Is the iMac Pro Keyboard the MacBook Pro disaster?

[project_2501]

The iMac Pro looks like the tool professionals will want to seriously consider.

But the pre-release artwork makes the keyboard look like it has the low-travel, loud, and very prone to failure keys that the new MacBook and MacBook Pros have.

Does anyone know for sure?

 

[Outsiderdude26]

They seem to be the switches on the current magic keyboard. They have more travel and not as loud than those on the MacBook and MacBook Pro.

 

[uller6]

If they're anything like the regular magic keyboard they're closer to the last generation of MacBook pros and feel great.

 

[Brookzy]

It's mechanically just the same as the current Magic Keyboard, which seems to be quite well-regarded.

Some MacBook Pro keyboard critics have actually pointed to the Magic Keyboard as a good compromise between thinness and usability that they want to see implemented in future MacBook Pros.

 

[potatis]

They could have had the decency to replace the eject disc button with a fingerprint scanner or something interesting.

 

[PeterJP]

They could have had the decency to replace the eject disc button with a fingerprint scanner or something interesting.

And risk the wrath of all those pros who need optical disks? Dangerous!

Really, what sort of details are we complaining about actually? Has poverty been solved recently?

 

[Salty Pirate]

Why is it not backlit?????

 

[Georgio]

Why is it not backlit?????

Aha that will offered as an option on iMac Pro mkII...

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm sure it's just like the current white full size and TKL Magic Keyboard, both of which are wonderful to type on.

That said, they are the limit. You go any thinner and the problems creep in and the feel is lost.

God Apple - Don't do it. Don't go any thinner on the keyboards, especially on desktops where there is no point anyway.

 

[fokmik]

Why is it not backlit?????

backlit for what? you have a 27" screen that makes more than enough light

 

[maflynn]

backlit for what? you have a 27" screen that makes more than enough light

I found that at times, I'm working in low ambient light (regardless of the screen brightness) and backlight would be a good thing - that's just me

 

[NT1440]

The iMac Pro looks like the tool professionals will want to seriously consider.

But the pre-release artwork makes the keyboard look like it has the low-travel, loud, and very prone to failure keys that the new MacBook and MacBook Pros have.

Does anyone know for sure?

I’m going to assume that “pro” dropping this much on a needed machine is going to have no problem using whatever keyboard they prefer.

Not sure how in the world the included keyboard could ever be a concern, usually you’d be using one of those keyboards made specifically for the task you’re doing. I saw those everywhere at ESPN.

This is a very strange thread.

 

[turbineseaplane]

backlit for what? you have a 27" screen that makes more than enough light

Not always true - When VESA mounted the monitor light isn't always that effective at lighting up a keyboard, especially if a dark interface is on screen (like an editing app).

Also, related...the touch typing can be of no help also (like if you're in an editing app perhaps)

 

[fokmik]

Not always true - When VESA mounted the monitor light isn't always that effective at lighting up a keyboard, especially if a dark interface is on screen (like an editing app).

Also, related...the touch typing can be of no help also (like if you're in an editing app perhaps)

yep for VESA mounted, i understand, but come on, you buy this or a lot of you are here just to complain about this beautiful and powerful thing?

 

[turbineseaplane]

yep for VESA mounted, i understand, but come on, you buy this or a lot of you are here just to complain ?

It's not really complaining - I just think it's time for all the desktop keyboards to have backlit keys is all.
I realize there's a power hit, but I think it'd be more manageable than we think. There's a lot of room for battery, especially in a full size board.

Plus, and maybe I'm alone in this, I keep my Magic Keyboard & Trackpad plugged in anyways. I just enjoy not dealing with the battery/bluetooth part. I'm at a desktop anyhow is the way I see it.

Then again, I don't do "desktop setup porn shots" to emulate being Ive's office. My setup is a mess all the time. LOL

 

[theluggage]

​

But the pre-release artwork makes the keyboard look like it has the low-travel, loud, and very prone to failure keys that the new MacBook and MacBook Pros have.

As far as anybody knows its just a space-grey version of the "Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad" released earlier this year.

If so, it uses a "scissor" mechanism as per earlier keyboards and not the "butterfly" mechanism in the 2016/2017 macbook pro.

However - I got one with my new iMac in the summer and it is not the same feel as the old aluminium wired keyboard w/numeric pad: the travel is noticeably shorter (you can see that it is lower-profile) the feel is less "springy" and the whole keyboard sits at a shallower angle. There's no reason it should have the same faults as the MBP keyboard - but conversely its not the same tried-and-tested design as the old keyboards.

Keyboards are subjective - I found it OK, but not as nice as the old alu keyboard, and since I had a couple of those knocking around, I went back after a month or so: I don't see wireless as must-have in a desktop keyboard, plus the wired keyboard has a handy 2-port USB hub. Its a pity they discontinued it.

Reality check: with a MBP you're stuck with the built-in keyboard - at least while using it as a portable. With the iMac Pro, if you don't like the keyboard then just dump it and use any third-party USB or Bluetooth keyboard that takes your fancy. Its not even like the regular iMac where you have to pay an extra $30 to get the numeric keypad...

Since the "space grey" accessories are exclusively available with the iMP, I'm sure you'll be able to name your price on eBay if you want to sell your Magic Keyboard. Probably worth getting a trackpad as well

 

[altusan]

I wish we could buy that black keyboard

 

[BWhaler]

The keyboard is the worst thing about the iMac Pro. New keyboard designs are terrible. Just hope Apple has a fix underway....which I bet they do given the fail rate of these keyboards.
[doublepost=1513575529][/doublepost]

It's mechanically just the same as the current Magic Keyboard, which seems to be quite well-regarded.

Some MacBook Pro keyboard critics have actually pointed to the Magic Keyboard as a good compromise between thinness and usability that they want to see implemented in future MacBook Pros.

Not true at all. These have been consistently criticisized, and is causing high Genius Bar appointments and returns due to how the smallest amount of dirt causing failure.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The keyboard is the worst thing about the iMac Pro. New keyboard designs are terrible. Just hope Apple has a fix underway....which I bet they do given the fail rate of these keyboards.
[doublepost=1513575529][/doublepost]

Not true at all. These have been consistently criticisized, and is causing high Genius Bar appointments and returns due to how the smallest amount of dirt causing failure.

The desktop keyboards are not the same design as the laptop keyboards you're referring to that are causing returns and issues.

All the desktop keyboards are still scissor switches (not the butterfly that's in the laptops now) and are exceptionally reliable.

 

[Brookzy]

Not true at all. These have been consistently criticisized, and is causing high Genius Bar appointments and returns due to how the smallest amount of dirt causing failure.

That’s just not right. The Magic Keyboard is Apple’s standalone desktop keyboard with scissor switches.

 

[maflynn]

New keyboard designs are terrible

Yes the new keyboard designs on the MBP are horrible, but so far apple is not using that new design on the Magic Keyboard. We'll know for sure once these things start getting into people's hands but at the very least as I mentioned the MBP keyboard butterfly switches are not in the Magic keyboard.

 

[cww]

I wish we could buy that black keyboard

Same. Want that sexy black keyboard!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

If you want backlit get a Logitech k810.

 

[maflynn]

If you want backlit get a Logitech k810.

Personally, I'd opt for a non-chicklet mechanical keyboard myself

 

[velocityg4]

If they really want an innovative keyboard for the desktop. They should buy up Art Lebedev Studio. Then produce the Optimus Maximus keyboard. Each key an OLED display. So, it can be completely customized for every program. Perhaps using real Cherry mechanical switches.