I posted this on another thread but felt it was appropriate here, as well. I went into the Apple store today to pick up a birthday gift for my wife. I decided to try out the new keyboard on the 16" MBP a second time; I gave it a try a few days ago, as well. Oddly enough, I don't prefer it to the butterfly keyboard, and I really hate the butterfly keyboard. This could be because I'm simply used to the butterfly design at this point, even though I detest it. Perhaps I would need a week or so to get used to the 16" MBP keyboard, but after the two times that I've tried using it, I believe it's a lateral move and not a step forward. Where I do think it's actually a step forward is how it gives me confidence that I'm typing the keys that I intend to type. I feel that the new keyboard design is better in that regard, though not perfect. By touch, I do notice that it has more key travel than the butterfly design but it doesn't feel satisfying to me, for some strange reason.
When I think about my ideal keyboard, I think I'm longing for the 2015 scissor switch design - taller, smaller sized keys with more spacing in between them. While I don't get to type on the older keyboards very often, when I do I feel at home. They definitely feel pillowy, too pillowy, but I think the formula was a great package, all around. It wasn't Lenovo great but as good as Apple has designed in recent history.
When I listened to Apple's rationale about returning to the magic keyboard because customers "love it", I couldn't help but think, "Really? They do? I don't!". I never, ever did enjoy it. I suppose I'm in the minority, but I'm interested to see if you all agree/disagree.
Part of me is happy that I don't love the new keyboard because I can save some money and use my 2018 model until it dies, but another part of me is wondering what I'll do 4 years from now when I'm looking to upgrade. Will Apple have a refined magic keyboard that I'll love? Will Apple desktopify iPad OS with trackpad support and actually build a fantastic, lapable keyboard? Who knows. Still, I can't imagine that I'm the only one who is feeling a bit lost and uncertain about the future of Apple's keyboards and laptops.
