Does anyone have insight on any current advancements in the keyboard industry? Like, I'm sure there must be innovation happening that packs classic mechanisms into a bit thinner, but equally as durable constructions (like the MX Low Profile RGB switch). Surely there must be more promising development happening in the keyboard industry that has a realistic chance to be incorporated in the next Macbook redesign?
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Gen 3 butterfly keyboard
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I don't think keyboard makers are looking to make new mechanisms that are thinner, only apple is obsessed with that and given the issues with the butterfly keyboard, most laptop makers are using traditional keyboard mechanism.
Just look at how well the Lenovo, Dell and Razer have highlighted their keyboards and people tend to like those keyboards (especially Lenovo's).
I mean, I completely agree the thinness obsession is counterproductive. I love my MBP 2015 for its usability (ports, keyboard, overall reliability of a matured design) and it has never once felt too fat or heavy... if I can't carry a laptop in a particular situation, I'm not looking for a slightly thinner laptop at the cost of usability... no, I just use an extra-portable iOS device. I thought that's why iOS devices came to exist in the first place, to substitute in moments where a proper laptop is too cumbersome. Anyway. 
Even if it's just Apple lonely riding the thinness wave, they would still be a big enough customer to warrant some innovation in the keyboard field, no? It should be a lucrative business for the keyboard people (and for Apple to not lose the keyboard-aficionados to Lenovo, Dell and Razer...).
Even if it's just Apple lonely riding the thinness wave, they would still be a big enough customer to warrant some innovation in the keyboard field, no? It should be a lucrative business for the keyboard people (and for Apple to not lose the keyboard-aficionados to Lenovo, Dell and Razer...).
Why? Why would other companies go down that rabbit hole, when they saw apple do that very thing and annoy their customer base?
You agree that thinner is counterproductive and then try to make a point that there's a market for thinner keyboards. Maybe there is, maybe there isn't, but Apple has a lot of negative PR with its butterfly keyboards and I do think other companies are not willing to risk spending millions on a design that is not needed.
Indeed, it's debatable if there is a market for thinner keyboards. What it is certainly not debatable, though, is that there is no market for faulty keyboards.
This is the one that I purchased since it had a lot of good reviews. It looks like it's not made from silicone.
https://www.amazon.com/UPPERCASE-Gh...stcover+premium+ultra+thin+keyboard+protector
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Not sure dust is the only issue but rather there exists a mechanism issue. If it was dust, they wouldn’t have to replace your keyboard, just remove any dust/debris. Even if they couldn’t get to the dust via compressed air, it’s not like they can’t access it by opening the machine - don’t see a need for a full replacement unless one of the key mechanism was actually defective.
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You wouldn’t have to do that to take out dust/debris, that is only if you wanted to actually replace the keyboard (without changing the top case). I’ve seen videos of people DIY repairing individual keys themselves, so no doubt Apple could do it too.
I have repaired / replaced keys in prior keyboards but read it couldn't be done on the current keyboards.
I did a search for those videos but couldn't find one on the butterfly keyboard other than cleaning it with air.
Could you please link those videos.
Hate to tell you this but that is the same keyboard cover I ordered for my 5th 2018 MBP and less than one week in the keyboard failed.
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I can tell you that I have had 6 2018 13" MBP's and all 6 have had repeating keys within 10 days of opening the box. I am currently typing on the 6th. It had 2 days of repeating "e" key and so far not so much repeating, but my writing has been very minimal in the past week or so compared to my recent use.
If you buy one, expect to have an issue. They will repair if the keyboard fails within the fist year. I am guessing with the amount of problems being reported on the 3rd gen butterfly keyboards (2018 MBP and Air's both reporting issues) that they will have to extend their keyboard program to the 2018 (3rd gen keyboards) as well. - https://www.apple.com/support/keyboard-service-program-for-macbook-and-macbook-pro/
If you need a repair you will be without your computer for 4-7 days (from what I have read) as they need to replace the entire top case (bottom half of the computer). If you are asking for my opinion, I would tell you not to drop the $1700 - $3k+ on a machine that will most likely fail. But, as have read, I keep trying - I love everything else about the computer and our entire family is in the Apple ecosystem - I don't know how to get out.
You could buy the 2017 MBP (non-touchbar) and you are 100% in the keyboard program (double check), or you can find mint/like new 2015 MBP online and they have the old workhorse keyboards.
Good luck.
By the way, I can't say if that manager is honest or not, but they do know that there is a problem.
(there are quite a few and with different methods to fix the various issues - I found the double sided tape solution interesting!).
I understand wanting to find a quick fix on your own as to not be without your computer while it is being repaired, but I hope that everyone that has any issue with their keyboard will take it to Apple and force them to repair it. Each topcase repair is something like $600 (what they would charge the customer) and each case is then documented.
Also, those videos will not work with the 2018 - From what I've heard. And, doing any repair on your own could give Apple a reason to refuse your warranty.
I don't advocate DIY fixes, rather was a demonstration on how people do fix individual keys - and what Apple could do if a key or several key's stopped working due to dust, Apple could quite easily lift the keys and vacuum/clean off any dust rather than replacing the whole top case. My theory is that since Apple replace the top case itself, this indicated to me that an issue exists with the mechanism itself (which can't be easily fixed or replaced key by key like a dust issue can). It reminds me of the issue that the Aero 15X has with keyboard chatter.
Yup, and I think this makes the case that this is NOT about dust, but about a total hardware fail!
I have found a way to fix the keyboard issue along with the T-2 problem. I am going to purchase a Lenovo X1 Extreme
i had a 2015 mac which had horrible screen problems such as light bleed and uniformity issues.
love the mac ecosystem and would hate for it to change
he isn't a sales manager but the manager of the repair center, he doesn't sell products
I never believe a sales manager
The T2 issue concerns me more than the keyboard.
what is the T2 issue
More a case of innovation as in a better keyboard, rather than a thinner for an aesthetic that wasn't fully thought out I think.
Q-6
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I have found a way to fix the keyboard issue along with the T-2 problem. I am going to purchase a Lenovo X1 Extreme
Guaranteed to work
Q-6
Not to scare you but have you read this thread ? It documents all the T2 issues MacRumors members have been encountering in the Apple 2018 Macbook Pro.
In all fairness though, Apple updates have seemed to greatly reduce the number of T2 faults although they are still present.
It's only me but I would rather purchase a product with documented failures (keyboard) rather than unknown failures (T2). That's why I recently purchased a 2017 MacBook Pro. It doesn't have a T2 chip but it has the butterfly keyboard (2016-2018) that has been causing problems.