With technology being more integrated into our daily lives, liquid spills on electronics are becoming increasingly common. Apple’s Magic Keyboard is a popular keyboard option for Mac users, but a common question is whether it can withstand exposure to liquids.
The Basics of the Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is a slim, lightweight, and portable Bluetooth keyboard that Apple offers for the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro. It comes in both wireless and wired models and features an internal rechargeable battery and scissor mechanism keys for a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
Some key features of the Magic Keyboard include:
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity
- Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Low-profile scissor mechanism key switches
- Backlit keys
- Multi-touch trackpad surface (on wireless model)
- Lightning port for charging (on wired model)
The Magic Keyboard is designed to seamlessly pair with Mac devices and provide an efficient typing experience whether working at a desk or on the go. But its sleek, minimalist design also means there is less protection from potential spills compared to some keyboard alternatives.
Is the Magic Keyboard Waterproof?
The Magic Keyboard is not actually waterproof or even water-resistant. Apple does not advertise it as having any kind of liquid ingress protection. The user manual also does not mention anything about withstanding exposure to liquids.
While the Magic Keyboard may survive incidental contact with small amounts of water, it is not designed to withstand any kind of submersion or direct spill. Liquids can easily seep into openings and damage internal components.
Risks of Exposing the Magic Keyboard to Liquids
Exposing the Magic Keyboard to liquids, even small amounts, poses a few key risks:
- Short circuits: Water and other liquids can cause short circuits when they come into contact with internal electronic components and circuitry.
- Corrosion: The minerals and chemicals in water and liquids can lead to corrosion over time, resulting in degraded connections or component failure.
- Interference with mechanisms: The scissor switch mechanisms and keys may become sticky or less responsive when exposed to liquids. Sugar and oils can leave residue.
- Permanent damage: If enough liquid seeps into the wrong spots, it can permanently damage electronic components beyond repair.
Examples of Liquid Damage
Users have reported various issues resulting from liquid damage to their Magic Keyboards:
- Keys become unresponsive or only partially working
- Trackpad becomes unresponsive or glitchy
- Typing lags and experiences phantom key presses
- Battery won’t charge or keyboard won’t power on
- Corrosion buildup on electrical contacts
- Short circuit causes keyboard to overheat or smoke
Even a small amount of water or liquid splashed on the keyboard can eventually cause problems after seeping into tiny openings. With enough liquid damage, the entire keyboard may need to be replaced.
Is the Magic Keyboard Splash-Proof?
The Magic Keyboard does not have any official splash protection either. While it may be able to withstand very minor splashes or mists of water, larger splashes or spills can still easily damage the keyboard.
Its low profile, gaps between keys, and openings on the back and sides make it susceptible to water intrusion from splashes. Without gaskets, sealing, or conformal coatings to protect the electronics, water can quickly reach sensitive components.
Does the Magic Keyboard Have Spill Channels?
The Magic Keyboard does not have visible drainage holes or channels that would allow liquid to safely drain out after a spill. Any liquid that gets into the interior of the keyboard has no dedicated path to drain away from internal components.
This lack of spill channels means any liquid that gets past the keys can pool at the bottom of the keyboard, fully immersing components in the liquid. Some other keyboards have internal spill channels specifically to direct liquid away from electronics after a spill.
Can It Withstand Small Drops of Water?
While the Magic Keyboard may be able to withstand an occasional drop or two of water hitting the top, it cannot resist sustained exposure. Small drops may bead up and run off the keys without seeping inside.
However, repeated drops in the same spot will increase the likelihood of liquids getting into openings. The gaps between keys also allow liquids to be directed into the keyboard interior, where sensitive chips and contacts are located.
What About Rain or Humidity?
The Magic Keyboard is not designed to withstand direct water exposure from rain or submersion. Getting rained on can force water through the keys and into sensitive components, causing anything from glitchy behavior to complete failure.
High ambient humidity may also damage the keyboard over time as moisture is absorbed into interior materials. This can eventually cause corrosion on electrical contacts and connections. However, humidity damage would generally occur over a longer timeframe.
Can It Be Washed or Cleaned with Liquids?
You should not wash or clean the Magic Keyboard with liquids. Intentionally exposing it to water or cleaning solutions will almost certainly cause immediate, permanent damage.
Some people attempt to wash dirty keyboards with water, soap, or alcohol, but liquid residues nearly always remain inside after cleaning. These residues eventually corrode contacts and degrade sensitive components.
What About Debris and Dust Protection?
The Magic Keyboard does not have any official IP dust ingress rating. While large crumbs or debris are unlikely to fall into the interior with normal use, smaller particles can still work their way into the keyboard over time.
Built-up dust, dirt, and debris inside the keyboard can intermittently cause issues with key switches or trackpad performance. A can of compressed air can be used to occasionally blow out the keyboard to clear built-up debris.
Can Liquids Damage the Magic Keyboard Battery?
Yes, liquid exposure can permanently damage the rechargeable lithium-ion battery inside the Magic Keyboard. Getting water on the battery contacts or internally can lead to short-circuiting, frying of internal cells, and even battery fire or explosion in severe cases.
A non-functional battery will prevent the wireless Magic Keyboard models from powering on without a wired connection. Even if dried out, batteries damaged by water will usually need complete replacement.
Is the Magic Keyboard Warranty Voided by Liquid Damage?
Liquid damage is not covered under Apple’s 1-year limited warranty on the Magic Keyboard. Spill damage can void your warranty, so any repair or replacement costs may need to be paid out of pocket after water or liquid exposure.
Can Liquid Damage Be Repaired?
Severely liquid damaged Magic Keyboards cannot be reliably repaired, especially if they won’t power on at all. The keyboards are not designed to be taken apart for cleaning and drying.
At most, corrosion may be cleaned off the battery contacts or removable keycaps. But any damage beyond that will likely require a full keyboard replacement, or using a keyboard cover going forward.
Using a Keyboard Cover for Protection
To protect the Magic Keyboard from future liquid damage, users can buy plastic keyboard covers that shield the keys and other components.
High quality silicone or TPU covers form fit to the keyboard surface to provide protection while enabling full use of the keys and trackpad. They can prevent most splashes, spills, and drops from reaching the electronics.
However, any underlying liquid damage already present won’t be resolved by a cover. Also, covers may interfere with keyboard backlighting visibility in some cases.
Best Practices to Keep Your Magic Keyboard Dry
Here are some best practices to avoid liquid damage when using your Magic Keyboard:
- Keep food and beverages away from your workspace
- Never intentionally expose the keyboard to water or liquids
- Close windows during rain or drizzle
- Use a desk spill mat or other protective surface
- Immediately dry hands before use if they are wet
- Avoid working in extremely humid environments
- Use a keyboard cover for protection
- Carry it in a water-resistant case or bag
While the Magic Keyboard is not water resistant, being mindful of your work environment and keeping it protected can go a long way toward preventing liquid damage issues.
What to Do If Your Magic Keyboard Gets Wet
If your Magic Keyboard does get splashed or wet in some way, following these steps can give you the best chance of saving it:
- Immediately unplug the keyboard and turn off Bluetooth connection
- Wipe off any standing liquid from the outer surface
- Shake out excess water from inside through openings
- Place keyboard upside down to drain out liquid
- Leave in dry environment for at least 48 hours
- Check for stuck keys or trackpad before reconnecting
- Consider replacing battery if it got wet
- Use a keyboard cover going forward
The quicker you can remove external liquid and allow internal moisture to fully evaporate, the better chance your keyboard has of being functional afterwards. But full recovery is still unlikely if it takes on significant water.
Conclusion
In summary, the Apple Magic Keyboard is not water resistant or designed to withstand liquid exposure. Spills, splashes, and humidity can all cause anything from minor glitches to complete keyboard failure if moisture reaches the internal components and battery.
Special care should be taken to keep the Magic Keyboard away from liquids, and a protective cover can add a layer of splash protection. But ultimately, the keyboard should never be intentionally exposed to water or submerged. Following best practices and being cautious with liquids near the Magic Keyboard is key to avoiding permanent water damage issues.
