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Early 2011 Model: A1278 / 2.3 GHz i5 or 2.7 GHz i7 processor

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What is this thin black layer under the keyboard, is it important?

When attemprintg to redo the thermal paste on an early 2011 macbook pro 13", I was having great difficulty removing the logic board as it seemed to be stuck on something underneeth it. After much gentle wiggling I finally got it off but have ripped a hole in the thin black material that goes above the logic board and is just underneeth the keyboard. The inside of the hole is still stuck onto the heatsink, so should line back up when reassembling the laptop.

What is this material and what does it do? Does it need to be replaced because I broke it? Can I just tape it back on? Where can I find a replacement part?

Thank you very much for any help :)

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It's not important for the functionality of the Mac. It's there for a few reasons. It's likely used for shielding from electromagnetic interference. But it also serves as a barrier between the keyboard and the interior of the device. At least on newer MacBooks, there is nothing else to prevent liquid or substances from the outside from getting into the Mac through the keyboard.

You could patch it up if you like but it probably won't have an appreciable impact on the way the device operates or it's performance.

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Thank you so much, I really appreciate the info as I couldn't find anything online. Thank you! :)

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@thecheeseguy5 & @flannelist - This sheet is also the keyboard backlight light spreader. There are three LEDs in the string mounted within it. The backlight sheet is the right most cable in the set of three at the bottom.

The backlight sheet can be replaced MacBook Pro 13" Keyboard Backlight Sheet, Sunrex

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You know, I didn't even think about that since that's not the case with any of the Macs I typically work on. I'll be the first to admit, Unibody Macs are not my specific expertise. Still not integral to function, but inconvenient to live without if the LED string was damaged. The back light might be inconsistent in that spot, but otherwise probably fine.

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@flannelist - I just wanted to fill-in this detail. The LEDs are not near the tear. But being severed only interferes with the backlight of some of the keys.

It still will work in this state ✌🏻

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thecheeseguy5 will be eternally grateful.
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