MacBook Pro vs MacBook Pro Retina - KEYBOARD

[robotics5000]

Hi all,

I have used both the Macbook pro and the Macbook pro retina display in Apple stores.
Are the keyboards different on both models? The regular Macbook pro seems to have a glossier, more crisp keyboard whereas the retina display model has a cheap, plastic-type keyboard.
The typing also seems different. Typing on the regular Macbook pro is easier and feels nicer whereas typing on the retina display model feels tacky and without depth and clarity.

is this just me?

thanks!

 

[TechGod]

Hi all,

I have used both the Macbook pro and the Macbook pro retina display in Apple stores.
Are the keyboards different on both models? The regular Macbook pro seems to have a glossier, more crisp keyboard whereas the retina display model has a cheap, plastic-type keyboard.
The typing also seems different. Typing on the regular Macbook pro is easier and feels nicer whereas typing on the retina display model feels tacky and without depth and clarity.

is this just me?

thanks!

Hi, I've used a Early 2011 13" MBP literally a day or so after they came out and that means I've used it quite extensively however recently I got a rMBP 13" model and I think the keyboard is so much better on the Retina model. I think it's just you.

 

[robotics5000]

so there is no difference in build-quality for the keyboards?
the mbp looks much more shiny and metallic whereas the rmbp looks plain "plastic-y"

 

[53kyle]

so there is no difference in build-quality for the keyboards?
the mbp looks much more shiny and metallic whereas the rmbp looks plain "plastic-y"

The MBP keyboard is only shiny because you used it so much, and your finger oils got worn into the keyboard. I have had a keyboard protector on my cMBP since I bought it, and the keyboard has no shininess whatsoever, whereas my mom's keyboard (used since 2010 without any cover) is very shiny.

 

[robotics5000]

thanks for all your answers!
still one question though
does no one feel a distinct difference in typing? i feel a more rich, full depth typing experience on the mbp; i don't feel this that much on the rmbp
is this just me?

 

[53kyle]

thanks for all your answers!
still one question though
does no one feel a distinct difference in typing? i feel a more rich, full depth typing experience on the mbp; i don't feel this that much on the rmbp
is this just me?

I've only tried the rMBP a couple of times at the apple store, but I didn't feel any difference at all. It is possible that the keyboard has slightly less depth to make the computer thinner, but I doubt it.

 

[M5RahuL]

The Retina's keyboard is slightly shallow, but I type so much faster on it compared to the ones on cMBPs...

The retina's keyboard just feels more...natural !

 

[robotics5000]

in the rmbp, are the keys backlit (not surrounding the keys but the actual key itself)
i.e. the old mbp highlighted each letter/number when backlit was turned on

 

[T5BRICK]

in the rmbp, are the keys backlit (not surrounding the keys but the actual key itself)
i.e. the old mbp highlighted each letter/number when backlit was turned on

Yes, the letters light up just like the MBP.

 

[TechGod]

thanks for all your answers!
still one question though
does no one feel a distinct difference in typing? i feel a more rich, full depth typing experience on the mbp; i don't feel this that much on the rmbp
is this just me?

Yep. I find the rMBP to be much better to type on. Sooooo comfortable...

 

[loon3y]

you guys cant be serious...

 

[Crugga]

2010 13" mbp vs 2013 15"rmpb = Identical
Imo anyway, maybe there is a difference but I cant tell.

 

[maflynn]

I've never noticed a difference between them. I have a cMBP and a rMBP at home they're the same.

 

[hamiltonDSi]

I did notice something different when I switched to the 15" rMBP. Previously I had the 13" cMBP.

IMO the key "click" is a little softer on the Retina.