You type "hello" and it says "helllo". Or a key keeps repeating when you hold it a moment, or the space bar gives two spaces. When your MacBook keys type twice, it may be a setting, dirt under the key, or a worn keyboard. MacBooks with the butterfly keyboard in particular suffer from this. This article explains how to find the cause and what to do about it.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook keyboards in Amsterdam.
Step 1: test with an external keyboard
Connect an external keyboard and type the same. If it works fine there, the built-in keyboard is to blame. If the external keyboard also types twice, it is in the settings or software.
Step 2: key repeat
Go to System Settings, Keyboard. Check:
- Key repeat rate: how fast a held key repeats.
- Delay until repeat: how long you must hold a key before it repeats. If it is very short, a key repeats as soon as you press it slightly too long. Make it longer.
Step 3: Slow Keys
System Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard has Slow Keys. A key then only counts after a short delay. That prevents double presses, but also slows typing. It is a temporary solution, not a repair.
Step 4: cleaning
Crumbs and dust under a key can make the contact register twice. Hold the MacBook at an angle, about 75 degrees, and blow compressed air along the keys in short bursts. Turn the MacBook on its sides and repeat. See cleaning the keyboard safely.
The butterfly keyboard
MacBooks from 2016 to 2019 with the butterfly keyboard are known for double typing. The mechanism under the key is so flat that a small speck of dust is enough. Read butterfly keyboard: problems and repair.
How to test which keys work
Open TextEdit or Notes and type each letter a few times slowly in a row, row by row. Note which keys appear twice, which do nothing and which feel stiff. That shows whether it is one key or a whole row or corner. The list is also handy if you have the MacBook checked. Do the same with the space bar in different places: left, middle and right.
Software that helps
There are small utilities that ignore a second keypress within a few milliseconds. That can be handy as a temporary solution, for example while waiting for a repair. Only install such apps from a trustworthy source.
After a spilled drink
If it started after coffee, tea or a soft drink, residue or corrosion under the keys can disturb the contact. See sticky keys after a spilled drink.
One key or several?
- One key: sometimes cleaning or replacing the cap and hinge helps. See replacing a single key.
- Several keys: then the keyboard is often worn and needs replacing. See replacing a MacBook keyboard.
A key types by itself
If letters appear without you touching anything, there is often moisture or a short under the keyboard. Turn the MacBook off and have it checked.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We test every key, clean the keyboard where that helps and replace keys or the whole keyboard if needed. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook keyboard repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why does only the space bar type twice?
The space bar is large and has a stabiliser. Dirt or a loose stabiliser then gives double presses.
Does an update help?
Sometimes, with a software bug. Not with dirt or wear.
Does it come back after cleaning?
On the butterfly keyboard often yes. A new keyboard solves it more permanently.
