Another one bites the dust . . . Keyboard, that is.

[Naimfan]

Keyboard on a 2016 15" MBP, that is.

After less than a month, the 2016 2 TB I bought started repeating the "b" and "n" keys. Off to depot to replace the top case. I requested a replacement if the top case replacement fails; we shall see. The Apple representative was rueful and noted that it's a common problem.

Every single 2016 I've purchased has had the keyboard fail, so it's impossible to recommend a 2016 model (all of mine have been 15" versions). It seems that heat is the culprit - the representative today asked if I'd even used it, as it looks brand new.

The good news is that the replacement 2017 I received is still working properly, even after sustained periods of work that did in the 2016 versions. Knock on wood, cross fingers, etc.

 

[FrozenDarkness]

I was in the same boat. My 2017 replacement is doing well so far, but I bought applecare just in case. It's unfortunate but I don't want to pay $700 out of warranty just to fix theri stupid keyboard.

 

[senttoschool]

Mine stopped working on the second day. I returned it for the 2015 version. I couldn't bare with the possibility of a failing keyboard when I'm traveling or when I need to get work done.

 

[alexballvideos]

Had my 2016 repaired twice. Replaced with 2017 unit in July, still going well, occasionally on a humid hot day some keys get slightly louder. But nothing like before and no issues with excessive typos. 2017 ftw

 

[maflynn]

It's unfortunate but I don't want to pay $700 out of warranty just to fix theri stupid keyboard.

The concern though is what happens to on year 3 plus 1 day. Hopefully the repairs that occurred will be permanent.

 

[lambertjohn]

Mine stopped working on the second day. I returned it for the 2015 version. I couldn't bare with the possibility of a failing keyboard when I'm traveling or when I need to get work done.

Love my 2015. I beat away on the keyboard without a single fear of it failing. And that's the way the Apple experience should be. It should, "Just Work."

 

[mickey.smith1958]

Love my 2015. I beat away on the keyboard without a single fear of it failing. And that's the way the Apple experience should be. It should, "Just Work."

I, too, am glad I bought a 2015. I bought it in 2016 with a student discount. I mostly thought at the time that for my first Mac I wanted the logo lighted top which is not available on newer models. But, sounds like there are other issues with the newer ones that keep my 2015 as a better choice, for me anyway.

 

[mj_]

The Apple representative was rueful and noted that it's a common problem.

Funny... everytime I call them about my failing keyboard they claim this is the first time they have *EVER* heard about a 2016 keyboard gone bad. Every. Single.Time.

And I'm currently on my 3rd repair in 8 months - first time they put in another 2016 keyboard, second time they didn't even bother to replace the top case but simply "reseated some keys" and ran the Apple hardware test afterwards to make sure the problem was solved (yeah... right). Needless to say that it did not solve the problem at all, so it's going back for a third time now.

But since I can't rely on an unreliable piece of technology for my livelyhood I've purchased a 2015 model last week and will will now get rid of this 2016 PoS as quickly as possible.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The concern though is what happens to on year 3 plus 1 day. Hopefully the repairs that occurred will be permanent.

I'm sure the repair itself will be permanent...
..Whether it actually fixes the issue permanently however...
[doublepost=1514136732][/doublepost]

Love my 2015. I beat away on the keyboard without a single fear of it failing. And that's the way the Apple experience should be. It should, "Just Work."

I'm with you...
It's frustrating that the new ones have backed the poor users into living in a state of "failure fear" and essentially necessitating extended AppleCare (I'm $ure Apple doe$n't mind).

Purchasing AppleCare used to be a measured decision, not a requirement.

 

[Queen6]

I'm with you...
It's frustrating that the new ones have backed the poor users into living in a state of "failure fear" and essentially necessitating extended AppleCare (I'm $ure Apple doe$n't mind).

Purchasing AppleCare used to be a measured decision, not a requirement.

Sadly yes. Apple needs to put it's money where it's mouth is; AppleCare Plus should be a optional buy in, the 3 years warranty a default, equally this is Apple who's too cheap to even include a basic USB adaptor with a $3K notebook, or own up to it's poor design decisions that impact it's customers...

Q-6

 

[smirking]

My 2016's keyboard is starting to run into occasional repeats with a few keys. So far the repeats are just episodic. After a while they stop repeating. I hope it doesn't progress into being the full blown issue that you're having... but hey if they end up replacing mine with a 2017, I wouldn't complain!

 

[creativesmith]

When your laptop's keyboard raises your blood pressure—yikes! Something's very wrong.

This keyboard, the one on our 2016 MBP, is both terrific and absolutely, unremittingly horrible. I adore typing on it, love the feel and the sound. It's the best laptop keyboard I've ever used… right up until it breaks. Which, of course, it has. And believe me, please believe me, I'm not a ham-fisted gorilla who flattens keycaps.

Sadly, our MBP has traveled back to Apple for repairs several times, and for myriad issues: stuck keyboard, loose batteries, dysfunctional fans, inoperative ports, and more. I swear to you all, I will never—NEVER, EVER—buy another MBP, at least not until there's proof, if such is even possible, that engineering and QC have improved.

Fool me once, as they say, shame on me. Fool me twice and… hey, look, I'm no longer your customer!

I'm not a devotee. I'm a writer. I have no brand loyalty. I just want a machine that doesn't break... and break… and...

That said, Apple support has been reasonably responsive; but not enough to recapture my heart by replacing this lemon with something sweeter.

My advice: use a Moshi (or name your favorite brand) keyboard cover. Helps prevent crud from sliding into that delicate scissor mechanism. And micro-crud seems to be the culprit that renders this machines useless.

 

[Fishrrman]

Welcome to... KeyGate™ (sigh)