Let's talk about the keyboard

I've just been to an Apple Store to check one of these machines out. The keyboard certainly needs some getting used to, but mostly because keys are larger and positioned differently. Didn't find it any noisier than in my 2015 model, in fact, it seemed quieter. The short travel is a matter of taste I suppose. I think it might be easier on my fingers but of course, I'd need to test it out over a longer period of time.

I'd say give it a try for few days, if you still hate it you can always return it for other options.

 

I tried it this weekend at the apple store. I liked it. I have a 2015 rMB, so I am used to that form-factor. I may have liked the new version a little bit better, but I think it being more comfortable has to do with a larger footprint. There's something more comfortable when typing on a computer when there is more space around the keyboard/my hands.

 

I tried one in the noisy environment of a BestBuy this weekend and over the din of customers talking and tv's playing I could hear the keys when I typed. I can't imagine how loud it would be using it in my quiet office.

While I was in the store I typed on the MacBook Air, the old Pro, a Lenovo Yoga and HP Spectre x360. All of these computers had similar keyboards and to me were much, much nicer and easier to type on that the new Pro. Plus they were quiet. I wouldn't rule out the Pro, but I realize the keyboard is personal to every user and this one will take some getting used to. If I had one I probably would feel it was just fine after a few months use. But, I'm used to the other keyboards and the Pro's keyboard is definitely different.

 

I think that says a lot right there. It's reasonable to expect that some time would be necessary to adjust. It's still new to you, and you're not used to it. Report back in two weeks.

 

I type all day switching between a HHKB Pro and my rMB. It takes some getting used to but in the long run I have no problem at all with the new keyboard. The tactile feedback is great once you learn to only press hard enough to activate the switch and not so hard as to bottom out. It will be a lot quieter then too. Training myself to type lighter - which I was already in the process of doing with the HHKB before I got the rMB has been one of the best ergonomic things I've ever done. Your HHKB has a trigger point that activates before the key bottoms out as well.

 

I felt the same way when I purchased my Apple Bluetooth keyboard. But over time I learned to adjust to it. I am not trying to dismiss your opinion, but it might take you more than a day. Fortunately you have 14 days to decide.

 

This is brilliant. We should do this for everything that could be a matter of personal taste.

Change your desktop? Well, sure, but if you haven't had your current desktop picture for two weeks, we'll just make you stick with it because probably you're not used to it yet. Report back in two weeks.

Don't want to date someone? Well, sure, but if you haven't actually had an active romantic relationship with them for two weeks, we'll just make you stick with it because probably you're just not used to them yet. Report back in two weeks.

This solves everything.

 

Keyboards are like girlfriends. They all have good points and bad points. Every one is an adjustment. Some are keepers and others aren't worth the trouble of keeping around and are better replaced. External/desktop keyboards easier to swap out. Laptop keyboards you kind of like Catholic marriages. You can't divorce of them but you can have something on the side.

 

i heard the keyboard has a gun under each key that shoots your finger with a bullet and your finger dies every time you hit a key because the laptop is just a bunch of hand-shooting guns

 

It feels like you're typing on a piece of wood.

 

It is a terrible keyboard, can type fast on it but the experience is really cheap. It also sounds annoyingly loud.

 

A little OT: how is the edge of frame for the hand rest? Always found it a bit to sharp and high compared to the air or rMB which are more ergonomic for me to type.

Can someone measure the height please? The air has 7mm.

 

So return it and move on.

 

OP, how long did it take you to get used to the HHKB? I know that Topre can take a while to love.

I tend to dislike the new keyboard because it has less travel than the flesh of my finger when I press down on it. I actually like the clickiness of it a bit, but not for an on-board keyboard that you can't swap out.

If there's one thing Lenovo has going for them, it's a really nice keyboard.

 

Count another one for positive experience on the new keyboard. I immediately liked it.

The wider keys and less wobble makes it more comfortable to type. There was sufficient travel for me to know that I've hit a key, but the short enough that I feel like it's faster and more responsive as far as typing goes.



Side note: the 13" MBP is very small. Even smaller than I expected from the pictures, and is very solid and handsome in person. It's odd how such minor changes, nip/tuck here and there can create a genuinely fresh looking device.