"f" key suddenly not working unless I push really hard

[rawdawg]

I have a top of the line 2017 MBP running 10.13.6

I was typing very normally and not hitting keys hard at all, just lightly tapping. Suddenly the "f" didn't type, even though I used that key multiple times in the past minute without changing anything.

Now I have to push it rather hard and deliberately in order or it to respond!? I know this type o keyboard is newer to the MBP lineup. I restarted the computer but my "f" is still not working, until I hit it hard.

Has anyone encountered this? So annoying.

 

[satinsilverem2]

https://www.apple.com/support/keyboard-service-program-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/

 

[SDColorado]

I have a top of the line 2017 MBP running 10.13.6

I was typing very normally and not hitting keys hard at all, just lightly tapping. Suddenly the "f" didn't type, even though I used that key multiple times in the past minute without changing anything.

Now I have to push it rather hard and deliberately in order or it to respond!? I know this type o keyboard is newer to the MBP lineup. I restarted the computer but my "f" is still not working, until I hit it hard.

Has anyone encountered this? So annoying.

I had that issue with my “e” key last night. After “hitting it hard several times it began working again and hasn’t been an issue since. Hoping it was just a “one off.”

 

[ssmed]

If you have a can of compressed air you are likely to be able to improve this

 

[revmacian]

https://www.apple.com/support/keyboard-service-program-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/

I feel the single most important line in that document is:
"Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider will service eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge."

 

[internetrando]

Keyboard failures happen, particularly for the 2016-2017 models.

Send it off to Apple for a replacement if smacking it around doesn’t help at all. They have a repair and replacement program in place.

 

[maflynn]

Has anyone encountered this? So annoying.

Yes many people using the 2016, 17 and 18 MacBook Pros are dealing with keyboard failures. There's a repair program as noted.

Good luck on getting it repaired.

 

[SDColorado]

If you have a can of compressed air you are likely to be able to improve this

I am not sure how well compressed air does work for the 2018 silicon condom models

 

[SDColorado]

Yes many people using the 2016, 17 and 18 MacBook Pros are dealing with keyboard failures. There's a repair program as noted.

Good luck on getting it repaired.

It’s not even so much the luck as it it the downtime that’s a concern. I am sure Apple will fix it, but it’s likely to be out of service for awhile as they do.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Oh man, that's a bummer. What if you need to pay respect and the F key isn't working?

 

[Never mind]

I have a top of the line 2017 MBP running 10.13.6

I was typing very normally and not hitting keys hard at all, just lightly tapping. Suddenly the "f" didn't type, even though I used that key multiple times in the past minute without changing anything.

Now I have to push it rather hard and deliberately in order or it to respond!? I know this type o keyboard is newer to the MBP lineup. I restarted the computer but my "f" is still not working, until I hit it hard.

Has anyone encountered this? So annoying.

I’m assuming you haven’t read the 65 page thread on this issue. In your free time you may want to look at it .

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/gen-3-butterfly-keyboard.2127111/

 

[rawdawg]

wow!! Thanks for all the replies!! Funny thing is, it's working now. All I did was put in a backpack for a couple of hours (and walked about a mile).

Fffff.ffff.fff . No problem. Welp! There you go...

 

[GtrDude]

Hmm.......new keyboard not working.
Interesting.
Haven't heard of this.
But does it look cool and are the corners lined up perfectly and does it do 500 nits?
If you answered yes to any of these don't worry about the keyboard.
Function is not the point of these machines.

Typed on a super trusty and fully functioning 2014 MB Air.

 

[ssmed]

I am not sure how well compressed air does work for the 2018 silicon condom models

The OP has a 2017. It does improve the one here and saves making a trip to the store for exactly that to happen. Working in a less than perfect environment - having a cat for instance means that it is sometimes just physical obstruction of a small floaty hair.

We have never had we had Macs that do this before and my business associate has had a new keyboard after a few months (which appeared to be mechanical failure) and I have reverted to leaving the 2017 pro at home (we both do work in dusty environments) and I am using an older machine out and about. You can't use a silicone cover on them at all easily (unless you use sellotape - yuk) as they just slip off as the keys are so flush.

 

[maflynn]

wow!! Thanks for all the replies!! Funny thing is, it's working now. All I did was put in a backpack for a couple of hours (and walked about a mile).

Fffff.ffff.fff . No problem. Welp! There you go...

What may have occurred is the jarring/vibration of traveling with the laptop in the bag caused the debris to work free. The problem still exists in one sense, the design of the butterfly keyboard has some inherent weaknesses built into the keyboard. I'm glad that the keyboard is functioning, as it would no doubt be an imposition to send the laptop in for repair for a week or two.

 

[DennisdeWit]

wow!! Thanks for all the replies!! Funny thing is, it's working now. All I did was put in a backpack for a couple of hours (and walked about a mile).

Fffff.ffff.fff . No problem. Welp! There you go...

I am a real expert regarding this matter. I had the 2016, 2017 and now have the 2018 model (that works fine).

Once one key shows this problem, rest assured some other keys near the f key also will start having the same issue, even when you thought all is ok now.

You would need to have your topcase replaced. I have had 4 topcase replacements over the years. The most common symptom indeed is that you’ll have to press the keys really hard.