Apple's updated MacBook Pro 2019 Butterfly Keyboard

Apple wanted to let users know that the new MacBook Pro is fundamentally modified and has a more reliable keyboard. We have tested the new updated third generation keyboard to see how the sound, type and feel are compared to those of the previous generation. We analyze exactly the changes made by Apple that make the difference for everyday users.

What has changed

Apple has been silent about these changes and so we are left with a third-party analysis of what they are specifically. In a traditional way, iFixit was one of the first to analyze these keys in detail and to report what they found. The overall mechanism remained the same with two notable changes.

The first is the metal dome switch, the part that really slams when you press a key cap. They have slightly different appearances on the outside, which could be something as minor as changing the maker or a new heat treatment, according to the theory of iFixit.

If this dome were damaged, a key would begin to act erratically or not at all.

Secondly, there is the seal inside the switch and concentrates the pressure exerted centrally on the dome switch. In all previous generations, this material was semi-opaque and had the soft, sticky feel of silicone. The updated switch design includes a more translucent membrane, with a transfer of material to a nylon form.

In discussing with scientists specializing in materials and other hardware engineers, we believe that the stickiness of silicone in the 2018 keyboard can cause debris blockage, similar to the adhesion of the stuffed on the outside of an iPhone case made from a similar material. By opting for nylon, which has a higher propensity for static electricity, the dust may not stay in place as easily as before.

But the spaces between the materials are the same. The general design of the key, butterfly mechanism and contacts is identical. At present, it appears that the change will facilitate Apple's in-store maintenance and reduce the total number of top-box replacements, including speakers, keyboard, battery, and case.

If the changes keep customers away from the Genius bars, it remains to be seen.

Look, sound and feel

From the outside, the new MacBook Pro keyboards look identical to their 2018 counterparts. With these changes inside, we were curious about how they would change the typing feel or the sound of their keyboard.

We released our 2018 MacBook Air with the original third generation keyboard – featuring a silicone barrier – like the MacBook Pros 2018 and typed the same phrase on each one of them to see their sound and sound .

Basically, there was no difference. You can hear the video on your own, but the newest model has a slightly lower height than the MacBook Air. This is partly due to the difference in density and weight of the two machines and there was no change in the click or the overall sound.

On the contrary, the new keyboard was slightly softer to type, which could be attributed to one of the two important changes described above, or even to a new keyboard with several hundred thousand fewer words.

If you were comfortable and happy by tapping the previous butterfly keyboards, you will feel at home here.

Is it more reliable?

Apple seems to be tackling the perceived problems with the design of its keyboard, but we do not really know what the changes will really bring. They have expanded their repair program to include the 2018 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air and are actively promoting the increased reliability of the new keyboards.

AppleInsider & # 39; s Our own research has shown how minimal the keyboard problem is (although it is above the average of the previous model) and if Apple really improved reliability here, the number is expected to fall even further. We'll talk more about it in about six months as we collect the data.

We'll know over time if the new Apple keyboards are more reliable than before, but for now, all we can say is the same sound, type and performance and there was had, in fact, subtle changes in materials.

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