LAPTOP REPAIR GLOSSARY / MACBOOK
Top Case
The top case is the bottom half of a MacBook — a combined assembly that includes the keyboard, trackpad, palm rest, battery, and speakers. Apple integrates these as a single unit, which is why MacBook keyboard repairs are significantly more expensive than on other laptops.
On most Windows laptops, the keyboard is a standalone module that plugs in and costs $30–60 to replace. On MacBooks, replacing a single failed key often requires replacing the entire top case assembly — because Apple doesn’t sell the components separately.
What’s Included in the Top Case
⌨️
Keyboard🖱️
Trackpad🔋
Battery🔊
Speakers🖐️
Palm RestWhen Is Top Case Replacement Needed?
Dead or sticky keyboard keys — If cleaning doesn’t resolve it, the full top case needs replacing.
Cracked palm rest — Physical damage to the chassis surrounding the keyboard.
Battery replacement on glued models — On some MacBook models (2015+) the battery is glued into the top case, so battery replacement involves partial top case work.
