Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Gen 3 butterfly keyboard
- Thread starter Lastgreen
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Why don't they fix the 2017 keyboard? There are obviously a lot of them out there.
I just returned from Apple with my 7th (Or, maybe 8th, I have lost count) 2018 MBP and was told no, they would not be putting the 2019 topcases on any prior year MBP's. I received my last computer (my current one) in Jan and it seemed to work beautifully until May when the E and R keys started to repeat (always starts with the E key), they replaced the topcase on May 19 and yesterday the E and T sttaerted to repeat. So, went back to Apple today where they said they "replaced" the 'E' and 'T' keys (considered the 2nd repair) and as you can see, that didn't do a thing, I knew it wouldn't. So now I will go back for another topcase replacement which will take 24-48 to do. Oh, the joys of owning a MBP.
[doublepost=1559775631][/doublepost]
I was just told today that they would not be putting 2019 topcases on 2018 machines. I also wonder if they are just telling you this - How would one know.
https://www.macrumors.com/guide/butterfly-keyboard-issues/
According to Macrumors, Apple is going to replace 2018 keyboards with 2019 keyboards.
Thanks - It would be so great if Apple could get their sh*t together and make sure that all employees know what the protocol is. I'll be taking this machine in for its 2nd topcase replacement (the first was just days before the 2019 was announced and hope for the best. Needless to say, I have lost all faith that my keyboard will ever be reliable. Sad.
Indeed, I was told the same by apple support and by the Genius Bar at my local apple store.
I've had 6 keyboard failures on my 2018 15" MBP, and currently on my 4th replacement machine due to kb fails. After the 2019s were announced, I sent my MBP in again to get my 7th keyboard, and I can confirm they're using 2019 keyboards in the 2018 MBPs. So far I haven't had any issues with this keyboard, and I will let you all know if there's any issues with the 2019 keyboards. On the AppleCare repair summary, the part number is different compared to the 2018 top cases.
Ouch...let us know how goes. If apple can appease repeat kb repairs, I'd say the issue is more or less fixed.
Just began using the newly setup 2019 MBP and find the keyboard actually quite nice, not too much different but different enough in a good way to say it is an improvement on the keyboard of the 2011 17" MBP I have been and will continue to use. Key depth travel is nice and feels better actually. I think the Touch Bar will be useful as well. The pinch and expand gesture works with a bit more control than the 2011 laptop. Overall, I am surprised as how easy the transfer process was in the setup and -very quick not much more than an hour.
Since the new model has only in the last couple of months been available, it seems too soon to assess the over time reliability of the keyboard. But, as I said, coming from a 2011 MBP, it is an improvement in the feel of use and does not have really an annoying sound, barely even heard.
As i said above, Apple put a 2019 keyboard in my 2018 MBP at the last repair, and I am updating people on the reliability of this updated keyboard. So far I have not had any issues with it, unlike the 2018s which started failing within 4-5 days.
I have had mine for a month. It is fine so far. I cant tell the difference. Note that it took my 2018 keyboard 7 months to get a repeating key but maybe 4 months for the consistency of the keystroke to degrade.
Just curious, but did the part number change with the updated 2019 keyboards compared to the 2018 one? When I got my 2018 15" macbook pro repaired in April the part number for the top case was 605-04109 which can't be found on google at all. However my recent top case repair done on 6/21/19 has the part number 661-10347 which shows up as the 2018 top case.
My 2019's keyboard's part number is 605-05433, while the 2018 part number was 605-04109. I have a 2018 15" silver MBP.
Based on experience, we'll see by the end of the year for sure.
There will definitely be sporadic issues, but if it is really fixed, nowhere near the widespread outcry of the previous versions.
I definitely agree. My local store also refuses to replace my 2018 keyboard by a 2019 keyboard because "the parts and references are different". They're also accusing reliable sources such as Techcrunch of spreading false information. I had a really awful experience last thursday with the genius, and I have another appointment booked for next saturday with the manager & another genius. I will try my best to make them to ask other Apple stores about this protocol because I don't see the point of replacing my 2018 keyboard by the same failed design keyboard while there's articles saying they're willing to do something different. Also would be great if this information appeared on official Apple articles (such as the keyboard program page) and didn't go through third party news outlets.
https://techcrunch.com/2019/05/21/a...owerful-processors-and-yes-updated-keyboards/
"Apple tells me that [...] If you bring a MacBook in with an older third-generation (the one with the membrane) malfunctioning keyboard, it will be replaced with this new fourth revision of the MacBook keyboard. So if you have an Air or a Pro that has issues, it will get the new mechanism. "
You need to call Apple support and speak to a senior advisor. They will know correct info. As the one I spoke to did. Let them inform the store for you and schedule the appointment with the case number.
Use mail in repair if you can. it's decently fast for keyboard repairs, especially as of recent since they've been prioritizing them.
That's shocking.
Surely even Apple must be wondering WTAF is causing this with certain machines while others are working just fine year after year without any failures?
Agreed. I have had zero issues in my 2018. My daughter's company has over 40 15" 2018 MBPs and has had zero keyboard issues. Two systems died, one from water and one from a fall from a balcony.
Maybe good or bad batches, usage patterns, or ???