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Butterfly Keyboard - Bye, bye

pigoo3

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Definitely interesting news...given that owners of Apple portables with the "butterfly" keyboards did mention that they felt different...and sometimes had issues with them.

- Nick

p.s. This was also posted in the RSS area...and on the Mac-Forums Facebook page.:)
 
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p.s. This was also posted in the RSS area...and on the Mac-Forums Facebook page.:)

Sorry,
I only checked the "Apple Rumours and Reports" section to see if this was already posted before I did.
No longer do Facebook.

What I found most interesting in the article are the images of the two types of mechanisms - never saw that detail before.
 

pigoo3

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Sorry,
I only checked the "Apple Rumours and Reports" section to see if this was already posted before I did.
No longer do Facebook.

No problamo...mentioned those two other areas in case others do check them.:)

@everyone: To see the RSS threads...need to join the RSS group.:)

What I found most interesting in the article are the images of the two types of mechanisms - never saw that detail before.

I read that Apple also changed the material that the scissor mechanism was made of...very likely in an attempt to fix the issues. Now that Apple is switching back to the butterfly style keyboard mechanism...it would seem the new material didn't work out.

- Nick
 

RavingMac

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Only problem with this is it pushing my potential laptop replacement back another year or two. I’ve being watching the rumors of a 16+inch MBP coming out later this year with great interest. But, now I read that initially it will come with the old-style Butterfly Keyboard. So, that means waiting an update or two (probably wisest anyway) before I pop for one
 

chscag

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According to the latest rumor Apple is replacing the Butterfly Keyboard with the Scissor Switch style keyboard on this year's refresh of the MacBook Air. I believe the Butterfly Keyboard is dead. Apple has taken too much bad publicity over it. I also believe the refresh of any MacBook Pro models will have a Scissor Switch keyboard rather than Butterfly. However, we will just have to wait and see what Apple does.

You can refer to this article on MacRumors:

Kuo: Apple to Use New Scissor Switch Keyboard in Future MacBooks, Starting With 2019 MacBook Air Refresh | Page 3 | MacRumors Forums
 
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I never had any issues with my 2015 Macbook Air at all. My keyboard works great!
 
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I believe the Butterfly Keyboard is dead. Apple has taken too much bad publicity over it. I also believe the refresh of any MacBook Pro models will have a Scissor Switch keyboard rather than Butterfly. However, we will just have to wait and see what Apple does.


I don't have any real exposure to all the other computer brands and their keyboards and certainly haven't read much in the way of comparisons, but do they all make good quality keyboards that just work well and Apple was the only one that goofed up with their various butterfly style keyboard mechanism designs???

Just curious and wondering...


- Patrick
======
 

chscag

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There are complaints from users of other brands of notebook computers - regarding the keyboard. I understand that Dell has had some problems with their models.

The Butterfly Keyboard is especially susceptible to failure because of its thinness and closely mounted mechanism all designed to look nice. Looking nice is one thing but remaining functional and dependable is another. But Apple has always been known for its great looking machines and devices.

Another Apple look nice device comes to mind.... The slot mechanism optical drive. Very stylish but doesn't last very long. LOL. Thank goodness Apple computers no longer come with an optical drive.

Speaking of keyboards.... the best notebook keyboard was included with the old IBM Thinkpads. Nowadays the Thinkpad trademark is owned by Lenovo.
 

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According to the latest rumor Apple is replacing the Butterfly Keyboard with the Scissor Switch style keyboard on this year's refresh of the MacBook Air. I believe the Butterfly Keyboard is dead. Apple has taken too much bad publicity over it. I also believe the refresh of any MacBook Pro models will have a Scissor Switch keyboard rather than Butterfly. However, we will just have to wait and see what Apple does.

You can refer to this article on MacRumors:

Kuo: Apple to Use New Scissor Switch Keyboard in Future MacBooks, Starting With 2019 MacBook Air Refresh | Page 3 | MacRumors Forums

I hope you are right, Charlie.
Don’t know where I read it, but I had seen a rumor to the effect the new MBP was too far along when the decision to switch keyboards came out, and hence the first model of it would use the Butterfly version.
If I can remember and find it, I’ll post the link here
 

pigoo3

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I never had any issues with my 2015 Macbook Air at all. My keyboard works great!

I do not believe 2015 MacBook Air's have "butterfly" keyboards. Only MacBooks & MacBook Pro's from 2016 onwards have butterfly keyboards (maybe a 2015 MacBook model as well).

And only the 2018 MacBook Air has a butterfly keyboard.

- Nick
 

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Only problem with this is it pushing my potential laptop replacement back another year or two. I’ve being watching the rumors of a 16+inch MBP coming out later this year with great interest.

It's always something!;) One feature not included...or one issue that needs addressing to make it a perfect purchase.

I as well am seriously interested in a rumored 16" MacBook Pro. My 2011 17" MacBook Pro is definitely starting to show its age...need something newer!:)

- Nick
 
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I do not believe 2015 MacBook Air's have "butterfly" keyboards. Only MacBooks & MacBook Pro's from 2016 onwards have butterfly keyboards (maybe a 2015 MacBook model as well).

And only the 2018 MacBook Air has a butterfly keyboard.

- Nick

To be honest, I am not really sure what a butterfly keyboard even is. I should research them. The only keyboard I know of is a mechanical keyboard but other than that, I don't know much about them. :)
 
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I do not believe 2015 MacBook Air's have "butterfly" keyboards. Only MacBooks & MacBook Pro's from 2016 onwards have butterfly keyboards (maybe a 2015 MacBook model as well).

And only the 2018 MacBook Air has a butterfly keyboard.

- Nick


I guess that should account for not having any keyboard issues with that 2015 MacBook Air model.

(maybe a 2015 MacBook model as well).
That was my vague understanding as well, but does anyone know which particular model it was???

Well, it seems like the MacBook "Core M" 1.3 12" (Early 2015) models at least:
It also packs a lowly 480p FaceTime webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin "butterfly mechanism" keyboard design, a clever haptic-capable "Force Touch" trackpad,
MacBook "Core M" 1.3 12" (Early 2015) Specs (Early 2015, BTO/CTO, MacBook8,1, A1534, 2746): EveryMac.com

EDIT:
Actually when checking further, ALL 2015 MacBooks seem to have
a backlit full-size keyboard with a thin "butterfly mechanism" keyboard design,
Apple MacBook Specs (All MacBook Technical Specs): EveryMac.com

Odd, I don't really recall of many keyboard complaints from users using the 2015 MacBooks. But maybe that was because I wasn't really even interested. My understanding was they were one of the better All around useful models Apple has produced recently.

EDIT II:
Here's a good summary of the Apple keyboard situation and affected models and various designs:
MacBook Pro / Air Butterfly Keyboard Issues (Repeating, Stuck, Unresponsive)
Thursday July 4, 2019 8:28 AM PDT by Juli Clover
MacBook Pro / Air Butterfly Keyboard Issues (Repeating, Stuck, Unresponsive) - MacRumors



- Patrick
======
 
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What I found interesting is the claim of the new Macbook Air not being a redesign, but being able to use the 'new' keyboard. Makes me wonder if this new keyboard is swappable in other MBPd, and if this was planned all along with their keyboard fix program.
 

pigoo3

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What I found interesting is the claim of the new Macbook Air not being a redesign, but being able to use the 'new' keyboard. Makes me wonder if this new keyboard is swappable in other MBPd, and if this was planned all along with their keyboard fix program.

The 2019 MacBook Air has a 3rd generation butterfly keyboard...it doesn't have the "back to the future" scissor style keyboard that was used before the butterfly keyboard was introduced...and is said to be what Apple is going to return to for future MacBook/MacBook Pro models.

- Nick
 
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I dunno, this issue is poring a lot of cold water on my plans to buy a MBA. I just have zero interest in spending over $1000 to get involved in problems like this. I guess I'm getting too old and am out of touch with the rest of the Mac market. The feature I want the most is the ability to buy with confidence, and have the purchase be a happy event uncontaminated by such worries.

I do have a solution I would accept, but I know it's no longer how Apple handles repairs. I would still buy with confidence if Apple would tell me this...

"If your Mac breaks during warranty we'll come to your house within a few days and fix it for free."

Anything less than that is shifting the seller's problems on to the buyer. Just not acceptable.

I know Apple could do this if they wanted to, because they've done it in the past and the company didn't collapse. But I know those days are over, so....
 
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I dunno, this issue is poring a lot of cold water on my plans to buy a MBA.

Late last year I had to decide between a 2018 MBA and a 2017 MBA
Ended up going with the top of the line 2017 model with a 512 GB drive - mostly because it gave me a lot more "native" connectivity and the high resolution screen on a 13" MBA didn't buy me much. I also wanted a MacBook that was as light and easy for travel as possible - having to cart along extra boxes to get the connectivity I needed wasn't my idea of travelling "light".
At the time I didn't even think of the keyboard on the 2018 being a potential issue, but now I'm even happier that I opted for the 2017 model.
 

pigoo3

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I dunno, this issue is poring a lot of cold water on my plans to buy a MBA. I just have zero interest in spending over $1000 to get involved in problems like this. I guess I'm getting too old and am out of touch with the rest of the Mac market. The feature I want the most is the ability to buy with confidence, and have the purchase be a happy event uncontaminated by such worries.

I do have a solution I would accept, but I know it's no longer how Apple handles repairs. I would still buy with confidence if Apple would tell me this...

"If your Mac breaks during warranty we'll come to your house within a few days and fix it for free."

Anything less than that is shifting the seller's problems on to the buyer. Just not acceptable.

I think you may be judging Apple a bit harshly. Apple is routinely at the top of many consumer satisfaction survey's (Apple must be doing something right):)...also...how many of Apple's competitor's would do this?

On top of that...how many of Apple's competitor's have an Apple-like store...where you can take an Apple device with an issue...and many times the Apple tech's will diagnose it for free (while you wait)...no dropping it off & returning later.

Finally...if you're relatively near to an Apple Store...it's pretty easy to visit the store & drop it off for repair.:)

I know Apple could do this if they wanted to, because they've done it in the past and the company didn't collapse. But I know those days are over, so....

I know you shared an Apple experience you had 20 years ago with a new iMac you purchased...and Apple sent someone to your home & replaced the modem. First of all...that home visit 20 years ago was VERY unusual even for that time. Secondly...20 years ago (1999) there were no Apple Stores that Apple users could take their computer to for diagnosis/repair (Apple consumer stores didn't open until 2001).

I think if any Apple user takes everything into consideration (historical info & the competitive environment)...we are still doing way better than the average Windows or Android device based user.:)

- Nick
 

chscag

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At the time I didn't even think of the keyboard on the 2018 being a potential issue, but now I'm even happier that I opted for the 2017 model.

The 2017 model likewise uses the butterfly keyboard. The articles I have read state that all 2016-2018 (and now the 2019) model MBA and MBP use the butterfly keyboard. However, your MBA is covered under the Apple extended warranty so if the keyboard does give you problems, Apple will replace it for free.
 

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