My MacBook keyboard is broken and it's insanely expensive to fix

Keyboard design and repair costs

• Many note modern MacBook keyboards are riveted to the top case, so official repairs require replacing the whole “top case” assembly (keyboard + battery + case), costing hundreds of euros/dollars.
• Some report quotes around €700–900 for keyboard or top-case-related repairs on non‑butterfly models, comparable to a large fraction of the laptop’s price.
• Others point out this “keyboard fused to chassis” approach is also common on Windows laptops (Dell, XPS, Surface), not unique to Apple.

DIY repairs and software workarounds

• Several users successfully replaced only the keyboard using cheap third‑party parts (€12–50) and videos showing how to punch or drill out rivets and then use screws.
• Descriptions emphasize the process is “shockingly violent” and tedious, but feasible for a careful hobbyist.
• Some people remap broken keys using tools like Karabiner Elements, e.g., mapping Caps Lock or a modifier with J/K/L/I to act as arrow keys, avoiding hardware repair entirely.

Comparisons with other laptops (Framework, ThinkPad, etc.)

• Framework laptops and some Lenovo ThinkPads are praised for trivial keyboard and component swaps (minutes, a few screws, low-cost parts).
• Critics argue Framework is significantly more expensive and less performant than a MacBook Air, with worse battery life and screen; they call it an ideological, not value, purchase.
• Supporters counter that MacBooks are cheaper to buy but more expensive to own/upgrade, since failures or upgrades mean whole‑device replacement, whereas Framework allows cheap part‑level repair and reuse of RAM/SSD/mainboards.

AppleCare and device insurance

• Some say AppleCare is a “great deal” for pricey laptops and monitors, citing large repairs (top case + logic board) done for free.
• Others argue extended warranties are mathematically bad value unless you break things unusually often; expected insurance cost exceeds expected repair cost.
• A sub‑thread debates “peace of mind” vs. long‑run cost: some happily pay to be careless with devices, others prefer to self‑insure.

Regulation and right‑to‑repair

• Strong split: one camp wants governments (especially the EU) to mandate repairability, parts availability, and ban practices like parts‑pairing; they cite USB‑C and upcoming battery rules as successes.
• Opponents claim this is “backseat industrial design,” fear ossified standards and higher prices, and say consumers who care should simply buy repairable devices.
• Counter‑argument: there is no real “free market” here due to ecosystems, patents, and network effects (e.g., macOS lock‑in), so regulation is needed to correct market failures and reduce e‑waste.

Experiences with Apple support and quality

• Experiences range from excellent (free in‑store key fixes, generous replacements) to terrible (lost returns, denial of coverage due to tiny dents, “doorstop” devices from expensive failures).
• Some feel macOS and Apple hardware quality have declined (buggy OS releases, recurring keyboard and display issues); others report flawless multi‑year use and see Apple laptops as exceptionally durable and high‑value despite costly repairs.