2021 MacBook Pro 16 keyboard issue

[pshufd]

The +/= key on my 2021 MacBook Pro requires more effort to press than all of the other keys. I suspect that I press this key a lot to zoom in and out.

In general, I use a light tap and the key doesn't register with a light tap. I need to use a slightly heavier tap to get the +/= key to actuate. So I find myself double-checking it when I press it. Or I can just deliberately press it a little harder.

Apple will replace the keyboard for $125 or the battery, top case, trackpad and keyboard for $250. The battery is fine but I will consider replacing the keyboard this year if it bugs me enough. I am not upgrading to the M2 but will consider the M3 if there are enough benefits. 3nm would be a major draw. I do not expect M3 until 2024 though.

I bought this laptop at launch in 2021 so it's about 15 months old. I also use this laptop a lot, and the keyboard far more than I used on my 2015 MacBook Pro which was mostly used with an external keyboard.

 

[VaruLV]

Is it possible with these keyboards to remove single key cap? If it is, maybe you could do just that and see if some slight cleaning or key-port/mechanism and/or keycap re-seating will fix the issue?

 

[Falhófnir]

Have you tried tilting it on its side, or upside down and blowing to see if anything is stuck underneath?

 

[pshufd]

Have you tried tilting it on its side, or upside down and blowing to see if anything is stuck underneath?

I just tried that and it changed the behavior. Pressing on the right side of the key works, pressing on the left doesn't. So it may be something stuck under the key. I need to try some compressed air. It's reasonably usable now.

 

[pshufd]

Is it possible with these keyboards to remove single key cap? If it is, maybe you could do just that and see if some slight cleaning or key-port/mechanism and/or keycap re-seating will fix the issue?

I've only heard horror stories about removing keycaps from Apple keyboards.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Apple will replace the keyboard for $125 or the battery, top case, trackpad and keyboard for $250. The battery is fine but I will consider replacing the keyboard this year if it bugs me enough"

If it bothers you enough to want it replaced, wait a few more months (to get more usage out of the battery), then pay for the $250 option above.

The extra $125 for a brand-spanking-new battery and top case makes it worth it.

 

[pshufd]

I hooked up an early 1980s-era Eureka vacuum cleaner in blower mode (why I keep this thing around) and blew air in and around all the keys and the +/= key is back to normal. So complete success. Something that I'll have to remember the next time this happens. There are holes around the keys on the newer keyboards compared to my old 2015 - I don't think that any particles can get under the keys in those - but those keys are squishy instead of clicky.

 

[TMRJIJ]

I've only heard horror stories about removing keycaps from Apple keyboards.

The 2016 - 2019 Butterfly Keycaps are a nightmare to replace. Scissor keycaps from pre-2016 and 2020+ are very easy to work with.