Apple's MacBook Pro 2016 had to work hard to get the recommendation of Consumer Reports in January. The manufacturer had to exert extra effort because users have reported several issues with the new laptop, including battery issues and GPU glitches.
Apple was able to address the MacBook Pro 2016 battery issues and GPU problems with the rollout of macOS 10.12.3. The headache might not be over, though, as users are reporting about MacBook Pro keyboard problems.
MacBook Pro 2016 Keyboard With Non-Functional Keys
Users on the forums section of MacRumors reported issues with the keyboard of their MacBook Pros.
"I have a barely used 13" base 2016 MacBook Pro and the 'control' key stopped working last night. This pained me, as I use 'CTRL TAB' often to switch tasks in Safari. I did some research and found a few threads folks got brand new MacBook Pro replacements due to keyboard issues," wrote a certain Kjvmartin.
The user added that his laptop had to be shipped out for servicing and that he did not get a replacement.
Similar complaints were reported by other users on the Apple Support site. Some users say that certain keys are not working while others have to press several times before they can type what they're trying to type.
High-Pitched Key Click Issue
One user also reported about the keyboard of the MacBook Pro producing high-pitch sounds. Different tones for different keys. Here's a video of it captured by Monstermac77:
Other reports seem to corroborate Monstermac77's issue with the MacBook Pro keyboard.
"I even got different sounds from the same keys, for example when pressing Q, W or E on the bottom of the key they sound very 'clicky,' the keys next to them don't. When I normal press then in the middle or top they sound like they should sound (low or hollow sound)," another forum member reported.
Some MacBook Pro owners claim that the sounds only occur when the laptop hits a certain temperature.
Other 2016 MacBook Pro Keyboard Problems
Users also report inconsistent feel on some of the keys, while some report that entries are doubled when they press certain letters.
What's Causing The Keyboard Issues?
Take note the reports about MacBook Pro keyboard problems are not limited to one model of the lineup. There were reports from owners of 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar and from users of 13-inch laptops with or without Touch Bar.
These Apple laptops have the second-generation butterfly mechanism keyboard.
"[W]e designed a unique butterfly mechanism, which is wider than the scissor mechanism and has a single assembly made from a stiffer material — allowing for a more stable, responsive key that takes up less vertical space. This innovative design improves stability, uniformity, and control — no matter where you press on the key," Apple describes the design of the keyboard on its website.
It is still not clear what's causing the different issues. It can be blamed on hardware or software, but it is clear that there's a flaw somewhere. As reported by users, some laptops have already been repaired or replaced.
Feel free to share your experience with us via comments. We will update you as soon as there is official word about the MacBook Pro keyboard issues.
