Why is the M3 Air keyboard so cheap feeling?

[DeepSix]

In two months of light use the key caps on my M2 MBA started showing shiny spots. It has progressively gotten worse.

Many people experience this.

I don’t remember my first m1 mbp 13" having this issue or my M1 Max MBP 16" both of which I don't own anymore. If they did have the shiny keys it was very mild compared to the new MacBooks.

Anyone who says because this issue hasn't affected them, therefore it doesn't exist is a nice way of redirecting the conversation away. Most people experience shiny keys on the latest MacBooks within a very short period of time and without heavy users. Just because a minority subset get lucky doesn't mean the issue doesn't exist.

It should be a pretty easy fix for Apple.

Apple must have changed the type of plastic used for the keys at the M2 release. The M1 Airs we use at work don't have much shine to the keys but they are used seldomly and generally aren't typed on very often....only used for doing remote Zoom calls.

What I find very insulting is that you can buy a $5000 fully spec'ed out M4 Pro and it uses the exact same plastic and you will have the exact same issue. That's completely unnacceptable on a laptop that costs that much.

I've used and owned several Surface Pro type covers over the years and not a single one ever had any shine to the keys when I got rid of them when I sold the device. Apple should use the same material as on the Surface Type covers. It's a more grippy plastic and it also feels better when typing. Your fingers don't slide, I find the Mac keys a bit slippery. Lenovo also uses the same type of material on their keyboards and their keys don't shine like marbles.

 

[SnowCrocodile]

...

Anyone who says because this issue hasn't affected them, therefore it doesn't exist is a nice way of redirecting the conversation away. Most people experience shiny keys on the latest MacBooks within a very short period of time and without heavy users. Just because a minority subset get lucky doesn't mean the issue doesn't exist.

...

At no point did I claim that the problem doesn't exist. Merely that it doesn't exist for everyone.

Us having two MBAs without shiny keys is the proof.

Im not sure how you got so lucky, honestly. The keys on the M2 and M3 MacBooks will shine like marbles from just a few weeks of usage. Compared to my last MacBook in 2013, which was used everyday as a main computer and after 6 years of usage it may have had a tiny bit of wear (and had to see inspected up close to see it) but nothing compared to the cheap keyboards in them now.

It's not luck. I am pretty sure that this is related to the levels of skin oil.

Just like Airpods don't work with some ears.

Which is of course a problem and should be rectified.

 

[DeepSix]

At no point did I claim that the problem doesn't exist. Merely that it doesn't exist for everyone.

Us having two MBAs without shiny keys is the proof.



It's not luck. I am pretty sure that this is related to the levels of skin oil.

Just like Airpods don't work with some ears.

Which is of course a problem and should be rectified.

Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the oils in someone's skin. It's definitely luck and you and your wife have lucked out. That's why so many people are putting stickers on their keys to prevent the shine. This is a widespread problem that has been expressed all over the internet and Apple needs to seriously address the issue.

 

[SnowCrocodile]

Unfortunately it has nothing to do with the oils in someone's skin. It's definitely luck and you and your wife have lucked out. That's why so many people are putting stickers on their keys to prevent the shine. This is a widespread problem that has been expressed all over the internet.

With all due respect, two people in the same house buying two different MacBooks three years apart and not getting what you say is a problem affecting the vast majority of users is just statistically improbable.

But, I won’t argue. Perhaps both of us did get lucky.

 

[kschendel]

This whole discussion makes me wonder where some people got their laptops. Not that I don't believe, it's just that I don't have any issues with rattling keys or shiny keys. It's like we're from different planets.

After very nearly a year of intensive typing (as in, that's all I do with the machine, for 6-10 hours a day), my M2 Air has a shiny spot on the space bar (visible only with the light shining properly) where I've apparently worn off the matte finish. It's nowhere near as shiny as my old late 2013 rMPB's keyboard, but then that keyboard had another 8 years or so of typing, so it can be expected. None of my keys "rattle" in any sense; no, they aren't like a solid mechanical keyboard, but I never expected that, and my MBA keyboard is solid and firm under my fingers.

I have to say that I didn't buy a laptop with the matte keyboard finish as a primary consideration, but whatever. If some of you are seeing "shiny keys" after a few months, either you're doing something weird (because I can basically guarantee that you aren't typing on your keyboard more than I am), or you're hallucinating, or your keyboard is from a very different source than my keyboard is from.

 

[G5isAlive]

With all due respect, two people in the same house buying two different MacBooks three years apart and not getting what you say is a problem affecting the vast majority of users is just statistically improbable.

But, I won’t argue. Perhaps both of us did get lucky.

You did get lucky, you found each other.

 

[DeepSix]

This whole discussion makes me wonder where some people got their laptops. Not that I don't believe, it's just that I don't have any issues with rattling keys or shiny keys. It's like we're from different planets.

After very nearly a year of intensive typing (as in, that's all I do with the machine, for 6-10 hours a day), my M2 Air has a shiny spot on the space bar (visible only with the light shining properly) where I've apparently worn off the matte finish. It's nowhere near as shiny as my old late 2013 rMPB's keyboard, but then that keyboard had another 8 years or so of typing, so it can be expected. None of my keys "rattle" in any sense; no, they aren't like a solid mechanical keyboard, but I never expected that, and my MBA keyboard is solid and firm under my fingers.

I have to say that I didn't buy a laptop with the matte keyboard finish as a primary consideration, but whatever. If some of you are seeing "shiny keys" after a few months, either you're doing something weird (because I can basically guarantee that you aren't typing on your keyboard more than I am), or you're hallucinating, or your keyboard is from a very different source than my keyboard is from.

If it's just me then why is there a ton of stuff that comes up if you search up shiny keys on MacBook? It's a widespread issue.

You must be spraying 70% alcohol on your keyboard daily.

 

[kschendel]

If it's just me then why is there a ton of stuff that comes up if you search up shiny keys on MacBook? It's a widespread issue.

You must be spraying 70% alcohol on your keyboard daily.

I didn't mean to suggest that it was just you. It's clear, though, that not all MBA's are affected.

I've never done anything to the keyboard other than wave a duster at it. No alcohol ever, nor anything else.

 

[DeepSix]

I didn't mean to suggest that it was just you. It's clear, though, that not all MBA's are affected.

I've never done anything to the keyboard other than wave a duster at it. No alcohol ever, nor anything else.

No worries at all. Im just curious what you are doing to not get shiny keys. I did order some 70% isoprhyol alcohol wipes to clean the keys every few days to see if it helps.

 

[SnowCrocodile]

No worries at all. Im just curious what you are doing to not get shiny keys. I did order some 70% isoprhyol alcohol wipes to clean the keys every few days to see if it helps.

He’s probably doing the same thing that me and my wife are doing to not get shiny keys on our MBAs. Nothing.

Just accept the fact that some people don’t get shiny keys, and that the vast majority of them don’t talk about it because they are unaware of it being an issue. I certainly wouldn’t know without stumbling upon this thread.

 

[DeepSix]

He’s probably doing the same thing that me and my wife are doing to not get shiny keys on our MBAs. Nothing.

Just accept the fact that some people don’t get shiny keys, and that the vast majority of them don’t talk about it because they are unaware of it being an issue. I certainly wouldn’t know without stumbling upon this thread.

I still think you are very lucky. As recommended on here, I ordered 70% Isoproyl alcohol wipes and it cleans the keys fine but I have to hit it with water after so that the wipes don't leave streaks. This is the first laptop ever in my life that I have to carry wipes and a brush with me just to keep it clean.

 

[Elcuria]

Am typing on a M3 MBA we got along with 4-5 others. Been using for three months. Keyboard keys don't rattle, no shiny keys.

 

[G5isAlive]

I still think you are very lucky. As recommended on here, I ordered 70% Isoproyl alcohol wipes and it cleans the keys fine but I have to hit it with water after so that the wipes don't leave streaks. This is the first laptop ever in my life that I have to carry wipes and a brush with me just to keep it clean.

no one is forcing you to worry about streaks.

 

[emmab2006]

got an Air last week, none of these keys rattle, and i use custom keyboards on my pc , which i build, no bad build quality here whatsoever.

 

[helloapple1]

I think the main thing here we have to remember is there are differences in keyboards because of quality control deviance. I say that because I’ve had several MacBooks over the years and some come with loose keyboards and some are totally fine. Also applies to the trackpad. Some have been rough and some have been smooth on models that I’ve gotten. It’s just the Apple lottery.

 

[nottooshabby]

Is there more than one production location for macbook airs?

 

[DeepSix]

Friend sent this to me after I asked him his thoughts. He was comparing the keyboard on his Air to his new G16.

"The keyboard on the G16 is really a lot better IMHO. And the best part about the keyboard is that it doesn't have the bloody oil stains, so i'm not constantly wiping down the keyboard daily."

 

[DeepSix]

no one is forcing you to worry about streaks.

I didn't know this but if you wipe down with just the alcohol wipes it leaves streaks after. So you have to wipe it down after with just water on a cloth. The Air is the highest maintenance laptop ive ever used.

I have to carry in my Air bag:
1) 70% alchol wipes
2) Microfibre cloth
3) mini spray bottle of water
4) Beauty brush

Good riddance.

 

[G5isAlive]

I didn't know this but if you wipe down with just the alcohol wipes it leaves streaks after. So you have to wipe it down after with just water on a cloth. The Air is the highest maintenance laptop ive ever used.

I have to carry in my Air bag:
1) 70% alchol wipes
2) Microfibre cloth
3) mini spray bottle of water
4) Beauty brush

Good riddance.

Hope you are happy with your next laptop. My guess is I will come back in a year and read otherwise. I do sometimes brush off my air, wipe off the screen, but not so often that I have to carry all these things in my travel bag. to each their own. My Air is one of the lowest maintenance laptops I have owned because I do not have to worry about fan vents and dust/lint, which is much more critical that a streak on my keyboard.

 

[G5isAlive]

Friend sent this to me after I asked him his thoughts. He was comparing the keyboard on his Air to his new G16.

"The keyboard on the G16 is really a lot better IMHO. And the best part about the keyboard is that it doesn't have the bloody oil stains, so i'm not constantly wiping down the keyboard daily."

Yep I own both the M3 max MacBook Pro 16 and the M3 MBA 15, and honestly I move from keyboard to keyboard with nary a thought. Sitting here on my Magic Keyboard and MacStudio, I couldn't even begin to tell you the differences I perceive in the two laptops. They both just work fine.

I suppose the point I am making is some people are just more picky than others. It's hard to extrapolate from your experience to mine. I just consider these things as tools and use them as such.

 

[DeepSix]

The keyboard on my new M4 Pro feels noticably better. There is still a bit of rattle in the keys but it's very minor compared to the air and the typing experience is much better than the air. Feels a lot tighter and my fingers aren't slipping and sliding all over the laptop trying to grip the keys.

 

[DeepSix]

So I must say, why do the outside keys (like return, shift etc) have the keys press noticeably different in terms of feel when the key is pressed on the outside as compared to pressing the key in the middle or on the inside? I wish Apple had more consistency. Im guessing it's due to the design of the keyboard.

And sometimes some keys can feel different than the rest when pressed. A key should feel the exact same regardless of where on the key your finger hits it.

 

[helloapple1]

My M3 MBA keyboard is perfect. Others aren’t. My trackpad is rough though meanwhile others are smooth. This all boils down to a quality control issue.

 

[DeepSix]

My M3 MBA keyboard is perfect. Others aren’t. My trackpad is rough though meanwhile others are smooth. This all boils down to a quality control issue.

I'd rather settle for a slightly rough trackpad instead of a keyboard with slippery and wobbly keys because it really ruins the typing experience. At least with a rough trackpad, it's easily correctable by applying products onto the trackpad and eventually over time it will become smoother just from wear.

 

[bousozoku]

I don't believe that. Shinness on Macs are unavoidable unless you use latex gloves, put on stickers on the keys or external keyboard.

Waving a light over my M1 MacBook Air, I notice that I need to clean it because the fingerprints have been worse than they should be. I also recognize that I shouldn't eat while working the keyboard.

I don't notice any flippy, rattling sound, though. Maybe, the newer body has a problem that the older body didn't.