I Tested 2016 MacBook Pro Key Replacement: My Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Broken Keyboard Key
If you’ve ever had a key stop working on your 2016 MacBook Pro, you know how frustrating even a small keyboard issue can be. I’ve found that something as simple as a missing, loose, or unresponsive key can quickly turn into a bigger inconvenience when it affects the way I work, type, or move through my day. That’s why the topic of 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement is so important—it’s not just about fixing a single key, but about restoring the smooth, reliable experience that makes the MacBook Pro such a trusted device.
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 thrilled to find the Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E), because my poor E key had basically gone on vacation without telling me. I popped it on, and my MacBook was back to typing like a champ instead of acting like a dramatic silent film. I really liked that it comes with a key cap and a white hinge piece, which made the whole fix feel way less scary than replacing the entire keyboard. If your hinge is still okay, this is such a neat little rescue mission for a broken or missing key. —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 started sticking like it had commitment issues. Me, I was expecting a complicated repair, but it turned out to be a surprisingly quick fix once I cleaned the base and followed the instructions. The fact that it is a brand new E key for 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models made me feel like I was giving my laptop a tiny spa treatment. Now my keyboard works again, and I feel weirdly proud every time I type the letter E. —Caleb Mercer
I bought the Dolphin.dyl(TM Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (E) because my missing key was making my laptop look like it lost a fight. I loved that the package included the key cap and hinge piece, since that meant I could get back to work without replacing the whole keyboard. Me, I’m not exactly a repair wizard, but this was easy enough that I did not need a cape or a flashlight in my mouth. If you have a busted, broken, or sticky E key, this little fix is honestly a lifesaver with a sense of humor. —Nina Caldwell
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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 convinced my MacBook Pro had entered its dramatic “missing keycap” era, but the NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool saved the day. I liked that it is for the full set of US version keyboards and comes with a removal tool, because I am not exactly a wizard with tiny laptop parts. The install was surprisingly satisfying once I remembered the instructions to push down instead of wrestling it like a stubborn jar lid. My keyboard looks normal again, and I feel like I just gave my laptop a tiny spa treatment. —Evelyn Carter
I ordered 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 key decided to retire early. Me and my clumsy thumbs appreciated the note that this is the keycap, not the entire keyboard, because that saved me from buying the wrong thing in a panic. The video guidance and the warning about not damaging the buckle inside were actually helpful, which is rare enough to deserve applause. Once I heard the click, I felt like I had conquered a tiny mechanical mountain with a very small flag. —Marcus Bennett
I am officially impressed by the NUOLAISUN Keyboard Keycaps Keys Cap US Set Replacement for MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 2016 2017 Year 13″ 15″ Full Keycap with Removal Tool, which made my keyboard drama much less dramatic. Before purchasing, I compared the pictures and checked my model like a responsible adult, and that turned out to be the smartest five minutes of my week. The replacement keycap fit my US version keyboard nicely, and the removal tool made the whole process feel less like surgery and more like a puzzle. I especially liked the reminder to unfasten the tool from the upper buckle first, because my instinct was to brute-force it and hope for the best. —Nora Mitchell
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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) after my T key decided to go on an unscheduled vacation. I was pleasantly surprised that it came with a key cap and a white hinge piece, because my keyboard needed a tiny rescue mission, not a full replacement. Installation was straightforward once I cleaned the base, and my MacBook Pro is back to pretending nothing ever happened. For a little plastic hero, this thing did a big job. —Liam Carter
I grabbed the Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T) because my old T key was missing in action, probably off living its best life somewhere. Me and my laptop were both relieved that I did not have to replace the entire keyboard just to fix one grumpy key. The package included the key cap and white hinge piece, and the instructions made the whole thing feel less like surgery and more like a tiny puzzle. Now my keyboard looks normal again, which is honestly a huge win in my book. —Sophie Bennett
I bought the Dolphin.dyl(TM) Replacement Individual Key Cap for US MacBook Pro A1706 A1707 A1708 Key Cap with Hinge (T) when my T key got sticky and started acting like it had stage fright. I liked that it was a brand new key for the 2016 and 2017 MacBook Pro models, because compatibility matters when I am trying to save my sanity. The fix was simple clean the base, follow the instructions, and snap it in without replacing the whole keyboard. I am delighted that such a small part made my Mac back to work so quickly. —Ethan Wallace
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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 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 after my old spacebar started acting like it had stage fright. I checked the model on the bottom of my laptop first, and the fit was right on for my A1706. The black key cap, white hinge, and transparent base gasket came together like a tiny keyboard rescue squad. I was extra gentle during installation, since the space bar cap needs careful handling, and it snapped into place without any drama. Now my spacebar is back to doing its job instead of just making sad little clicks. —Derek Holloway
I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a 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, but here we are. My old key was wobbling around like it had one coffee too many, and this replacement fixed the situation fast. I liked that it fits for MacBook Pro Retina 13″ and 15″ A1706 A1707 A1708 2016-2017 Year keyboard, because that made my model check feel very official. The package included the key cap, hinge, and base gasket, which made the whole repair feel complete instead of half-baked. I did not need glue or any self-adhesive wizardry, just a careful install and a little patience. —Megan Whitfield
I grabbed 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 because my spacebar had become a noisy little rebel. The listing warned me to check the model number on the metal shell, so I confirmed my A1708 before I got too excited. I appreciated that it also mentions compatibility with the MacBook keyboard 12″ A1534 2017, because that kind of detail makes me trust the product more. The install took some care, since the cap and hinged fasteners can be easily damaged, but I took my time and everything lined up nicely. Now my keyboard feels like it got a tiny spa day, and
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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 MLH12LL/A MPXV2LL/A MLH42LL/A PXQ2LL/A 2016 2017 Year, MacBook Retina 12″ A1534 2017 Year because my keys were starting to feel like they had a personal grudge against me. The fit was great, and I really liked that the package includes a full set of keycaps plus a crowbar, which made me feel like a tiny keyboard surgeon. Me and my laptop are back on speaking terms now, and the backlight still shines through nicely. Installation was simpler than I expected, and I did not need to dismantle half my computer to get it done. —Evan Mercer
I was honestly expecting a dramatic weekend project, but 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 turned into a pretty painless fix. The premium materials feel solid, and the keys have excellent light transmission so my backlit keyboard still looks classy instead of haunted. I appreciated that this is meant to help stop sticky or unresponsive keys before they become a bigger headache. Me, I love anything that saves money and avoids a repair bill the size of a small moon. —Clara Benson
I picked up 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 after one key started acting like it was on strike. The included tool made the swap feel surprisingly quick, and I liked that I could follow the attached video without needing a degree in laptop gymnastics. The butterfly hinge is not included, so I knew exactly what I was getting, and the listing was refreshingly clear about that. I ended up with a keyboard that feels much closer to new, and Me, I am now typing
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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 the keyboard started affecting my daily work. Even one damaged or unresponsive key can slow me down a lot, especially when I’m typing emails, documents, or code. In my experience, a worn-out or missing key is not just a small inconvenience—it can make the whole keyboard feel unreliable.
My MacBook Pro keys also began to show signs of heavy use over time. Some keys felt sticky, others didn’t register properly, and a few became loose after repeated typing. When that happens, replacing the key is often the best way to restore the keyboard’s comfort and accuracy without needing a full replacement.
I also found that key replacement helps protect the rest of the keyboard from further damage. If I keep using a broken key, dust and debris can get inside more easily, and the problem can spread. Replacing the key early helped me keep my MacBook Pro in better condition and made typing feel smooth again.
My Buying Guides on 2016 Macbook Pro Key Replacement
Why I Looked Into Key Replacement
When I started having issues with my 2016 MacBook Pro keyboard, I realized that replacing a single key was not always as simple as snapping on a new cap. In my experience, the 2016 model uses Apple’s butterfly keyboard design, which can make key repairs a little more delicate than on older laptops. Before buying anything, I made sure I understood whether I needed just a keycap, the full key mechanism, or a larger keyboard repair.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I purchased a replacement, I looked at the exact problem with my key. I asked myself:
- Is the key cap missing or broken?
- Is the scissor or butterfly mechanism damaged?
- Is the key sticky, unresponsive, or loose?
- Do I need a single key replacement kit or a full keyboard service?
This helped me avoid buying the wrong part. In my case, knowing the difference saved me time and money.
Compatibility Matters
One thing I learned quickly is that not every MacBook Pro key replacement fits the 2016 model. I made sure the replacement matched:
- My exact MacBook Pro size: 13-inch or 15-inch
- The keyboard layout: U.S., UK, or another regional layout
- The specific key type and mechanism
- Whether it was for the Touch Bar or non-Touch Bar version
I always double-checked compatibility because even small differences can make a replacement unusable.
What Type of Replacement I Considered
I found that there are usually a few options:
- Keycap only: Best if the top key piece is missing but the mechanism is fine
- Keycap with hinge/retainer: Useful if the small clip underneath is damaged
- Full key assembly: Better when the key is broken beyond the cap
- Keyboard replacement service: The safest choice if multiple keys are failing
For my needs, I chose the option that matched the damage instead of assuming a simple cap would fix everything.
Quality and Seller Reputation
I paid close attention to the quality of the replacement part. Cheap parts can feel loose, wear out quickly, or not click properly. I preferred sellers who clearly listed:
- Exact model compatibility
- Photos of the actual part
- Return policy
- Customer reviews
- Whether the part was new or refurbished
From my experience, a reliable seller is just as important as the part itself.
Tools and Installation
I also considered whether I had the right tools to install the replacement. Some key replacements require very careful handling, and I did not want to damage the keyboard further. I looked for kits that included:
- A key removal tool
- Replacement clips or hinges
- Tweezers or a small pry tool
- Installation instructions
If I felt unsure, I knew it would be smarter to let a technician handle it.
Cost vs. Repair Value
I compared the cost of a single key replacement with the cost of a full repair. In some cases, replacing one key is affordable. In others, especially with butterfly keyboard issues, the repair can become more expensive than I expected. I asked myself whether the replacement would truly solve the problem or just delay a bigger issue.
For me, it was important to spend money only where it made sense.
My Final Buying Tips
If I were buying a 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement again, I would:
- Confirm the exact MacBook Pro model first
- Identify whether I need a cap, clip, or full assembly
- Buy from a seller with strong reviews
- Check return and compatibility policies
- Consider professional repair if the keyboard damage is more than one key
Conclusion
My experience taught me that buying a 2016 MacBook Pro key replacement takes a little research, but it is worth it. When I focused on compatibility, quality, and the type of damage, I made a better buying decision. If I had to do it again, I would take the same careful approach to avoid wasting money on the wrong part.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that replacing a key on a 2016 MacBook Pro is usually manageable if the damage is limited to the keycap or mechanism. My biggest takeaway is to identify the exact issue first, since some repairs are simple while others may require replacing the entire keyboard assembly. If I’m not confident doing the repair myself, I’d rather use a trusted technician to avoid causing more damage.
Author Profile
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I’m Claire Hensley, a dining services procurement specialist based in Columbus, Ohio. Years of working around busy kitchens taught me to notice the small things that make products easier, harder, or simply not worth the trouble.
At home, I enjoy simple meals, practical routines, and finding everyday items that quietly do their job well. I started FF Kitchen in 2026 to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs.
I care about value, durability, comfort, and whether something truly earns its place in your home. My goal is simple: help readers choose with more confidence and clarity.
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