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Is it true that the keyboards have a different feel MBA to MBPr?

zipur

zipur

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 3, 2011
588
84
The great state of Texas
I read somewhere that the keyboard "Feel" is different from the MBPc - MBPr and the MBA. Is that true?
Also how about the wireless keyboards, the the apple wired keyboard. Do they all have different "Feel" ? Very interesting if they are.
 
Actually I've noticed difference in keyboard feel between identical machines. Some are crisper and have slightly more key travel. Others are squishy with less key travel.
 
There absolutely is between the cMBP and rMBP - don't let anyone tell you different.

The c has more travel and soft keys while the rMBP has less travel and harsh keys. Same for the trackpad "click" - the r has a more harsh metal sounding "CLICK" while the c has a more muted soft "click".

This (in my opinion) is due to the thinner body on the r compared to the c, there is less space inside to deaden the sound of the click and less size (it's thin) for travel in the keys.
 
As far as feel/texture I say it depends on age of the macbook. I was working on an 11" air and my rMBP 15 yesterday. Both FELT the same but size is def noticeable.
 
I found my 2010 MBA very much like the wired keyboard. 2013 MBP seems to have a little more travel and a slightly more squishy feel, less of a click. But the difference is subtle, I'd be surprised if someone who didn't touch type would notice.
 
compared my Air to my rMBP.. and yes there is a difference. my Air has a slightly more concave keys and a bit more travel than the rMBP i have.. i really prefer the Air's keyboard more. but then again.. keys travel and how stiff or soft a keyboard is varies even within the same model.
 
MikesGravity said:
There absolutely is between the cMBP and rMBP - don't let anyone tell you different.

The c has more travel and soft keys while the rMBP has less travel and harsh keys. Same for the trackpad "click" - the r has a more harsh metal sounding "CLICK" while the c has a more muted soft "click".

This (in my opinion) is due to the thinner body on the r compared to the c, there is less space inside to deaden the sound of the click and less size (it's thin) for travel in the keys.
Click to expand...

I went from cMBP->MBA->rMBP and I completely agree with what you wrote. My experience has been the same. One thing I'll add though is after using the keyboard for a while it became more comfortable than the same model when new (I noticed this with the MBA when I was helping a friend set one up a few months after I got mine).
 
Agent-P said:
I went from cMBP->MBA->rMBP and I completely agree with what you wrote. My experience has been the same. One thing I'll add though is after using the keyboard for a while it became more comfortable than the same model when new (I noticed this with the MBA when I was helping a friend set one up a few months after I got mine).
Click to expand...

comfortable how so? did the travel change? or the stiffness of the key press?
 
I've used a 2009 White MacBook, a mid-2010 15" MBP and a mid-2012 15" rMBP. In my opinion, the White MacBook and cMBP keyboards were almost the same. After being worn out a bit, both keyboards become soft and nice to use. As for the rMBP, as said above, the key travel is much shorter. The feedback is better defined, but the overall experience just isn't as good as that on the cMBP, especially if you're used to touch typing relying on feedback.

The best keyboard, however, is on the Apple Wireless Keyboard. It has a long key travel like the cMBP and the best mechanical keyboard-like feedback.

Regards
Abhinav

UPDATE: To stay on topic, I have, on various occasions, used MBAs (all the way from the original 2008 model to the 2012 model). The keyboard isn't much different than the one on rMBPs. Key stroke is similar. Feedback is a bit lighter, though.
 
radiohead14 said:
compared my Air to my rMBP.. and yes there is a difference. my Air has a slightly more concave keys and a bit more travel than the rMBP i have.. i really prefer the Air's keyboard more. but then again.. keys travel and how stiff or soft a keyboard is varies even within the same model.
Click to expand...

I find that as well. I also have the Air and the rMBP, and the Air's keyboard feels so much more comfortable. Which is kind of a shame because it means I tend to favour it when I'm doing long-haul typing, which is kind of what I got the retina screen for in the first place... but yea, there's definitely a difference, and it's very noticeable if you're typing for extended periods of time.
 
Collider said:
I find that as well. I also have the Air and the rMBP, and the Air's keyboard feels so much more comfortable. Which is kind of a shame because it means I tend to favour it when I'm doing long-haul typing, which is kind of what I got the retina screen for in the first place... but yea, there's definitely a difference, and it's very noticeable if you're typing for extended periods of time.
Click to expand...

Strange...i have an 2011 air and a late 2013 15" rMBP and they feel nearly identical.....
 
I am struggling with the same issue. In the past week I got a 15 inch MBP and my wife got a MBA. The MBP has squishy keys with poor feedback and I find myself much more error prone. There is a lot of uncertainty in the feedback. The MBA has a more audible click and better travel.

I have 3 more days to take back my MBP--I need the screen size, so I can't switch to the air. But has anyone had success switching out for the same model and lucking into a better keyboard?
 
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