Macbook Pro Homemade Backspace Key

Well, about four months ago I spilled beer on my Macbook Pro keyboard, ruining it. Thankfully only the keyboard was affected.I used the computer with an external keyboard for about three months . I eventually picked up another keyboard from eBay for $90 (including shipping). But, of course, something had to go wrong during installation. I had to slightly bend the keyboard to install it and in the process my backspace key popped off, scissor assembly and all. In the midst of all of this I was moving into a new apartment. So I eventually ended up losing the key and scissor assembly. The raised rubber contact was still in place though so, despite how uncomfortable it was to use, I did anyways. Not wanting to spend anymore money I just decided to make something that would work and could be replaced, because anything is better than nothing at all. This is also my first instructable so thanks for reading!

I didn't want to use regular cardboard because it didn't sit flush with the other keys on the keyboard so I used some cardboard from a Domino's box (I love cinnamon sticks...mmmm). Just make sure what you use is pretty stiff.

Just cut out a rectangular piece piece of cardboard. Then trim it until it fits nicely in the backspace key space.

Now just take a piece of duct tape and cover one side and fold the edges over.

All I have done here is taken small strips of cardboard and glued them on all four sides. Be sure that your cardboard pieces aren't in the way of the small metal mounting brackets for the scissor mechanism. The small rubber piece that pushed the two contacts together eventually got pulled off so what I did was took a very small strip of duct tape and cut it into tiny little squares. I kept adding more and more and tested the key every couple of pieces. Once it feels right to you, you're done!

The only thing left to do is line the key up and put it in. You can put a drop of glue of each little cardboard strip. Just be sure when you press it down it doesn't stay down. Keep in mind this is only a temporary fix. It could last one day or forever. Thank you for reading and let me know if you have any suggestions. -edt