The Magic Keyboard has no issues (aside from the version with numeric keypad bending under normal use), and is a much nicer keyboard. I'd be thrilled if the portables got that keyboard instead.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Additional Details About Apple's New MacBook and MacBook Pro Keyboard Service Program
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I am sure this is not a permanent fix, however I've been using this keyboard protector from the very first day and haven't had any issues with my MacBook Pro so far: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711RWXFM/
It certainly prevents dust particles from getting beneath the keys. I do use keyboard covers because I hate the keys turning all bright and greasy over time. You barely feel it's there.
It certainly prevents dust particles from getting beneath the keys. I do use keyboard covers because I hate the keys turning all bright and greasy over time. You barely feel it's there.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
They way I read the ifixit article, in 2017 the MacBook received the second generation keyboard, which was slightly altered from the one fitted to the MBP 2016, as did the 2017 MBP. I am sure I have read elsewhere that there a slight difference in the design. -
- The keyboard trigger looks like a more classic switch this go-around. The plastic butterfly mechanism appears to have thinned out to accommodate the new switch form factor. The keystroke and travel feel about the same to us, so perhaps the real change is reinforcement for repeated use.
And remember whatever happens... after four years you're on your own!
If you can't afford to pay 600 dollars to replace your keyboard cause the G key is stuck you can always use an external keyboard.
-A guy currently using his 2013 MBP as his main work machine.
If you can't afford to pay 600 dollars to replace your keyboard cause the G key is stuck you can always use an external keyboard.
-A guy currently using his 2013 MBP as his main work machine.
Last edited:
The meaning seems pretty clear to me.
"The only real change, beyond fan coloration, seems to address the lackluster keyboard action from last year’s MacBook. Users now inherit the more-responsive, second-gen butterfly key switches already found in last year’s MacBook Pro with Touch Bar."
Especially in light of ifixit's own CEO's comments.
The 2017 MB (and MBP) got the 2016 MPB keyboard, which itself was a 2nd-gen MB butterfly keyboard, revised from the previous MB.
I've had scissor mechanism keyboards for desktops both at work and at home that had some of the same issues described in this repair program...so the idea that the butterfly design itself is what causes them is not really true.
[doublepost=1529943382][/doublepost]
Yeah, the MBP has never had anything but the 2nd gen butterfly mechanism. Only the MB had the 1st gen.
[doublepost=1529943382][/doublepost]
Yeah, the MBP has never had anything but the 2nd gen butterfly mechanism. Only the MB had the 1st gen.
When to two Apple stores but the employees have no idea what revision of the keyboard is used for the replacement. I find it hard to believe. There should be serial and part numbers in the replacement kits to indicate the rev number. Is Apple trying to hide something?
I know I am the minority, but besides this issue, this keyboard is my absolute favorite out of any.
I was told that even though I don’t have Apple Care, though I am almost expired in the one year hardware coverage, that if the issue arises again at any time Apple will repair my machine an unlimited number of times. I hope it doesn’t require service again though!
I was told that even though I don’t have Apple Care, though I am almost expired in the one year hardware coverage, that if the issue arises again at any time Apple will repair my machine an unlimited number of times. I hope it doesn’t require service again though!
Frankly this should go to a court of law and Apple should be compelled to replace the entire notebook, every single one. For many having a second Mac laying about "just incase" is very far from practical, as is loosing their primary computing device for 5-7 days, only to install the same defective design of keyboard with potential for further failure.
Before the "die hard's" jump in, as a professional I personally have multiple systems and multiple backup systems. A position that the vast majority of Apple's customers are unlikely to be in...
Q-6
My 2016 15" MBP, in addition to 'p' and <delete> key double-striking, now has an enlarged battery! The bottom cover is seriously bowed out. Going to AS Thursday. Hope for a faster than 5 business day turnaround as it is my main business computer, aside from my trusty 2011 MacAir.
There's no way they can legally/safely send that to the depot for repair. It will need servicing in store. Hopefully they can speed things up!
They do not do loaners unless you have a business account. They are perfectly ok with you buying a laptop to use for the wait time and then returning it. I have had to do this multiple times and made it perfectly clear that is what I was doing.
As someone who uses my laptop for work, I cannot even go one day without it. I usually buy a maxed out 15" to use for ~1 week. They actually encourage me to return it to a different store so they still get the sale.
The fact Apple is seemingly avoiding the question over whether or not there is a new keyboard component they’re now using for these replacements suggests there is not, and Apple is replacing a faulty keyboard with just another potentially faulty keyboard.
If that is the case, I hope this back fires on them!
If that is the case, I hope this back fires on them!
Kudos to Apple for doing this. Keyboards are the most advanced part of any computer so when problems like this occur we should applaud them for taking up the mantle so quickly and efficiently.
My local Apple Store sent my 2014 MacBook Pro with an expanded battery from Atlanta to the service depot in Houston last year. My machine didn’t sit flat on a surface any longer because the case was bowed out so severely. The guy at the Genius Bar told me that mailing it to the depot was a much better alternative to having them order the parts and do the repair in-store since I’d get my machine back faster if the depot did it. He was right — I had it back within three days (with Saturday delivery, to boot).
When is Apple going to release a program to replace their computer designers??????
Please replace TC as well. Fire the ones who proposed and get involved in the design of that butterfly keyboard too.
No, the magic keyboard does not suffer from any of these problems, as the magic keyboard has the older butterfly switches.
Man, that is a horrible business model. They should definitely have loaners. Especially if they are going to perpetually be swapping out these keyboards.
Has Apple actually fixed the keyboard problem or are they just buying time until the next failure?
Has Apple actually fixed the keyboard problem or are they just buying time until the next failure?
Yeah, that iFixit blog post is strange. Even though the bullet points are prefaced with "Retina MacBook 2017 and MacBook Pro 2017 Teardown Highlights," my impression is that the keyboard details only relate to the 2017 12-inch MacBook (second-generation butterfly, just like both the 2016+2017 MacBook Pro) vs. 2016 12-inch MacBook (first-generation butterfly).