Keyboard marks on screen, Macbook pro 2021 14inch/16inch

[stanleystf]

Hi all!

I've been flirting with the idea of getting a macbook pro 2021 14inch/16inch. I saw a review on Amazon about it. The buyer has said the keyboard leaves a mark on the screen:

This is a huge bummer! Has anyone else experienced this? Do you think it's the same on 16 and 14?

Is there a remedy?

 

[Slitted]

This issue was really apparent with the 2016–2020 lineup (and even the OG Retina lineup).
I was hoping this would be resolved now with the new display lids, but it doesn't seem to be. That's a shame.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Do you carry your 16” in a backpack with books. I just looked and my 2021 MBPro 16” does not have any marks. Just to be safe I am going to put that foam sheet over the keyboard before closing.

This is part of the horrible penalty we pay for Apple’s obsession with “thin”. It would only need an additional 32nd of an inch to stop this if it is really happening.

 

[stanleystf]

Will something like this help?

UPPERCASE GhostCover® Premium Ultra Thin Keyboard Cover Protector, for 2021 2022 2023 M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro 14/16 A2442 A2485 A2779 A2780,M2 MacBook Air 13/15 A2681 A2941,US ANSI Layout,Clear

Made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (not silicone), GhostCover provides unobstructed protection for your Macbook keyboard against spills, dust, and other contaminants.

www.amazon.com

Or will it make it worse because of thickening it?

 

[Jackbequickly]

Will something like this help?

UPPERCASE GhostCover® Premium Ultra Thin Keyboard Cover Protector, for 2021 2022 2023 M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro 14/16 A2442 A2485 A2779 A2780,M2 MacBook Air 13/15 A2681 A2941,US ANSI Layout,Clear

Made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (not silicone), GhostCover provides unobstructed protection for your Macbook keyboard against spills, dust, and other contaminants.

www.amazon.com

Or will it make it worse because of thickening it?

Mine arrives from Amazon today. Having keyboard prints on my new 16” would drive me crazy. Getting multiple friends tell me how good the picture is during FaceTime. Loving my new MBP 16

 

[wilberforce]

Will something like this help?

UPPERCASE GhostCover® Premium Ultra Thin Keyboard Cover Protector, for 2021 2022 2023 M1/M2/M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro 14/16 A2442 A2485 A2779 A2780,M2 MacBook Air 13/15 A2681 A2941,US ANSI Layout,Clear

Made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (not silicone), GhostCover provides unobstructed protection for your Macbook keyboard against spills, dust, and other contaminants.

www.amazon.com

Or will it make it worse because of thickening it?

Makes it worse. Guarantees the keys will press on the screen (via the cover), and transfer finger oils and other contaminants to the screen. Don't believe what the manufacturer says.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Use the white sheet that shipped with the Mac, a piece of paper, or very thin microfiber cloth.

 

[TinyMito]

Keep a microfiber, wipe it. Or slightly wet the cloth with alcohol and wipe it, and I have been doing that since. It's not a big deal.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Use the white sheet that shipped with the Mac, a piece of paper, or very thin microfiber cloth.

That is what I am using now but according to wilberforce, even that could be bad. I don’t think so. When I get the package from Amazon, I will take a picture of two and post my opinion.

I though the only MBooks to have the keys imprinted to the screen where in a book bag or other condition where the screen is forcibly pushed against the laptop chassis. I am meticulous at keeping things clean and new looking to a point without being obsessive. I actually need to use this laptop 4-5 hours a day several days a week.

 

[GumaRodak]

This is why i will never again buy apple macbook..you cant clean the screen bcs there are reports that coating will degrade. You cant close the lid bcs there will be finger spots from keyboard etc … you cant make it hot bcs battery degrade and so goes the list ….too much hassle with an expensive computer …

 

[barkomatic]

I don't think this is much of an issue. I get little marks on the screen that come off with a microfiber cloth. Even though I make sure my hands are clean when I use my Mac, it still happens because I'm a human being. It's really not a big deal. If you have a stubborn mark though, maybe try using a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution as Apple recommends. If you rub too vigorously, then you may indeed end up with very light scratches.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Ok, package just arrived from Amazon. You get two protectors for the $10. Guess one is for cleaning.

The microfiber cloth is super slick feeling, almost like silk. It is also about a thick as maybe 2 pieces of notebook paper, way thinner than the foam pad that comes between the keyboard and screen from the factory. Folded where you have 4 thicknesses and compared to the foam, the foam is still thicker. No way it would transfer prints to the screen that I could see.

I will try using it, it can’t hurt! I agree with barkomatic and do not think this whole thing is anything to lose sleep over. My MBP 16 is carried in a sleeve with nothing ever sitting on top of it.

 

[Madhatter32]

This happens on my 2014 15" MBP. I do not really care. Just wipe it as necessary. Using the white sheet that shipped with the device is a good recommendation. I did that for about a year and never had this issue.

 

[wilberforce]

Ok, package just arrived from Amazon. You get two protectors for the $10. Guess one is for cleaning.

The microfiber cloth is super slick feeling, almost like silk. It is also about a thick as maybe 2 pieces of notebook paper, way thinner than the foam pad that comes between the keyboard and screen from the factory. Folded where you have 4 thicknesses and compared to the foam, the foam is still thicker. No way it would transfer prints to the screen that I could see.

I will try using it, it can’t hurt! I agree with barkomatic and do not think this whole thing is anything to lose sleep over. My MBP 16 is carried in a sleeve with nothing ever sitting on top of it.

OK, looks like you got the GhostBlanket, not the GhostCover posted by @stanleystf above.

The GhostBlanket looks like it might actually help, by separating the keys from the screen. Let us know how it works out.

Of course, the absolute best separation is a physical air gap between the keys and screen. I would only use the GhostBlanket if you know or suspect there is no air gap.

The GhostCover is just a keyboard overlay, which will effectively increase the height of the keys, and unless removed every time the keyboard is used, will get just as contaminated with finger oils, lotions, etc., which will transfer to the screen, even more so because the gap is reduced. If you want to test, try coating the GhostCover with something like talc powder or oil, and see what happens to the screen.

 

[TotalMacMove]

Keep a microfiber, wipe it. Or slightly wet the cloth with alcohol and wipe it, and I have been doing that since. It's not a big deal.

isopropyl alcohol on the screen will slowly but surely remove the oleophobic film (anti glare) and you will be left with a very bad looking screen. Happened to me a few years back! take your macbook outside or use a flashlight to look at your screen and it will be very noticeable if yours is coming off already

 

[Conutz]

Makes it worse. Guarantees the keys will press on the screen (via the cover), and transfer finger oils and other contaminants to the screen. Don't believe what the manufacturer says.

Don’t know if it makes it worse, but the typing experience changes significantly. Just taken mine off. Thin microfibre is the way to go.

 

[TinyMito]

isopropyl alcohol on the screen will slowly but surely remove the oleophobic film (anti glare) and you will be left with a very bad looking screen. Happened to me a few years back! take your macbook outside or use a flashlight to look at your screen and it will be very noticeable if yours is coming off already

oleophobic film is not anti-glare , you can reapply the anti-finger print easily with a product.

if anti-glare worn off, probably rubbed too hard on it.

Guideline by Apple is alright: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204172

 

[Jackbequickly]

Don’t know if it makes it worse, but the typing experience changes significantly. Just taken mine off. Thin microfibre is the way to go.

‘No way I would tolerate having a plastic cover on my keyboard. There is so little clearance to begin with and this added plastic cover would be putting the “squeeze” on something for sure.

 

[DonarRaja]

Been using my 16 inch for a few days now. Didn't had any issues like this. Make sure you clean your keyboard and screen regularly and avoid using it with dirty hands as in while eating. If smudges appear then here's an guide by apple to clean your MacBook. Check this out- https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172. https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/mac-help/mchlp2657/mac

 

[Conutz]

‘No way I would tolerate having a plastic cover on my keyboard. There is so little clearance to begin with and this added plastic cover would be putting the “squeeze” on something for sure.

I actually had the plastic cover and a thin microfibre in place for around 7 months. No issues, but just a meh typing experience. It didn’t feel so bad on my 2018 butterfly keyboard, but the 2021 14”, not great.

 

[TotalMacMove]

oleophobic film is not anti-glare , you can reapply the anti-finger print easily with a product.

if anti-glare worn off, probably rubbed too hard on it.

Guideline by Apple is alright: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT204172

Maybe i was wrong on the correct terminology but. Apple had the same guideline back in 2011 when everyones anti reflective film came off causing the notorious staingate. I witnessed the film on my screen come off as I gently wiped it with a microfiber with a bit of iso.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Maybe i was wrong on the correct terminology but. Apple had the same guideline back in 2011 when everyones anti reflective film came off causing the notorious staingate. I witnessed the film on my screen come off as I gently wiped it with a microfiber with a bit of iso.

Not supposed to use alcohol on the screen because as you saw, it can create problems.

 

[Misheemee]

I'm the type to constantly clean my 12.9 iPad Pro with a microfibre cloth due to fingerprints, imprints and smudges from the magic keyboard.

This "imprint' happens occasionally on my MBP 14" - I wipe it down every 3-4 weeks or so with the apple microfibre cloth and haven't had any issues. Given my IPP, I'm pleasantly suprised that less screen cleaning is required is required on MBP (yes, I know IPP is a touch device 🙃). It's a non issue for me with the MBP

 

[Jackbequickly]

I try to never touch the screen so prints don’t happen very often. Pisses me off when someone come up and points to something on your screen and actually touches it. Then I go and look at their laptop and it is so nasty I would never want to touch the screen or even the keyboard. The big bag of Cheetos sitting next to it give the keyboard the orange and greasy look!

 

[stanleystf]

I put my macbook in a backpack everyday and commute to work. Sometimes it might be under some pressure from other stuff in there.

Do you guys think that paper that came with it when I bought it would be enough to prevent the keyboard from leaving marks on the screen?