When did the keys become mat in the air?

[TinaBelcher]

Hello.

Coming from a 2018 MBP (with the butterfly keys), I can’t help but notice that the new Air has very mat keys. They feel a bit dry and leave more visible fingerprints, while my old MBP had a smooth, almost glossy-like texture to them. They barely left fingerprint, and I could easily wipe them clean in one wipe. On the new air, I have the wipe them very roughly through, making me feel like I’m ruining the keys.

I don’t remember how macbook keys felt like prior to the butterfly key era, but can anyone tell me if these mat-like keys have always been like that in the air? whats the texture like on the current Pro models? Was the key texture a hardware change along Apple ditching the butterfly keys in 2019?

 

[chrfr]

Hello.

Coming from a 2018 MBP (with the butterfly keys), I can’t help but notice that the new Air has very mat keys. They feel a bit dry and leave more visible fingerprints, while my old MBP had a smooth, almost glossy-like texture to them. They barely left fingerprint, and I could easily wipe them clean in one wipe. On the new air, I have the wipe them very roughly through, making me feel like I’m ruining the keys.

I don’t remember how macbook keys felt like prior to the butterfly key era, but can anyone tell me if these mat-like keys have always been like that in the air? whats the texture like on the current Pro models? Was the key texture a hardware change along Apple ditching the butterfly keys in 2019?

The key feel hasn't changed to me. All Apple keyboards wear to a smooth, more polished texture with use over time, however.

 

[3166792]

The keycaps on my M1 Air are not so different to the pre-Butterfly keycaps, IMO.

I'm sitting in front of a 2013 11" which is quite matte:

 

[JPack]

You probably wore out the key caps on your MBP. The smooth and glossy texture you describe for MBP doesn't happen when new. It's only when you wear down ABS plastic it becomes smooth.

 

[TinaBelcher]

You probably wore out the key caps on your MBP. The smooth and glossy texture you describe for MBP doesn't happen when new. It's only when you wear down ABS plastic it becomes smooth.

Lmfao yo may be on to something. The nice smooth texture on my MBP 2028 is me tearing down the mat cording 😅😂 ironically, it feels better and less fingerprint

 

[h.gilbert]

I've also noticed a difference between my M1 Air and 2016 13" Pro. The plastic used on the M1 Air keys feels softer, more rubbery and less glossy. The Pro keys plastic felt better quality and after 7 years of heavy use they still look new.