Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Comparing 16" mbp keyboards

A

applesed

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jun 25, 2012
533
340
a space grey 32/2tb in store configuration, vs. silver maxed out BTO except 4tb

I noticed that the keys on the space grey are less resistence, and more "give". perception of less travel to bottom.
Compared to the silver BTO, more resistance, feels like more travel.
It feels like the space grey one is closer to the previous generation, and it was purchased closer to release (by two weeks), but definitely is the scissor model.

Not sure which I like better, the silver does require a little more effort, but maybe doesn't bottom out the same way.

Any similar observations comparing 16" mbps?
 
This is called variance or tolerances in productions. I had 2 of the gray BTOs and the keyboards both have a lot more travel, but one of the machines you cold see the backlights under the keys at the edges differed greatly because the keys weren't all level on one of the machines.

Short answer, this is how stringent apple control is, has nothing to do with the item you got. Simply who and where it was made. They are about volume, not consistency. Tim Cook's Apple.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Passingby, AustinIllini and ascender
Now i am testing on a silver 32/tb BTO, and it definitely is not as hard to press down, as the silver in the first comparison. so i guess that one is a slight anamoly. don't think it's a flaw it's just different.
 
Anyone else notice this?

And while the one feels a tad more stiff, the other is a bit less stiff and easier to type on, however, some keys on the right side are looser (jiggle when I tap lightly) than keys on the left side, which are more similar to the other, stiffer keyboard.

Is this variability "correctable" by replacing the keycaps? (down the line, since it's not an immediate issue.)
 
There definitely are tangible sound and feeling differences between models of 16".

I purchased 2 differently spec'd 16"s.
One has a key click that's deeper in tone, or it's more muted somehow. To me (I touch type 124 wpm) it feels better too.
The other has a higher tone, and feels slightly less good to type on.
But I like them both a lot.
 
There are different keyboard manufacturers, so it’s not impossible to have slight variance between different units. I doubt it has anything to do with color or config. Also, keyboard characteristics will change slightly as it is used - there is a certain “break in” period. Call it individual flair if you want.
 
MareLuce said:
There definitely are tangible sound and feeling differences between models of 16".

I purchased 2 differently spec'd 16"s.
One has a key click that's deeper in tone, or it's more muted somehow. To me (I touch type 124 wpm) it feels better too.
The other has a higher tone, and feels slightly less good to type on.
But I like them both a lot.
Click to expand...

But this was about sound, not about how hard you press to press down a key?
[automerge]1576855794[/automerge]
leman said:
There are different keyboard manufacturers, so it’s not impossible to have slight variance between different units. I doubt it has anything to do with color or config. Also, keyboard characteristics will change slightly as it is used - there is a certain “break in” period. Call it individual flair if you want.
Click to expand...

Oh you really think “stiffer” keyboard keys may loosen up over time? That’s interesting, not sure about that though.
 
MareLuce said:
Both.
Click to expand...

might be similar to my situation then.

one is stiffer, deeper press, less noisy, more solid.
another is a quicker press, noiser, every so jiggly, and need to press lighter or hurts fingers like the butterfly.

not sure which I like better yet, trying out the second now, somewhat easier to type.
 
Make sure to get a color identifier and let us know about the variance in shade of the space gray.
 
vemac575 said:
Make sure to get a color identifier and let us know about the variance in shade of the space gray.
Click to expand...

The firmer, less sound keys were on a silver; the "quicker", less resistance variety was found on silver and space grey, they were similar.
 
applesed said:
one is stiffer, deeper press, less noisy, more solid.
another is a quicker press, noiser, every so jiggly, and need to press lighter or hurts fingers like the butterfly.
Click to expand...
Yep.

Which models are your 2?

Using your words that apply to my perception of the 2 different MBP 16" models:
- One is less noisy, more solid
- One is more noisy, slightly jiggly, and could press lighter

This reminds me of when I learned when I analyzed purchasing data for a major restaurant chain....

Let's pretend the product is fried shrimp.
Restaurant chain needs a second vendor because current vendor while great can't supply enough.
To evaluate a second shrimp vendor, you are invited to a taste test.
Test:
1) Eat 4 fried shrimp from Plate A = Current Vendor.
2) Eat 4 fried shrimp from Plate B = Proposed vendor.
(and a control plate...)

Goal of the taste test is not to determine which vendor's shrimp you prefer.
Goal of the taste test is simply to determine whether or not you can tell a difference between Current Vendor and Proposed Vendor's shrimp.

Based on an anecdotal # of data points:
Either the keyboard vendor(s) or variation in the manufacturing process is creating a noticeable variation in keyboard usage experience with the MBP 16".
 
Last edited:
more solid - 64gb/4tb/8gb vid/silver
easier press - 32gb/2tb/8gb vid/silver and sg
 
Mine:

more solid feeling and quieter - 32 GB / 1 TB / space gray
louder and lighter press - 64 GB / 4 TB / space gray
 
Sounds like the configuration is irrelevant, based on this sample size.

I think the lighter press one is what was intended, based on what I've tested, only one like the more solid version.

Although they both require some effort to press, I think the keys being further apart make that more noticeable, and that inches me more towards the lighter press.

As to the loudness, that might be just in comparison to the anomalous one (i.e., without the contrast you don't notice it)? And less noticeable if you learn to strike it lighter due to the lighter press...I don't know.
 
Would love to see the optical switch keyboards used in the Razer Blade refresh. That could become standard everywhere in 2020. Less moving parts inside that can break.

The best laptop keyboard I tried is the Alienware m15 R2. Linus Tech Tips also said it is the best out there.
 
anyone else notice that the 16" with the 5600m graphics has a stiffer/more resistance type keyboard?
 
I noticed the differences when I compared 2020 13” models. Definitely prefer the less loose board.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back