Chosen Solution
How difficult is it to replace just the keyboard? (I see that several folks sell them)
You have to replace the whole upper case, here’s the part: MacBook Pro 13" Unibody (Mid 2009-Mid 2010) Upper Case For installation instructions go to the More information on the parts page and click the link to Step-by-step installation instructions. This is listed as a dificult installation.
I’m doing it now, will update on how it goes. Update Mayer, no I can’t find a part number on my keyboard, I saw one on the backlight 815-9996. On the keyboard I see the word “TOP” on the plastic circuitry & I saw some numbers but the were unreadable thought the circuit lines. Just search ebay they should have the correct models labeled with years & sometimes model numbers.
The keyboard is attached to the topcase with 40+ supertiny screws. Of corse you will have to remove the logicboard, optical drive and the middle bracket to get there. No need to remove the battery. After a liquid spill there are often issues with the keyboard backlight, though. Only a thorough clean, especially of the sides of the six LEDs and the “reflective plate” can remedy that.
