Live data from Hacker News

MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

ryanbigg.com

561–570 of 586 posts

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#561
post #236

Earlier quoted context omitted.

no. I think the original first gen macbook pro keyboard was really good. - The keys were shaped to match the curve of your finger - the stroke distance was very nice - escape key I think it started going downhill with the flat keys. Your fingers could not feel the key edges, would therefore not center, and you would mistype.

The current-gen keys are shaped. Subtly, but it's there.

I've tried it, but (for me) it's not enough to feel, and it doesn't help with comfort (which is better if the keypress force acts on the entire finger)

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#562
post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I really wish this was the top comment. I feel like HN is turning a little too much into an echo chamber dunk fest sometimes.

Also, just to throw another opinion into this dumpster fire: I had to get a new laptop, knew I was getting a 2019 MBP, and was terrified the keyboard experience would be horrendous due to the coverage I see on the topic here. And it isn't at all. It feels different than my 2015 model, but... definitely not worse. I may even be just slightly better because it's noticeably quieter. Just one perspective, but yeah. The k…

I don't think most of the comments are directed at the 2019 model. Most even specify an earlier (2018) model. These have known issues. So I think that is "approaching absolute truth".

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#563

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And yet even in this story, there are multiple comments a la "Yawn. I can't believe this is an issue. Apple shouldn't be paying attention to niche complainers."

Because the level of vitriol is not commensurate with the problem? They'll replace the keyboards, most people don't have issues. (I know I don't, 2+ years in). Nerd entitlement rage is monotonous. The latest models 4th gen keyboards are pretty much fine.

Couple of things though:

- they'll only replace the keyboard for up to 4 years after the purchase date

- they'll replace it with the same faulty keyboard, so there's a good chance it'll have the same fault again, only once it's put of warranty

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#564
post #203

For what it is worth. Key repeats as described is a hardware problem. I had the same issue with the letter H. Either duplicates or a random H mid-whatever. Every single macbook ive owned in the last 3 years has had some defect. Either a dead motherboard. Broken keyboard. Or both. Basically it is build like a piece of shit. Had I any option I would get a cheaper better faster windows pc in a heartbeat. Sure it'll be 0…

I downloaded Unshaky to help this out: https://github.com/aahung/Unshaky You can set custom timings per key, which is useful for particularly difficult keys.

It's good there are 3rd party solutions and OSS solutions such as this, but on principle, if you pay way over the odds for Apple hardware, you really shouldn't have these problems in the first place

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#565
post #386
post #151

I don't know anyone who was a real TTY user who likes on touchbar. I don't know any EMACS user who likes on touchbar. If I do the join over these and anyone else I ask, I actually don't know anyone who likes on touchbar. I think Apple took a long standing market acceptance in the community I live in, and basically trashed it, for lipgloss. I expect to move to a Lenovo Carbon X1, with qualms.

I use escape all the time. It's useful for canceling a cmd-tab, and also canceling actions.

Not the parent, but I think that's their point - nobody who needs an Escape key likes having Escape on the touchbar.

I'm certainly in that camp; I hate the lack of physical feedback. I really don't get the point of the touchbar TBH. Beyond gimmick, they could have got a far better UX by having a row of programmable physical keys.

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#566

My personal MBP wishlist: * the new keyboard (2015 style or better) * no touchbar (F keys, please) * magsafe (with cables wrapped in something stronger than a tortilla) * battery capacity that maxes out the FAA limit * serious graphics (as an option) * better screen coating that doesn’t flake off or scratch easily * an even darker gray / charcoal color option * finally... no fingerprint reader (they’re useful, but I’…

Only one I disagree with is the fingerprint reader - I actually find that useful. Actually, I'd like to be able to use it more often, but MacOS makes me login with my password when it boots up, and then only let's me use the fingerprint reader for about 50% of privileged operations.

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#567
post #538

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Does Apple not offer a loaner laptop during that period? If not, I'm quite unimpressed. These laptops are expected to be purchased by working professionals... what does Apple imagine is the customer workflow when an issue arises? Pause your work while the laptop is in repair?

> These laptops are expected to be purchased by working professionals But these are not business type products, macbook pro laptops are luxury consumer goods if anything.

> But these are not business type products, macbook pro laptops are luxury consumer goods if anything.

What are you basing this woefully uninformed statement on? Countless companies issue MBPs to their staff.

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#569

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Because the level of vitriol is not commensurate with the problem? They'll replace the keyboards, most people don't have issues. (I know I don't, 2+ years in). Nerd entitlement rage is monotonous. The latest models 4th gen keyboards are pretty much fine.

Couple of things though: - they'll only replace the keyboard for up to 4 years after the purchase date - they'll replace it with the same faulty keyboard, so there's a good chance it'll have the same fault again, only once it's put of warranty

"they'll replace it with the same faulty keyboard"

We know they've gone through several revisions that have purportedly reduced the incidents of problems, and they'll likely go through more improvements. When you get your keyboard replaced they will use the better variant.

Re: MacBook Pro Keyboard Drives Me Crazy

#570

The monotony of this complaint is driving me crazy. It's really simple. 1. If you don't care about MacOS, and want a different keyboard, please buy a Lenovo Carbon X1 and leave us happy Macbook Pro users in peace. 2. If your keyboard breaks, Apple will replace it free. The newer gen keyboards generally don't break. 3. If you really can't type on this keyboard and you really love MacOS, there are lots of decent thin B…

> 1. If you don't care about MacOS, and want a different keyboard, please buy a Lenovo Carbon X1 and leave us happy Macbook Pro users in peace. I would gladly get a Carbon X1 or an XPS 15 if my work didn't require me to use macOS (or better: if Apple didn't require me to use macOS to build iOS apps). Sadly I can't and so I'm too stuck with a 2018 MacBook Pro and its crappy keyboard > 2. If your keyboard breaks, Apple…

See, the above is what I’m talking about. You’re making excuses to keep yourself miserable. Just ask your employer for an external keyboard. Or get one yourself. It’s no more offensive than buying aftermarket parts for a car.

It clearly is completely acceptable for Apple to act this way, because millions of MacBook Pros are sold and most are fine with them.

Ps. Please tell me more about now external keyboards are uncomfortable. They’re how everyone not on a laptop types, and usually the main example of good keyboards. I would be willing to contribute to an external keyboard gofundme to help resolve your misery.

Post reply on HN