MacBook Keyboard longevity

[aevan]

So, I was listening to ATP and they mentioned (or I understood it that way) that MacBook keyboards were prone to failure, and that the new MacBook Pro keyboards haven't addressed that issue.

What I do believe (and it was their opinion too) - is that things get stuck inside the keyboard and cannot get out (which I believe can be solved with canned air).

Anyway, my question to MacBook users - since MacBook has been out for two years now - do the keyboards break often? Is there a major design flaw when it comes to durability? I apologize - I haven't been following the MacBook topic here so this was maybe mentioned a lot, so sorry if this is something well known.

Thanks!

 

[C64]

No owner myself, but I do see regular topics about keyboard failures. The problem is that people complain on forums when something's wrong, but you never hear about people with zero problems. So unless there's a mass recall it's very hard to tell if it's actually as wide-spread as some would like to believe. My sense is that the new keyboards are more sensitive, but whether that leads to unavoidable problems... doesn't seem like it.

 

[aevan]

No owner myself, but I do see regular topics about keyboard failures. The problem is that people complain on forums when something's wrong, but you never hear about people with zero problems. So unless there's a mass recall it's very hard to tell if it's actually as wide-spread as some would like to believe. My sense is that the new keyboards are more sensitive, but whether that leads to unavoidable problems... doesn't seem like it.

Sure, sure, I know how forums skew perception a bit, but still wanted to ask. Thanks.

 

[c0ppo]

So, I was listening to ATP and they mentioned (or I understood it that way) that MacBook keyboards were prone to failure, and that the new MacBook Pro keyboards haven't addressed that issue.

What I do believe (and it was their opinion too) - is that things get stuck inside the keyboard and cannot get out (which I believe can be solved with canned air).

Anyway, my question to MacBook users - since MacBook has been out for two years now - do the keyboards break often? Is there a major design flaw when it comes to durability? I apologize - I haven't been following the MacBook topic here so this was maybe mentioned a lot, so sorry if this is something well known.

Thanks!

Hi @aevan again. In a few minutes, my another reply to you

rMB has a terrible record at keyboards. I have swapped 3 of rMB 2015 because of that. Canned air does help, but not always. Keys would eventually become a little loose, and had a very different feel, from key to key.

But I do own a 2016 version now. Spacebar failed completely, but after it being replaced, I haven't had a issue in 4 months now. And I do really hope it stays that way.

Other then the keyboard, this little laptop is the best Apple product I have ever owned. And I do love it.

 

[aevan]

Hi @aevan again. In a few minutes, my another reply to you

rMB has a terrible record at keyboards. I have swapped 3 of rMB 2015 because of that. Canned air does help, but not always. Keys would eventually become a little loose, and had a very different feel, from key to key.

But I do own a 2016 version now. Spacebar failed completely, but after it being replaced, I haven't had a issue in 4 months now. And I do really hope it stays that way.

Other then the keyboard, this little laptop is the best Apple product I have ever owned. And I do love it.

Thanks. The reason I ask is, actually, because I am worried about my MBP 2016 keyboard. I don't have any issues currently, and I love it - but I'm a bit worried. Thank you for the frank answer.

BTW, my good friend has a 2016 MacBook and it's really amazing. I love everything about it.

 

[C64]

Just like the folks on ATP, I'm wondering if we'll see a 3rd generation of the keyboard at WWDC. But if we don't, and they put the 2nd gen in the rMB as well, I think it's pretty clear we'll be stuck with it (good or bad) for many years to come.

 

[Dunbar]

I do think it makes sense to clean the keyboard regularly to prevent it from progressing too far. I try to wipe mine down with cleaner or alcohol at least once per week. I have already had one keyboard replaced under warranty and I didn't use to clean the keyboard really ever.

 

[Treyhunna]

I've had a few weeks stuck keys but nothing a few clicks and Air can wasn't able to fix. I do clean it regularly and DO NOT EAT OR DRINK while using it. I've had my 2016 since November

 

[polee]

Mine is the 2015 edition with no failure so far. Am waiting for the 2017 edition to see if I should upgrade to that.

 

[fokmik]

I have 2x2015 models,so far so good. Still mine i use it a lot less than my girl uses hers since its her only laptop/pc. But not an issue

 

[PsychicRutabaga]

I have a 2015 and regularly eat around it (I'm such a slob). I've only had one time something slipped under a key, and a blast of canned air fixed it in a jiffy. My wife's 2016 had the same one time and again an easy air blast fixed it. No failures, and these are used daily.

 

[fisherking]

have been using my 2016 daily since september (seriously-long days, too, as i both live & work on my mb) since i got it, and no problem with the keyboard. so, as with most things, some people have a good experience, others don't....

 

[Queen6]

Over two years of professional use with my own Retina MacBook, so far no major issues with the keyboard. I don't like the shallow nature of the key actuation, however no complaints regarding reliability.

The "e" has had it's moments, equally suspect dust or debris that has subsequently been freed in transit being the culprit.

On face value the butterfly keyboard's do seem to present more issues, equally only Apple knows the facts and figures.

Q-6