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As some folks here know...I found the new keyboards to be superior to the old in almost every way.

Until they started to fail.



R.
 
I spilled a drink shortly after buying my 2014 Macbook Pro, the keys are sticky and suck to type with. I've been using it for 3+ years and no problem, which is not nearly as bad as what people are complaining about. For me, this is a silly issue and you should just wait for apple to improve the keyboard in the next versions if that's really a big deal. Don't blame apple.

Are you serous $3K for a notebook and the keys jamming and sticking is acceptable :rolleyes: what is silly is you defending Apple for designing and producing a substandard product, if anything more to be pitied than scorned...

Q-6
[doublepost=1505552798][/doublepost]
I just popped into the London Apple store.

The staff there told me all these keyboard issues are my imagination and people exaggerating online.

I told them not to patronise me.

As you should, I've had the same rhetoric myself several times, hence why Apple has lost all my business both professionally and privately. Treating your professional customers like dullards has never been a smart move...

Q-6
 
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Did someone say "don't blame Apple?"

Seriously?

Try working on a film project, having your screenplay up on a 80 inch monitor and the keys start double-typing in front of cast and crew. Then add a spacebar that only works on one side. The only good news is that there was instant understanding as others at the production meeting were having the same issues. Hollywood uses Mac, but the word is out on these new machines. I guess I'll blame Radio Shack, The Wiz or Lafayette Electronics.


R.
 
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2017 MacBook Pro-- just got it in July, got my first stuck key today :(

I guess there's nothing to do but take it to Apple for repair?
 
2017 MacBook Pro-- just got it in July, got my first stuck key today :(

I guess there's nothing to do but take it to Apple for repair?

I'd definitely say so. If you do pop the key out and accidentally damage the butterfly mechanism, guess who's gonna refuse service?
[doublepost=1505836485][/doublepost]I've had my second 2017 15" machine replaced by Apple today. Having spoken with the tech (who claims to have been working on these machines with keyboard problems), he says he's seen a fair few, and that its certainly happening a lot with the new keys they have in these machines.
 
2017 MacBook Pro-- just got it in July, got my first stuck key today :(

I guess there's nothing to do but take it to Apple for repair?



Knowing what I know now, I would not accept anything less than a full refund. I'm sorry, but these new keyboards are total duds. A full redesign is the only thing that can save the otherwise excellent MBP.

I went from the new MBP to this....and couldn't be happier (at least for now)

New MB Air and new iMac 27 i7

20170918_173757_resized.jpg
 
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My 15" was bought from B&H in February and I was refunded in full. I'm sure they won't do this for everyone, but I was ready to go to war. I don't like it when I'm sold an inherently defective product that basically cannot be fixed.

To that point, I was told twice by Apple techs, that the keyboard issue was likely to reoccur after the repair or with a replacement (2017) unit.

Too much negativity for me to risk owning any current MBP. I have too much work to do.


R.
 
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I've written 7-8 papers now averaging 15 pages each. Add in my unlimited browsing, lecture notes, lab notes, My keyboard is yet still tremendous.



Look, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. My output is substantially higher than yours as I'm a screenwriter. It took over four months for the issues to start. It was the best keyboard ever until it failed.


R.
 
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Knowing what I know now, I would not accept anything less than a full refund. I'm sorry, but these new keyboards are total duds. A full redesign is the only thing that can save the otherwise excellent MBP.

I went from the new MBP to this....and couldn't be happier (at least for now)

New MB Air and new iMac 27 i7

Unfortunately Apple's policies vary globally, with even the 14 day return window not being an option and for many a reason to be far more cautious. Personally the new keyboard is a the primary issue I have with the current MBP as I use my notebook's professionally and I too have a high output, predominantly technical documents. Last thing I need is a flaky keyboard when engaged on a project, nor can Apple easily rectify, if at all. I simply find it ludicrous that Apple has scarified reliability over form, or is incapable of policing it's manufactures quality control.

I agree Apple should redesign the keyboard, if that results in adding the 1/8" they skimmed off the MBP and introducing this problem so be it. That said Apple is far too arrogant to accept any issue exists, combined with Apple predominately serving a casual audience. So I rather fear we are stuck with with this keyboard design indefinitely, I do know that many other processionals now view the new MBP as a poor option, preferring to remain on older hardware or switch to Windows.

I may ultimately fold and pickup a 2015 design 15" MBP as I do see some benefit in running at least one OS X based system, that said Linux is looking ever more attractive...

Q-6
 
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My 15" was bought from B&H in February and I was refunded in full. I'm sure they won't do this for everyone, but I was ready to go to war. I don't like it when I'm sold an inherently defective product that basically cannot be fixed.

To that point, I was told twice by Apple techs, that the keyboard issue was likely to reoccur after the repair or with a replacement (2017) unit.

Too much negativity for me to risk owning any current MBP. I have too much work to do.


R.
Someone shares my love for the K811.
 
These "keyboard sound" threads are fun to read.. a commodore 64 would have destroyed you guys. :)



LOL...my first computer was a TRS-80 Model 1 with a cassette drive. After that I had the Atari 800, Vic 20, C64, Atari 800XL, Apple 2e and so many PC's that I could not possibly count them.

The ONLY keyboards that ever failed were the last few years of Apple stuff. My new touch-bar units were all returned/refunded due to repeating and stuck keys. My son's 2011 15" MBP keyboard died a year ago (Replaced with an iMac 5K).

So Apple is really blowing it with the keyboard, which is the most basic and essential hardware. Apple should have improved the magic keyboard LONG ago. Keys that don't behave uniformly are a concern.


R.
 
Like many, I've been dealing with this keyboard thing for quite a while now. Bought a 2016 MBP in February, had it replaced, and had further issues pop up a few months later that Apple could not seem to fix.

Sold it as is, and bought a 2017 model last month which, out if the box, had a down arrow key that wouldn't press down.

Being a CTO machine with a custom language keyboard, it took them three weeks to get the new top case and do the repairs. When I picked it up, it turns out they forgot to plug in the right side speaker and I had to take it in again (but that was an easy fix).

Two weeks later I finally realize why I've been getting so many errors in my code... My "K" key is double firing! Granted, it happens 1 out of 5 times or so, but still a problem nonetheless... So now I'm waiting another 3 weeks.



... Then.... I notice this Dell XPS 15 with 32gb Ram and a 1 TB SSD is actually $1300 cheaper than what I spent on this MBP with a similar configuration (albeit with only 16gb ram)...

And yes, between running virtual machines and doing Photoshop work, I do use a lot of ram.


To be clear, I love MacOS. It works for me, the integration with my iPhone is great. It's been a dream for the work I do as a developer, photographer, and Computer Science grad student. MacOS has aesthetics that I like a lot better as well... But at a certain point I have to wonder, is it worth this headache and $1300 to be able to use a specific OS? (I can get along in Windows, but I definitely spend less time troubleshooting on MacOS than I do on Windows).

My worry is that as some have mentioned before, the problem seems more of an issue inherent with the design of the keyboard, and perhaps replacing the keyboard and bring lucky enough to get one without issues is just a temporary stopgap until that one wears out too?

So I have an option to go and return my 2017 MBP, save a great deal of money, and deal with Windows.... Or keep replacing my top case and hope that it finally stays working...

I realize that asking such questions on a Mac forum can be a questionable venture, but I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. Would love to hear what people think. :)

(I'm also open to other options too, been kicking around the thought of getting a refurb 2015 MBP and upgrading the SSD... )
 
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LOL...my first computer was a TRS-80 Model 1 with a cassette drive. After that I had the Atari 800, Vic 20, C64, Atari 800XL, Apple 2e and so many PC's that I could not possibly count them.

The ONLY keyboards that ever failed were the last few years of Apple stuff. My new touch-bar units were all returned/refunded due to repeating and stuck keys. My son's 2011 15" MBP keyboard died a year ago (Replaced with an iMac 5K).

So Apple is really blowing it with the keyboard, which is the most basic and essential hardware. Apple should have improved the magic keyboard LONG ago. Keys that don't behave uniformly are a concern.


R.
Can confirm.. had keyboard from 2005 iMac where you could SEE the dog hair and crumbs and didn’t have response/key issues.
 
Like many, I've been dealing with this keyboard thing for quite a while now. Bought a 2016 MBP in February, had it replaced, and had further issues pop up a few months later that Apple could not seem to fix.

Sold it as is, and bought a 2017 model last month which, out if the box, had a down arrow key that wouldn't press down.

Being a CTO machine with a custom language keyboard, it took them three weeks to get the new top case and do the repairs. When I picked it up, it turns out they forgot to plug in the right side speaker and I had to take it in again (but that was an easy fix).

Two weeks later I finally realize why I've been getting so many errors in my code... My "K" key is double firing! Granted, it happens 1 out of 5 times or so, but still a problem nonetheless... So now I'm waiting another 3 weeks.



... Then.... I notice this Dell XPS 15 with 32gb Ram and a 1 TB SSD is actually $1300 cheaper than what I spent on this MBP with a similar configuration (albeit with only 16gb ram)...

And yes, between running virtual machines and doing Photoshop work, I do use a lot of ram.


To be clear, I love MacOS. It works for me, the integration with my iPhone is great. It's been a dream for the work I do as a developer, photographer, and Computer Science grad student. MacOS has aesthetics that I like a lot better as well... But at a certain point I have to wonder, is it worth this headache and $1300 to be able to use a specific OS? (I can get along in Windows, but I definitely spend less time troubleshooting on MacOS than I do on Windows).

My worry is that as some have mentioned before, the problem seems more of an issue inherent with the design of the keyboard, and perhaps replacing the keyboard and bring lucky enough to get one without issues is just a temporary stopgap until that one wears out too?

So I have an option to go and return my 2017 MBP, save a great deal of money, and deal with Windows.... Or keep replacing my top case and hope that it finally stays working...

I realize that asking such questions on a Mac forum can be a questionable venture, but I'm kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place. Would love to hear what people think. :)

(I'm also open to other options too, been kicking around the thought of getting a refurb 2015 MBP and upgrading the SSD... )




I was told twice by Apple techs that the issue was likely to return after a repair or replacement. Hearing that directly was enough to get me to bail out of the machine. Here is the film biz, we're locked into Mac, so I went the iMac/Air combo route. The fellow who sold me my new machines had already returned his 2017 MBP.

The horses mouth is good enough for me. I loved the simplicity of a single machine that could do it all...now I have the bridge of the Enterprise, but at least I know it will keep working!

20170919_132334_resized.jpg
 
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I spilled a drink shortly after buying my 2014 Macbook Pro, the keys are sticky and suck to type with. I've been using it for 3+ years and no problem, which is not nearly as bad as what people are complaining about. For me, this is a silly issue and you should just wait for apple to improve the keyboard in the next versions if that's really a big deal. Don't blame apple.

I also spilled my drink. Over the keyboard. After I read the last sentence.
 
Can confirm.. had keyboard from 2005 iMac where you could SEE the dog hair and crumbs and didn’t have response/key issues.

I agree, and I miss the keyboard on my 2012 retina MBP. Those things felt great and I never understood the whole "feels wobbly" thing.

In terms of what BluAffiliate said, yes, the 2012-2015 keyboards were great. I'm not disagreeing with that. The other point in your comment is the "for me" part. For you, this might not be an issue. (Quite frankly, I wish it wasn't for me either.) But for some of us, suddenly realizing that you may need to find a way to return a $4000 machine and reroute your entire workflow, software suite, and external equipment when you have jobs and schoolwork to complete, it can definitely be more of an issue.

With all that said, I'm not simply complaining about a keyboard. I'm asking opinions (yes, I realize they are all opinions) on whether it makes more sense to continue with the Macbook that I have, or whether it's a better idea to think about migrating to a comparable non-mac machine, and if so, which one. :)
 
I've been considering (really wanting to) pick up a 2017 13" MBP or 2017 rMB but am really nervous about potential keyboard issues... :/
 
thats my main concern also, other than being crazy overpriced, cpu upgrades are ok, but me wanting a storage bump means that i am totally screwed
 
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I've been considering (really wanting to) pick up a 2017 13" MBP or 2017 rMB but am really nervous about potential keyboard issues... :/
I hear you. I bought my 2017 in June when they were announced. No issues for me, and I like the way the new keyboard feels after getting used to it (was useless with it the first couple of days while adjusting LOL).

Reading these articles has me washing my hands regularly while using it and such. I could probably shake a bagel’s worth of crumbs out of my 10 year old external keyboard I use at work, but I’ve practically turned my home office into a clean room so I don’t get any specks on my MBP’s keyboard.
 
Can't return it outside 2 week period. After that 2 weeks you're into normal warranty and that means Apple don't agree the keybaords are a problem.
If your keyboard is having issues ask for your issue to be escalated. If necessary, ask to be provided a Customer Relations rep. If none of this works, email Tim Cook and ask for a CR rep.
 
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