I love the new keyboard. It looks like something Apple would have released in 2007 in the best way possible. It’s something fresh and it works well. If only it didn’t have a notch. 😭
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
New MacBook Pro Keyboard Has All-Black Design, Full-Size Function Keys, and Touch ID Ring
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
That’s why the price is so high.
I’m not sure why Apple went for the black abyss look. Having some aluminum separating the keys looked nice IMO. Is there a functional reason for this change?
Does anyone have a space gray colored macbook from 2016 or so? I read that the silver color may last longer because it is the base metal, while the space gray is an coating on top of it the bare aluminum. Curious how the coating has held up for 5 years.
I keep my macbooks for a LONG time so wanted something durable and ordered silver for this reason. With the ugly black keyboard though I think I would have preferred space gray.
I keep my macbooks for a LONG time so wanted something durable and ordered silver for this reason. With the ugly black keyboard though I think I would have preferred space gray.
Hopefully they have the courage to bring back the inverted-T arrow keys to the compact external Magic Keyboard.
Last edited:
The area above the function keys is large enough to still keep the touchbar 😒
how is black keys on black background "Pro"?
Doesn't it make things harder to see???
Doesn't it make things harder to see???
Yeah I try to baby my computers but the keys look like I’m mistreating the keyboard!
It almost looks like the keyboard is a single unit that drops into the shell from underneath as opposed to just the keys poking up through holes machined in the case. Perhaps this then makes it a little more resistant to dust and such getting in a fouling up the keyboard. Yes, total speculation but was the first thought that came to mind.
Very fair point, thinking about it, if things like streamdeck or preconfigured keystrokes keypads or DIY keyboxes are quite prominent, then this idea could have been pushed next level… either embedded on a magic keyboard (above the function keys and all) or even on the trackpad maybe? Just throwing some random ideas here…
From Apple's website "the new MacBook Pro also comes with a Magic Keyboard that is set in a double-anodized black well, which elegantly highlights the backlit glyphs on the keys, and features a full-height function row"..... so my guess is anodised aluminium...
Is it me or there’s something retro vintage on this 2021 model? Some of the curved close up shots and angles were already feeling a bit like that… this top and bottom instant comparison makes it look so. Can’t point my finger on it, it feels less gracious, maybe just have to get used to it.
You're probably right! And remember when a keyboard had to be replaced, Apple had to replace the entire top portion, including touchpad and speakers. I suspect this really was a cost-saving design, intended to mitigate their cost of replacement keyboards. By the way I did order one; but at the same time I think I may be right about the reason re: the keyboard. Also there's no logo-light on the lid; but that's not very relevant.
The design is so upscale and high end. Like something out of a museum of modern art with the black island in contrast with the silver. Did Jony have a hand in this? If not, then Apple is in good shape in terms of industrial design.
I really like my Touch Bar, so this is sad for me. Having context-sensitive controls on the keyboard is a huge productivity benefit if you can properly configure them. The problem, in my opinion, is that Apple never gave us the tools to make the TouchBar as useful as it could be.
Two strikes against this for me:
- I want the touch bar
- The black on black doesn’t work for me. I like it the other way better. This looks like a step backwards in time. I don’t like that at all.
I am getting kind of tired of Apple releasimg things as the great new thing, only to can them a few years down the road. Hard to trust a new feature with a company that does things like that.
- I want the touch bar
- The black on black doesn’t work for me. I like it the other way better. This looks like a step backwards in time. I don’t like that at all.
I am getting kind of tired of Apple releasimg things as the great new thing, only to can them a few years down the road. Hard to trust a new feature with a company that does things like that.
“Apple didn't comment on its reason for removing the Touch Bar” No need to comment. It was a disastrous decision to ever invent that option.
The tall left and right arrow keys is one of the worst trends in computer keyboard right now.
How can you tell without using it for a while? Keyboards from Apple have had some issues in the past.
Sadly I think many of us saw this coming. Like 3D Touch, it didn't get much attention after debut, and most developers didn't tap into it, nor did the UI Kit for it expand much. I use windows computers with much bigger lower touchscreen controls and it is super handy when editing video on either platform.
Just wish we had the option for it still.
It will take some getting used to, as one advantage of the color contrast on the existing model is that each key appears distinct.
They should have introduced a strip of physical keys that were mini led. That way you could program them for macros or app specific functions. This way you get the benefit of having a dynamic key with the advantages of tactile feedback.
Last edited: