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You may want to re-read the article. Apple has not said anything, and what you attribute to Apple are inferences drawn by third parties. The changes may be to make the keyboard quieter, improve how the keys operate, or both.

What Apple stated is that the keyboard in the 2018 MacBooks is quieter. iFixIt drew the inference that the membrane was a "side effect" of what it thinks is a fix for the alleged defect. Apple has not said what the membrane is for.

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-says-new-macbook-pro-keyboard-wont-fix-sticky-key-issue/

I read the article. But, I also read this one that directly cited Apple regarding the 3rd gen keyboard.

"Sadly, while the new 2018 MacBook Pro does have an updated third-generation keyboard, Apple tells CNET it doesn't include any new engineering or tweaks to address the sticky key issue."
 
Aye! My first experience of Mac OS X was on my own custom built Hack! :D So much so that I became a contributing member of Insanely Mac.
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You overestimate the mindset of the whiner.
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No one asked about the longevity of the membranes used in membrane-based keyboard. I should think the silicone will last for as long as you will respectably use the laptop. 3 years can be covered by AppleCare, and if they screw it up again, there will be a replacement program again.

I bought my 2016 when it came out in November. In 2018 they insure it for up to 4 years since purchase, meaning November 2020 in my case. So, 4 years out of a reasonable average of 5 are covered.

Nothing to worry. :D

Exactly my point! No one asked about the longevity of the membranes used in membrane-based keyboard until the observation of the poster I first replied to. Also what do you mean by "respectably use the laptop" (by which I think you mean respectfully). Your respectful use of the laptop might differ to another's respectful use of the laptop. I'm pleased though you are so confident in Apple's commitment to continue solving future problems with the keyboard if this continues to be the case. :)
 
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My original November 2016 keyboard had this issue with the up arrow key. Pressing in the centre was unreliable!

I have had a replacement in May 2018, according to battery info this is December 2017, and the key press registers in the centre but not when pressed in the corners.

So, when they replace the keyboard they change battery and upper case too, right?
 
I have been very critical of Apple with respect to these keyboard issues. So, in fairness, I want to give them credit for making a change to the design that will hopefully solve the problem. I know we can not definitely state that the redesign was done to solve keyboard failures.....but, with a quality program underway and the potential cost of doing 4 years of replacements.......I think it is a safe bet that Apple instituted the program knowing they had a fix in the works.
 
After viewing the iFixit picture it appears that the silicone shield is open at the top. I wonder what happens if a crumb gets into the interior of the shield. I suspect that it would be impossible to vac or blow out. I have already had one replaced keyboard on a 2017 MBP. At these prices I will think twice about buying again.
Reading the patent, pressing the key creates a puff of air that blows the particles out from the mechanism. Apple has certainly been testing the improved keyboard for months or years, and they think it’s an improvement. Time will tell though.
 
I have been very critical of Apple with respect to these keyboard issues. So, in fairness, I want to give them credit for making a change to the design that will hopefully solve the problem. I know we can not definitely state that the redesign was done to solve keyboard failures.....but, with a quality program underway and the potential cost of doing 4 years of replacements.......I think it is a safe bet that Apple instituted the program knowing they had a fix in the works.

Yes, they deserve credit for trying to solve the problem, but for those of us who bought last year's or the year before Macs we're stuck with a crappy, problematic keyboard.

What I don't understand is why Apple stays married to the butterfly key design and doesn't use the type of keys everybody else does. When they came out with the butterfly keys Apple said they had to go to that design because the Macs were thinner. The problem with that statement is that there are thinner Windows laptops that still use traditional keys.
 
https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-says-new-macbook-pro-keyboard-wont-fix-sticky-key-issue/

I read the article. But, I also read this one that directly cited Apple regarding the 3rd gen keyboard.

"Sadly, while the new 2018 MacBook Pro does have an updated third-generation keyboard, Apple tells CNET it doesn't include any new engineering or tweaks to address the sticky key issue."
Saying otherwise would entail admitting a design flaw at the same time they are being sued...for a design flaw.
 
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Also go on youtube and check apple insiders review and the compared benchmarks. Absolutely amazing!!
You’re right, and that’s the 13”. I’ll be grabbing the base 15”. It looks like the stores here have them in stock today, so I’ll go grab it on the way home tomorrow morning.
 
https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-says-new-macbook-pro-keyboard-wont-fix-sticky-key-issue/

I read the article. But, I also read this one that directly cited Apple regarding the 3rd gen keyboard.

"Sadly, while the new 2018 MacBook Pro does have an updated third-generation keyboard, Apple tells CNET it doesn't include any new engineering or tweaks to address the sticky key issue."
One rep from Apple, especially if from the PR department, may not be particularly well-informed.

Two things are true: the keys are quieter, and Apple has also implemented a patented design that should reduce particles getting into the key mechanism.
 
I think it's quite clear that Apple did attempt to address the reported issues with its keyboard redesign. However, Apple's silence on this issue is because of marketing reasons (not wanting the *public* to think the prior issue was bigger than it is (or, depending on your perspective, as big as it is), not because of the litigation. There are two reasons for this. First, the class action suits are already underway, which means that Apple's internal discussions on this may at some point be discoverable. If there was internal discussion of fixing the keyboard issue, plaintiffs would get that regardless of Apple's public posture. Second, subsequent remedial measures are inadmissible to prove a design defect. Here is the relevant federal rule:

Federal Rules of Evidence, No. 407: When measures are taken that would have made an earlier injury or harm less likely to occur, evidence of the subsequent measures is not admissible to prove: negligence; culpable conduct; a defect in a product or its design . . . .
 
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Reading the patent, pressing the key creates a puff of air that blows the particles out from the mechanism. Apple has certainly been testing the improved keyboard for months or years, and they think it’s an improvement. Time will tell though.

Testing for years? Like the 2015/16/17 keyboards? :)

I agree with those who say this fix probably helps - but if something does get lodged, it'll be worse to get out.

Hope there's more coverage. iFixIt may have to start testing with dandruff, hair and crumbs.
 
I thought people were throwing hissy fits because the Macs hadn’t been updated. Now they only need to be updated every 3 to 5 years?!?

I think the hissy fit was due to issues with keyboards and other problems. Some people were hoping for updated designs. Instead we get some upgrades (That may fix some of the problems) and a quick fix. My reference of 3 to 5 years was related to reliability.

I am sure some people replace their laptops every year. Others are buying refurbished or used to help mitigate the cost. For the used market I hope the condoms they put over the key mechanism lasts. In reality everyone knows condoms have been known to break.
 
The more complex each key is then the more prone to failure each becomes. Loading each key with a silicone membrane, what can't go wrong there? What Apple really wants is to get to a point where the keyboard has no moving parts. Sort of like the touchpad but for each key. It'll come.
 
The noise never really bothered me. But the dust issue and the sticky keys is. It is a shame that Apple's design quest is keeping the need for a better keyboard at bay. I sure wish Ive would just leave the company.
 
You’re right, and that’s the 13”. I’ll be grabbing the base 15”. It looks like the stores here have them in stock today, so I’ll go grab it on the way home tomorrow morning.
That’s great and let me know what you think! I believe you will like it!!
 
Why do they build them like this, so flimsy?
They seem like they are built to break, they remind me of disposable cameras.

Silicon layer under a key that is being pressed thousands of times? doesnt sound like a good idea
 
I agree with you and at these prices it is considered a major purchase which you want to keep for long term.
I consider it a major purchase as well. If I had a Mrs or significant g/f I might even have to ask for permission. :eek:

Even though I said earlier that I am not in need or a new MBP, it still might not stop me from getting one. :cool: I had the 2016 and 2017 MBP TB models without any problem with the keyboard.
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Why do they build them like this, so flimsy?
They seem like they are built to break, they remind me of disposable cameras.

Silicon layer under a key that is being pressed thousands of times? doesnt sound like a good idea
So they can get them even thinner. Once they are the thickness of a sheet of paper, Apple might be happy.
 
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You may want to re-read the article. Apple has not said anything, and what you attribute to Apple are inferences drawn by third parties. The changes may be to make the keyboard quieter, improve how the keys operate, or both.

What Apple stated is that the keyboard in the 2018 MacBooks is quieter. iFixIt drew the inference that the membrane was a "side effect" of what it thinks is a fix for the alleged defect. Apple has not said what the membrane is for.

Not unreasonable to make the connection though, would you agree?

Apple has been very quiet about the whole issue so people will make assumptions.
 
Works for me no matter how they call it. I have a 15inch from November of last year and so far the keyboard is fine. I got Apple Care as I always do. If and when the keyboard fails I will get a new one and it will probably be this one.
 
Exactly my point! No one asked about the longevity of the membranes used in membrane-based keyboard until the observation of the poster I first replied to. Also what do you mean by "respectably use the laptop" (by which I think you mean respectfully). Your respectful use of the laptop might differ to another's respectful use of the laptop. I'm pleased though you are so confident in Apple's commitment to continue solving future problems with the keyboard if this continues to be the case. :)

I meant that while we wonder if it will last a lifetime, we will usually just use it for about 5 years before getting into the upgrade mood. :p
 
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