The summary of ‘Shiny MacBook Keys?’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:12:36

The video addresses the persistent issue of shiny spots on Apple laptop keyboards, attributed to the wearing down of the plastic keycaps rather than oils or grease from fingers. The speaker highlights two potential solutions: using a keyboard cover and applying customizable Keyshorts stickers. The keyboard cover offers protection against dust, water, and debris but may affect typing speed and accuracy due to added resistance. The installation of Keyshorts stickers is time-intensive and requires careful alignment to avoid misplacement. Although Keyshorts maintain the keyboard's look and feel, they might slightly dim backlighting and do not fully prevent friction wear. The stickers cost around $30, ship from Poland, and may necessitate a backup set for precision. The speaker concludes by noting the impact of shiny keys on resale value and urges viewers to share their experiences and better solutions.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the speaker addresses the issue of shiny spots appearing on Apple laptop keyboards, a problem that has persisted over the past decade. Despite initial assumptions that these spots are caused by oils or grease from fingers, the real cause is the wearing down of the plastic on the keycaps, resulting in the loss of their matte finish. Prominent bloggers have expressed frustration about this issue, as Apple appears to have opted for cheaper ABS plastic for thinner key designs. The speaker suggests two solutions: using a keyboard cover, specifically recommending the uppercase ghost cover, and applying keyboard stickers from a company called keyshorts, which offers customizable designs.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses a keyboard cover designed to protect against dust, water, and debris. The clear version of the cover is noticeable, while the tinted version might blend better. The cover adds resistance, affecting typing speed and accuracy initially, although users might adjust over time. The cover is thin enough to not interfere with closing the laptop, despite Apple’s recommendation against using such covers due to tight tolerances. The cover may not prevent shiny spots caused by finger friction, as it moves during typing. The presenter seeks feedback from viewers regarding their experiences with keyboard covers.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the installation of key stickers on a keyboard. They express dissatisfaction with the tactile feel and typing speed when using the stickers. The installation involves cutting off a side portion of the template to use as an applicator, then individually placing each sticker on the keys. The first key, the Escape key, is the most challenging due to initial uncertainty in alignment. The presenter emphasizes the importance of ensuring proper alignment by repeatedly adjusting each sticker. The entire process is time-intensive, taking approximately 80 minutes and causing physical discomfort. The end result looks seamless, with minimal visible difference between stickered and non-stickered keys, though backlighting is dimmer through the stickers. The presenter notes some installation errors, such as misaligned keys and difficulty repositioning stickers without causing damage.

00:09:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the process and challenges of applying and potentially removing Keyshorts stickers on keyboard keys. They note the difficulty in realigning stickers if misplaced, advising to proceed cautiously. Removing the stickers might be tedious but should leave no residue. Importantly, Keyshorts maintain the keyboard’s original look and feel, including functionality for keys like Home, Caps Lock, and touch ID. Despite ultimately causing some friction wear, Keyshorts are less damaging than full keyboard covers. The speaker mentions Keyshorts cost around $30, ship from Poland taking up to four weeks, and suggests buying a backup set if precision in appearance is important.

00:12:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the issue of shiny keys on a MacBook and the potential impact on resale value. They mention giving key shorts another chance and consider replacements for damaged keys. The speaker asks for viewers’ opinions on whether shiny keys are a significant issue and invites them to share better solutions. They also suggest watching another video on their desk setup for more accessories used with Mac laptops, and encourage viewers to like, subscribe, and return for future content.

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