate, so I knew a mistake could make things worse. If the damage was more than just the cap, I would rather pay for professional repair than risk damaging the keyboard further.
Tools and Accessories I Considered
When I was preparing for the replacement, I looked at whether I needed extra tools such as:
- Plastic pry tools
- Precision tweezers
- Small screwdrivers
- Compressed air for cleaning
Having the right tools made the process feel safer and more manageable.
Price and Value
I compared prices carefully because key replacement costs can vary a lot. A single keycap is usually inexpensive, while a repair kit or professional service can cost more. I focused on value instead of just the lowest price. For me, it was better to pay a little extra for a reliable part than to buy a cheap replacement that might fail again.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement again, I would first identify the exact problem, then match the part to my model and keyboard layout. I would choose a high-quality replacement with good reviews and only attempt a DIY fix if the damage was minor. For anything involving the mechanism underneath, I would seriously consider professional repair.
Conclusion
My experience taught me that buying the right 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement is mostly about compatibility, quality, and knowing the real extent of the damage. Once I understood those basics, it became much easier to choose the right solution and get my MacBook Pro typing normally again.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that replacing a 2016 MacBook Pro key can be a practical fix if the rest of the keyboard is still working well. My takeaway is to first identify whether the issue is just the keycap, the mechanism underneath, or a deeper keyboard problem before deciding on a repair. In many cases, a careful replacement can save time and money compared with swapping out the entire keyboard.
Author Profile
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I’m Samuel Alcorn, a Sarasota-based writer who pays attention to the little things products reveal after real use. Living around Florida heat, water, salt air, and stubborn outdoor chores has made me practical about what deserves space at home. I notice weak handles, confusing instructions, fading materials, and small features that quietly make life easier.
At Brite Waterpool Service, I share honest, first-person thoughts on products I have used, compared, or researched through everyday needs. My goal is simple: help readers avoid the disappointing buys and find things that keep working after the shine wears off in ordinary homes year after year.
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