Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Having never tried the MacBook (and now the MacBook Pro), I always assumed the keys would feel the same as they do on my Magic Keyboard 2.. but is that not the case? I find the Magic Keyboard 2 just fine for typing on all day.
 
I have a 2012 MBP 15", and I tried the MB 12" keyboard at the store. I think that people who dislike the MB keyboard don't like it because it discourages banging on the keys, whereas those who like (or don't dislike) it use or have learned to use softer strokes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fernandez21
Only keyboards I have used is a bluetooth one of a customer on her imac, my own 2009 macbook (which is my favorite btw) and the 2006/2007 macbook pro.

The pro keyboard is rubbish for me.

Does the new one feel soft like the old pro but with less travel?
Is this the issue?

I like the firm feel from my 2009 macbook.
 
It's not a superior keyboard. The macbook version is awful. It's sad that this one has no more travel. They really could have added 1 mm to the thickness to put in a keyboard with some travel. Also I'm only 34.
Yes it is and that's final. When I type I'm more accurate and I don't have to punch the keys as hard to get to typing.
 
While I'm sure there are people that are truly dissatisfied with the new keyboard, I feel like the majority of people simply don't like change.

You can't appreciate something from just trying it for a few minutes, especially for a keyboard.

I have had a MacBook 12" for well over a year now and I have to say I have absolutely 0 issues with it. Which one do I prefer? The one that I'm used to of course, which is now the new butterfly keyboard.

"People don't like change" is the dumbest argument ever - it carries the natural conclusion that all change is good just because something changed. In case of the keyboard we now got one that's less tactile, that's a fact - whether or not You or me can get used to it is subjective. Also, getting used to something is not the same as (sometimes very far from) liking/loving something.

Regarding USB C, yes that is better in many ways, but if your peripherals are made up of everything from MDP, USB2 to the Analogue Headphone Jack, then that change is making the overall solution worse. For me, that's what I don't like: changing things without having the slightest idea about why it's a good idea to change and not offering something that's better.
 
The butterfly keyboard is personal preference, I don't like them, but as long as the spacing is the same, I'd get used to it.

If you don't like the keyboard, then the MBP is not the machine for you
 
I never liked the rMB keyboard and this was one of my main concerns about the new MBP.

Yesterday I tried the new MBP keyboard and I was relieved to find out that it is going to be fine for me.

It is very similar to the rMB keyboard, but it also feels different. Although the travel doesn't seem to be longer, it feels much more satisfying.

On the rMB I felt like I didn't know if I had pressed the button. On the new MBP on the other hand there is no doubt about it. It feels "clicky".

Anyways guys... don't freak out about this. Keep an open mind and try it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Macintosh IIcx
I really don't get the constant use of the word pro/professional in all of these threads as if its a formal definition of somebody that you can use to make sweeping judgements about stuff. Everybody is different in terms of how they use their laptops and what they do with them.

Its all about opinions, which are great to read and discuss, but using this pro label isn't an objective thing and its just getting tiresome. Or maybe its just me!
 
  • Like
Reactions: RPhoto
Don't agree with calling the ones who don't like it old, but I do agree with you keyboard assessment, I love the keyboard on my MacBook, I think it's much better than the old style, and if these new ones have improved on it great.
I'm not calling anyone anything. Secondly, being older isn't a bad thing. The first thing people do when the new thing becomes available is complain they want things how they used to be without even thinking about it.
 
I have a 2012 MBP 15", and I tried the MB 12" keyboard at the store. I think that people who dislike the MB keyboard don't like it because it discourages banging on the keys, whereas those who like (or don't dislike) it use or have learned to use softer strokes.
 

Attachments

  • Gigity+_aa86ee7b7fc74e17c03cc6bfbbf2b9b6.jpg
    Gigity+_aa86ee7b7fc74e17c03cc6bfbbf2b9b6.jpg
    7.7 KB · Views: 73
Counterpoint: the fact that they were able to squeeze MBP specs into a MBA weight machine is incredible (esp. for someone trying to decide between a MBP and MBA). I'll take a keyboard with slightly less travel. I use an external keyboard most of the time.
 
The butterfly keyboard is personal preference, I don't like them, but as long as the spacing is the same, I'd get used to it.

If you don't like the keyboard, then the MBP is not the machine for you

This...

It's all a preference..
 
Personally, I much prefer the keyboard on my wife's rMB to the keyboard on my 2013 13" MBP. I'm looking forward to the new keyboard on the 2016 MBP models.

I plan on ordering one in the next few weeks. Leaning towards the 15" but waiting for them to hit the Apple Store showroom before I decide -- still not 100% convinced I'll be happy with the size should I need to travel with it, though it's only 1/2 lb heavier than the 2013 13" I have now.
 
After over a year of use with my 2015 1.2 rMB and now a Samsung TabPro S, I would have preferred a keyboard with more travel on the new 2016 MBP. The shallow throw keys are fine for ultraportable machines with the absolute focus being portability. Apple should take a lesson out of Lenovo`s ThinkPad X1 Carbon the keyboard is one of the very best, yet still a highly portable machine.

I initially liked the rMB keyboard however as time has passed I find it`s wained to some extensts, I even prefer the Samsung's more as it`s more positive. Another observation I have is the rMB`s keyboard seems to wear and stain far faster than any other Mac I have owned, which is disappointing on a premium class portable, hopefully Apple has made some advancements for the 2016 MBP.

Q-6
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ulenspiegel
Some people like them and others dont. Not everyone is the same
Did anyone dislike the keyboards used on the MBP '15 models and earlier? I have never seen any post mentioning those keyboards in a negative way. However, I have seen a ton of negative posts on the butterfly keyboard. I tried one on a Macbook before and immediately hated it.

Now that it's used on the new MBPs, I'm even more proud to own a MBP '15, which has the best laptop keyboard I have ever used.

I have also read several people mention keys getting stuck on their Macbooks. Will that be the case for the new MBPs?
 
Did anyone dislike the keyboards used on the MBP '15 models and earlier?

I tolerated, then eventually got used to apple keyboards. But this is because I came from Thinkpads, of which the T-20 series were the best keyboards I've ever used.
 
I just bought my first MacBook after owning Pros for years. I love the butterfly keyboard. It may take about 5 minutes to get used to, but after that, it's a great keyboard.
 
Thanks OP. That's what I was afraid of. My wife barely uses her 12" MB when she needs to type anything longer than a tweet because of the subpar KB. And I feel the same about it. I was hoping the MBP's "improved" version was noticeably better.

And I love all the "you'll get used to it" replies. Maybe "You'll get used to it" should be Apple's new slogan ffs.
 
I didn't think the keyboard on the 12" MacBook was better than the pro's but I wouldn't call it garbage.
 
Having never tried the MacBook (and now the MacBook Pro), I always assumed the keys would feel the same as they do on my Magic Keyboard 2.. but is that not the case? I find the Magic Keyboard 2 just fine for typing on all day.

the magic keyboard has slightly more travel than the MacBook Pro, but not by much. It is actually just magic keyboard 1. The first keyboard was not called magic keyboard :)

As someone who owns the 12" rMB, 13" Pro without TB, and the Magic Keyboard I have a good idea how they all feel.

12" = lowest travel
13" Pro = right in the middle
magic keyboard = most travel, but still less than the original pro, air, etc.

Just got test them in store before you buy if you are worried. Don't assume b.c you hate the 12" keyboard you will hate the Pro keyboard. They are slightly different, and it could have enough travel to change your mind. I personally like all of them. I think the new Pro is the best of the 3.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chicane-UK
The silver PowerBooks had, objectively, the best feeling keyboards ever. They need to add haptic responses to the new one, including the Touch Bar.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.