In 2015 and 2016, Apple introduced updated keyboards for the MacBook and MacBook Pro, introducing new butterfly keys with home switches under each key that minimize thickness while providing satisfying pressure under the fingers. Butterfly keys were offered on Macs between 2015 and 2019.
Unfortunately, Apple's butterfly keyboards were highly controversial and were cited as one of the company's ownworst design decisionsdue to their tendency to errors due to small particles such as crumbs or heating problems. All butterfly keyboards in MacBook Pro, MacBook andMacBook Airmodels introduced between 2016 and 2019 (and 2015 in the case of the MacBook) have butterfly keys that can be vulnerable to failure.
Apple began phasing out the butterfly keyboard in 2019, and as of May 2020 it is no longer used in the new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models, although older machines will continue to experience issues as they cannot be updated with the new scissor switch mechanisms .
What's the problem?
Butterfly keys use a butterfly mechanism that differs from the scissor mechanism used on traditional keyboards. It's called a butterfly mechanism because the parts under the key resemble the wings of a butterfly, with a hinge in the middle instead of overlapping like scissors.
Apple switched to a butterfly mechanism to create a thinner keyboard, which is possible because each key moves less when you press it, taking up less space. The keyboard offers plenty of travel and stability when each key is pressed, but unfortunately the thin butterfly mechanism can get stuck with crumbs, dust, and other particles, resulting in keys that don't press properly, keys that skip keystrokes, or keys that repeat letters.
A keyboard failure is one of Apple's notebooks, because replacing the keyboard requires replacing the entire top unit of the computer, which is not a cheap repair.
Which Macs are affected?
Keyboard issues can occur with all MacBook models, as the 2015 MacBook was the first machine with a butterfly keyboard. All 2016, 2017 and 2018 and 15-inch MacBook Pro models are vulnerable to bugs, despite some generational changes that Apple has made to the keyboard on various models, which we will explain further below. It is not yet clear whetherThe 2019 modelsare vulnerable due to component updates.
Apple's 2018 MacBook Air uses the same butterfly keyboard as the MacBook Pro, which has also been the subject of some bug complaints on Reddit andMacRygterfor a.
Please note: Not all MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air owners have experienced issues with the butterfly keyboard. It's an issue that appears to be related to exposure to dust, crumbs and small particles, with some complaints of heat issues affecting a portion of MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air owners.
According to Apple, only a "small percentage" of Mac users have experienced problems with the butterfly keyboard, but anecdotal claims and the high visibility of the problem have resulted in the public perception that most butterfly keyboards fail. This isn't true, as some people have fine keyboards, but any Mac with a butterfly keyboard can experience problems.
What has Apple done?
Appeal in June 2018launched a keyboard repair programfor MacBook and MacBook Pro models equipped with butterfly keys, and in May 2019 the programwas expandedincludes all MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air machines equipped with a butterfly keyboard, including the new 2019 models.
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, begin 2015)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-inch, begin 2016)
- MacBook (Retina, 12-tommer, 2017)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-tommer, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Customers with eligible 2015 to 2019 machines experiencing keyboard issues can visit an Apple Retailer or Apple Authorized Service Provider for free repairs. The repair program is a huge undertaking, as some customers had to pay more than $500 in fees to have their MacBook and MacBook Pro models repaired before launch.
All MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models are covered for four years from the date of purchase, so 2019 machines are covered until 2023. Some machines are no longer covered by the program and do not have keyboards that Apple will replace.
What about the 2018 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models?
Apple debuted the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in 2018 that use a redesigned third-generation butterfly keyboard. The third-generation butterfly keyboard has a thin silicone barrier behind each key, which has been added as a burglar-proof measure to prevent dust from entering the keys.
The silicone barrier on the third-generation MacBook Pro keyboard via iFixit
After the launch of the third-generation butterfly keyboard, there was hope that errors would decrease, but a recent report showsOfWall Street Journalpointed out that the 2018 MacBook Pro is still prone to keyboard issues. Apple apologized in a statement, but did not outline specific repair options or future keyboard plans.
We are aware that a small number of users are experiencing issues with their 3rd generation butterfly keyboard, and we apologize for this. The vast majority of Mac notebook customers have a positive experience with the new keyboard.
It's possible that 2018 machines with updated butterfly keyboards will fail less often, but owners of 2018 MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs have still reported issues, so these models should be avoided if you plan to buy an older machine.
What about the 2019 MacBook Pro models?
Apple debuted in May 2019new MacBook Pro modelswith further improvements to the third generation butterfly keyboard. The 2019 MacBook Pros have keyboards built with a new material that Apple claims will significantly reduce the keyboard errors users have been seeing.
Apple did not provide specific details about the material change in the updated butterfly keyboard. According toan iFixit teardownApple has made changes to the membrane that covers the keyboard switches.
2018 MacBook Pro parts on the left, 2019 MacBook Pro parts on the right in each image
The diaphragm feels brighter and smoother and appears to be made of polyacetylene. There are also subtle changes to the metal dome above each key switch, perhaps designed to reduce durability, recoil or other issues.
According to Apple, 2018 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air machines with keyboard bugs can be upgraded with this new, improved, third-generation butterfly keyboard. Older machines that don't use the third-generation butterfly keyboard can't be updated with 2019 technology, but even this newer technology is sometimes prone to glitches.
What should I do if my butterfly keyboard breaks down?
No matter which MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro you have, you should contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for repair options. Now that all butterfly keyboards are covered, customers with an affected machine will no longer have a problem getting a fix as long as they stay within the program's purchasing parameters.
Apple yesprioritizationMacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards are being repaired, and Apple resellers must make the repairs in-store rather than sending the machines to a repair shop, which takes days. Apple now aims to offer next-day MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboard replacements, which should reduce the inconvenience of repairs.
In some cases, if you get a large crease under a key, a key will feel locked in place. There are cases where you can wiggle the key to break the crumb and get it working again, and Apple recommends this as wellclean the keyboard with compressed air.
No more butterfly keyboards?
With the launch of the 2020 16-inch MacBook Pro, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 13-inch MacBook Air, Apple has eliminated the butterfly keyboard from its notebook lineup. As of May 2020, no MacBooks have been made with the butterfly key mechanism, and Apple's latest machines all have a newer, more durable scissor switch mechanism for the keyboard that Apple calls the "Magic Keyboard".
The scissor mechanism in the Magic Keyboard provides 1mm of key travel and stable key feel, plus an Apple-made rubber dome designed to store more potential energy for a more responsive keystroke. Apple says the Magic Keyboard provides a comfortable, satisfying, and quiet typing experience. The keyboard is similar in design to the butterfly keyboard options, but there is a physical Escape key instead of a virtual key on the Touch Bar, andPress IDbutton is also a separate button.
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