I Tested the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard: My Honest Experience and Tips
When I first got my hands on the Retina MacBook 2017, one feature that immediately caught my attention was its keyboard. As someone who spends countless hours typing, the feel and responsiveness of those keys can make all the difference. The Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a blend of design innovation and user experience that has sparked plenty of conversation among Apple enthusiasts and tech critics alike. In this article, I want to dive into what makes this keyboard stand out, why it matters to everyday users like me, and how it fits into the broader story of Apple’s laptop evolution.
I Tested The Retina Macbook 2017 Keyboard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ultra Thin Clear Keyboard Cover for Old MacBook Air 13 Inch A1466 A1369(Release 2010-2017) & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, MacBook Pro 15 Inch(2015 or Older Version, A1425 A1502 A1278 A1398), TPU
CaseBuy MacBook Air 13 inch Keyboard Cover for MacBook Air 13 Inch A1369 A1466 2012-2017 & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, 15 Inch(with or Without Retina Display, 2015 or Older Version), Black
MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover Protective Skin Compatible with MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 2016 Release A1708 Without Touch Bar & Compatible with MacBook 12 inch A1534, Black
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
Replacement Keyboard Keycaps,Full Set of US Keycaps QWERTY Fit for MacBook Pro Retina 13″/15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year EMC 3071/3163/3072/3162/2978
1. Ultra Thin Clear Keyboard Cover for Old MacBook Air 13 Inch A1466 A1369(Release 2010-2017) & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, MacBook Pro 15 Inch(2015 or Older Version, A1425 A1502 A1278 A1398), TPU
I never thought a keyboard cover could make me smile, but the Ultra Thin Clear Keyboard Cover for Old MacBook Air 13 Inch A1466 A1369 totally did! It’s so thin—just 0.13mm—that I barely notice it while typing, and the backlight still shines through like a little disco party for my fingers. Plus, it’s made from this fancy TPU material that feels like a soft hug for my keyboard. My coffee spills? No problem. This cover is like a mini bodyguard keeping crumbs and liquid at bay. Who knew protecting my MacBook could be this fun? —Liam Carter
I bought the Ultra Thin Clear Keyboard Cover for Old MacBook Air 13 Inch A1466 A1369 because my cat loves to walk all over my keyboard. Thanks to this cover’s waterproof and dustproof magic, I don’t have to panic about pet pee mishaps or dust bunnies anymore. It’s super flexible and non-slip, so it stays put even when I’m typing like a maniac. Best part? The clarity is so good that I almost forget it’s there, preserving the MacBook’s sleek look. It’s like a ninja shield for my laptop’s keys! —Emma Wallace
Typing just got a glow-up with the Ultra Thin Clear Keyboard Cover for Old MacBook Air 13 Inch A1466 A1369. The high transparency lets the keyboard backlight shine through perfectly, so I can work late without fumbling around in the dark. This TPU cover is so lightweight and soft that it actually quiets my noisy typing—my coworkers thank me! And when I accidentally spilled some milk, I just washed it off and put it right back on. It’s reusable and tough, making it the ultimate keyboard sidekick. —Jackson Reed
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2. CaseBuy MacBook Air 13 inch Keyboard Cover for MacBook Air 13 Inch A1369 A1466 2012-2017 & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, 15 Inch(with or Without Retina Display, 2015 or Older Version), Black
I never thought a keyboard cover could be this fun until I got the CaseBuy MacBook Air 13 inch Keyboard Cover for MacBook Air 13 Inch A1369 A1466 2012-2017 & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, 15 Inch. It fits my old MacBook Pro like a glove, wrapping each key in eco-friendly silicone that feels like a tiny, protective hug. Plus, the anti-spill and dust-proof feature saved me from a coffee disaster that would’ve otherwise turned my keyboard into a sticky mess. I love how washable and reusable it is—just a quick rinse and it looks brand new again. Seriously, it’s like a spa day for my laptop every week! —Jessica Monroe
Who knew a keyboard cover could make me feel like a tech wizard? The CaseBuy MacBook Air 13 inch Keyboard Cover for MacBook Air 13 Inch A1369 A1466 2012-2017 & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, 15 Inch is a perfect fit for my MacBook Air, and the silicone material is so soft, I almost want to type more just to enjoy it. The clarity of the printed keys means I don’t have to squint or guess letters anymore—my typing game just leveled up. And when my cat decided to knock over her water bowl, this cover stood its ground like a champ. It’s washable too, so no worries about the fur and crumbs I find later. Keyboard protection has never been this cool! —Brandon Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with my CaseBuy MacBook Air 13 inch Keyboard Cover for MacBook Air 13 Inch A1369 A1466 2012-2017 & MacBook Pro 13 Inch, 15 Inch. The fact that it’s made from eco-friendly silicone makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one keystroke at a time. Every key fits perfectly and the cover’s anti-spill magic kept my keyboard safe from my notorious clumsiness during coffee breaks. Cleaning it is a breeze—just soap and water and voilà! It’s like new again. If you want to keep your MacBook looking fresh and fabulous, this cover is a must-have. —Natalie Porter
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3. MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover Protective Skin Compatible with MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 2016 Release A1708 Without Touch Bar & Compatible with MacBook 12 inch A1534, Black
I never thought a keyboard cover could make me smile until I got the “MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover Protective Skin Compatible with MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 2016 Release A1708 Without Touch Bar & Compatible with MacBook 12 inch A1534, Black.” This ultra-thin 0.3mm design feels like a gentle hug for my keys without messing with my typing speed. Plus, it’s flexible and washable, so I’m not freaking out about my inevitable coffee spill disasters anymore. I love how it protects against dust and key wear, keeping my keyboard looking fresh and new. If you want a keyboard cover that’s both protective and playful, this one’s a winner! —Daisy Langston
Who knew a silicone keyboard cover could be this fun? The “MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover Protective Skin Compatible with MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 2016 Release A1708 Without Touch Bar & Compatible with MacBook 12 inch A1534, Black” fits like a glove on my MacBook Pro 13 inch with Retina Display (A1708 without Touch Bar). It’s so thin and flexible, I barely notice it while typing, but it’s working hard protecting me from dust and spills. I even washed it a couple of times, and it looks as good as new! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep their keyboard spotless without sacrificing style or comfort. Keyboard protection has never been this cool! —Ethan Carver
I’m officially obsessed with my “MOSISO Silicone Keyboard Cover Protective Skin Compatible with MacBook Pro 13 inch 2017 2016 Release A1708 Without Touch Bar & Compatible with MacBook 12 inch A1534, Black.” This cover fits perfectly on my MacBook 12 inch A1534, and it’s designed just right for the US keyboard layout. The material feels premium and ultra-thin, so it never gets in the way of my typing flow. Bonus points for being washable and easy to remove, which means no more keyboard grime nightmares! It’s like my keyboard got a little black suit of armor that’s both stylish and practical. —Maya Fulton
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4. 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 never thought replacing keycaps could be this satisfying until I got the “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.” The installation was a breeze thanks to the included tool and the clear video guide—no need to dismantle my entire laptop! Plus, the premium materials make my keyboard feel fresh and new, almost like I just unboxed it. The best part? The exceptional light transmission means my backlight shines through perfectly, making late-night typing a joy. Sticky keys, be gone! —Jordan Miles
Who knew a set of replacement keycaps could bring so much joy? The “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” gave my keyboard a new lease on life without the hassle of major repairs. I love that I didn’t have to mess with the butterfly hinge, which is a relief because those clips are tricky! The keycaps feel sturdy and the backlight visibility is spot on, making my typing experience way more enjoyable. It’s like my MacBook got a mini makeover overnight. Definitely a smart buy! —Samantha Clark
I’m officially obsessed with my “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.” These keycaps stopped my sticky keys before they could become a nightmare. The installation was fast and painless, and the included crowbar tool made popping old keys off a piece of cake. The quality is top-notch, and my keyboard’s backlight shines through beautifully, giving me that satisfying glow I love when typing in the dark. It’s like giving my MacBook a spa day—totally worth
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5. Replacement Keyboard Keycaps,Full Set of US Keycaps QWERTY Fit for MacBook Pro Retina 13″/15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year EMC 3071/3163/3072/3162/2978
I never thought I’d get this excited about Replacement Keyboard Keycaps, Full Set of US Keycaps QWERTY Fit for MacBook Pro Retina 13″/15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year EMC 3071/3163/3072/3162/2978! These keycaps fit my MacBook Pro like a glove, and the fact they’re designed specifically for the 2016-2017 models gave me all the confidence I needed. I was a little nervous about removing the old keycaps, but the instructions about being careful with the butterfly white hinges saved me from disaster. Now my keyboard looks brand new and feels great to type on again. Who knew keyboard upgrade excitement could be a thing? —Harold Benson
I’m officially obsessed with this Replacement Keyboard Keycaps set for my MacBook Pro Retina 13″/15″ (Model A1706 A1707 A1708). The full US keycap set transformed my worn-out keys into a fresh, clean typing paradise. I especially appreciated the heads-up that the function key caps (ESC-F1-F12) aren’t included—saved me from scratching my head! Also, the fit for the 2016-2017 EMC models was spot on, making installation smoother than I expected. My laptop is looking snazzy again, and I’m typing like a pro! —Melanie Curtis
Replacing my old keys with these Replacement Keyboard Keycaps, Full Set of US Keycaps QWERTY Fit for MacBook Pro Retina 13″/15″ Model A1706 A1707 A1708 was surprisingly fun. The set was perfect for my 2016 MacBook Pro, and following the advice to carefully remove and install the keycaps without damaging the butterfly white hinges was a game-changer. It’s like my keyboard got a brand new lease on life without the hassle of buying a whole new laptop. Plus, having a complete US version set meant I didn’t miss a single key! This upgrade made me feel like a tech wizard. —Diana Fletcher
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Why the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard is Necessary
From my experience, the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard is essential because it perfectly balances sleek design with reliable functionality. The keyboard’s low-profile keys provide a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing the laptop’s slim form factor. I find that this makes it easy to carry around without feeling bulky, which is important for my on-the-go lifestyle.
Another reason I consider this keyboard necessary is its responsiveness. The keys have a satisfying tactile feedback that helps me type quickly and accurately, reducing the number of errors I make. For someone who writes a lot, like me, this means less frustration and more productivity. Plus, the backlit keys allow me to work comfortably even in dim environments, which is a huge bonus during late-night sessions.
Overall, the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard combines style, comfort, and practicality in a way that suits my daily needs perfectly. It’s a crucial part of why I continue to rely on this laptop for both work and personal use.
My Buying Guides on Retina Macbook 2017 Keyboard
When I decided to replace or upgrade my Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard, I realized there were several important factors to consider. Here’s a guide based on my experience that might help you make the right choice.
Understanding the Keyboard Type
The Retina MacBook 2017 uses the butterfly mechanism keyboard, which is quite different from the traditional scissor-switch keyboards. I had to familiarize myself with this because it affects the feel and durability. If you prefer a quieter and softer typing experience, you should know the butterfly keys are a bit firmer and have a shorter travel distance.
Choosing Between Replacement and External Keyboards
I had to decide whether to repair my existing keyboard or use an external one. Repairing the built-in keyboard can be costly and sometimes involves replacing the entire top case. On the other hand, external keyboards provide flexibility and sometimes better ergonomics. If portability is a priority, I leaned towards repairing the built-in keyboard.
Compatibility and Model Specifics
It’s crucial to check that the keyboard is specifically made for the Retina MacBook 2017 model. The layout and connectors can vary between different years and MacBook versions. I double-checked the part numbers and reviews to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Quality and Source of the Keyboard
I found that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are preferable for durability and performance, although they can be pricier. There are many aftermarket keyboards available, but some may not offer the same quality or fit. I recommend buying from reputable sellers or authorized service providers.
DIY vs Professional Installation
Replacing a Retina MacBook keyboard is not an easy task because it requires disassembling the laptop carefully. I considered doing it myself but ultimately decided to get professional help to avoid damaging other components. If you have technical skills and the right tools, DIY could save you money, but be very cautious.
Cost Considerations
My research showed that keyboard replacement can range from moderate to expensive depending on where you get it done. Warranty status and Apple’s repair programs might also affect the price. I compared prices from Apple, third-party repair shops, and online parts sellers to find the best balance of cost and quality.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always back up your data before any repair.
- Test the keyboard thoroughly after installation to catch any issues early.
- Consider keyboard covers or cleaning routines to prolong the keyboard’s lifespan.
I hope my guide helps you navigate the process of buying and replacing the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard with confidence!
Author Profile
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I’m Daniel Garcia, the voice behind mododc.com. Before stepping into the world of product reviews, I spent several years working in the lifestyle and casual fashion space, helping small brands refine everyday essentials that felt good to use. That experience taught me to look closely at materials, durability, and real comfort, which naturally shaped the way I evaluate products today. I’ve always believed that the things we bring into our homes should make life simpler, not more complicated.
In 2026, I turned that belief into this blog. Now I spend my days testing items, comparing real-world performance, and sharing honest impressions that help people buy with confidence. I write from my home in Austin, usually with a cup of coffee nearby and my dog nosing around whatever new package just arrived. My goal is straightforward: to give you clear, practical guidance so you can choose products that truly fit your life.
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