Conclusion of Keyboard Issue (MacBook Pro with Touch Bar)

[JustTryToHelp]

I've been had this issue since last year, I write down my conclusion about this issue.
I tested 10 different 15' 2016 model, and 2 different 2017 15' Model.
I personally had a connection with Engineer Team through Agency in Apple.
This thread is for helping people who are struggling with this issue.
I'll offer the information what customers can do and what Apple will not do.

1. Reason of this issue
- Thin Plastic Layer under the Keycap (Easily can be damaged by "heat", and "orders" with other parts)

- Apple described this issue as "Inconsistency."

- Reference
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-clicking-sound.2022399/page-30#post-24485417

https://forums.macrumors.com/attachments/butterfly-jpg.708088/



2. 2016 13' & 15' Model
- Both models have "a potential defect with high probability."

1) Solution
"Adding thin layer (it could be a shim or tape)" will prevent the noise.

2) Service that Apple will offers
Setup the Shim under the keycap.

3) Service that Apple won't offer
Revision of whole 2016 models



3. 2017 15' Model
- Minor Keyboard Revision has been Confirmed.
This revision prevents the high-pitched noise; however, the issue is not solved completely.
Sensitive people will recognize the similar noise, but dull.
I was able to confirm the dull sound (occurring by same reason).

1) Service that Apple won't offer
Redesign the whole keyboard.

- Reference
https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-clicking-sound.2022399/page-42#post-24723569

https://forums.macrumors.com/thread...-clicking-sound.2022399/page-42#post-24724141



4. 2017 13' Model
Unconfirmed yet; however, many issues have been reported in the Forum.
I guess Apple didn't have a revision in 13' model unlike 15' Model.



PS.
This issue is different with "Popping Noise Issue."
My 1st language is not English.

 

[rwstgermain]

Just had service done on my 2016 model under apple care because the spacebar no longer went down on the bottom right side and the enter key lost feeling. According to the sheet of paper sent back with my laptop they replaced the whole bottom part. Only thing not replaced was the screen. Wonder if they used a 2016 keyboard of 2017. Regardless the problem is fixed for now.

 

[Appleaker]

I remember when people were passionately claiming that there was no change to the keyboard in 2017, despite those of us that had tried it saying there was. Personally trying it out in various stores, I didn't hear the high pitched noise which was very refreshing, along with the very consistant, better feel. From my experience, the revision is present on all keyboard. Hopefully they continue to improve with the next generation, given that there seems to still be a few small issues with it.

 

[PBz]

I truly hoped this is solved with the 2017 13". One on the way now.

 

[hamiltonDSi]

Just had service done on my 2016 model under apple care because the spacebar no longer went down on the bottom right side and the enter key lost feeling. According to the sheet of paper sent back with my laptop they replaced the whole bottom part. Only thing not replaced was the screen. Wonder if they used a 2016 keyboard of 2017. Regardless the problem is fixed for now.

Most likely 2017.

Just got my 2016 15" back from Apple with a 2017 keyboard.

 

[clg82]

Most likely 2017.

Just got my 2016 15" back from Apple with a 2017" keyboard.

how can you tell the difference between the 2 keyboards just by looking at it? I just got a late 2016 MBP (purchased refurbished) and was just curious if they had replaced the keyboard during the inspection process of being refurbished....

 

[hamiltonDSi]

how can you tell the difference between the 2 keyboards just by looking at it? I just got a late 2016 MBP (purchased refurbished) and was just curious if they had replaced the keyboard during the inspection process of being refurbished....

The option and control keys have different designs.

 

[clg82]

The option and control keys have different designs.

I had heard that somewhere, any pictures of what changed in each?

 

[hamiltonDSi]

I had heard that somewhere, any pictures of what changed in each?

Yeah.

In the first picture is a standard 2016 keyboard and in the second one is my 2016 model with the new keyboard. Please note the 'about this mac' window in the background showing it's a 2016 one.

The keys 'option' and 'control' now have icons above instead of text.

 

[tinnyms3]

If this is true, then certain 2016s have the new keyboards from the factory. The keyboard on my 2016 15" I just bought new has the icon keys and feel the same as the 2017 ones I tried at the store right before buying. Fwiw couple of lookup tools says mine was built in Sep-Oct 2017, so my guess is that at certain point, 2016s started being assembled with the new keyboard.

 

[clg82]

If this is true, then certain 2016s have the new keyboards from the factory. The keyboard on my 2016 15" I just bought new has the icon keys and feel the same as the 2017 ones I tried at the store right before buying. Fwiw couple of lookup tools says mine was built in Sep-Oct 2017, so my guess is that at certain point, 2016s started being assembled with the new keyboard.

you don't say....(rofl)

 

[djnigelchung]

If I have a brand new 2017 laptop, how long would you say until I start noticing a problem (if any).

Thanks!