2018 MacBook Pro keyboards include silicone membrane, might protect against key failure
Apple is advertising the new MacBooks as having an updated, "quieter" keyboard, but has said little about the new design. A teardown of the hardware on Friday, however, reveals a new silicone membrane encases each key that potentially serves as a dust-repelling feature to protect against malfunctions.
Source: iFixit
Repair specialist iFixit tore down the latest MacBook Pro and quickly found a noticeable change to the keyboard design -- a thin, silicone membrane surrounding each butterfly mechanism. This thin film, located under each individual keycap, appears designed to prevent dust and debris from interfering with key operation, an issue that cropped up in previous generation butterfly keyboards last year.
While not confirmed by Apple, iFixit theorizes that the new keyboard's newfound quietness is merely a side effect of the membranes real purpose, to keep debris out of the keys.
When Apple launched the latest MacBook Pros earlier this week, there was a lot of debate as to whether the updated, third-generation butterfly keyboard had fixed the criticized failure problem that has spawned multiple lawsuits against the tech giant. Though it says problems are relegated to a small percentage of MacBook owners, Apple last month initiated a service program for those with affected machines.
The immediate assumption, was that no, the newly designed keys did not nullify key failures. Indeed, in comments to certain media outlets, Apple said the revamped keys are not intended to improve reliability.
Digging deeper, a patent issued to Apple seems to confirm that theory. The patent describes the exact protectant film we see in the new keyboards and is described as to "prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress."
Source: USPTO
Fixing MacBook's keyboard is a big deal for Apple, and one it most definitely wants to address. Explaining the company's dismissive statements is a separate issue altogether. With so many lawsuits currently pending, it can be speculated that Apple is hesitant to admit that the new design "fixes" a keyboard problem it never necessarily deemed "defective" in the first place.
Source: iFixit
Repair specialist iFixit tore down the latest MacBook Pro and quickly found a noticeable change to the keyboard design -- a thin, silicone membrane surrounding each butterfly mechanism. This thin film, located under each individual keycap, appears designed to prevent dust and debris from interfering with key operation, an issue that cropped up in previous generation butterfly keyboards last year.
While not confirmed by Apple, iFixit theorizes that the new keyboard's newfound quietness is merely a side effect of the membranes real purpose, to keep debris out of the keys.
When Apple launched the latest MacBook Pros earlier this week, there was a lot of debate as to whether the updated, third-generation butterfly keyboard had fixed the criticized failure problem that has spawned multiple lawsuits against the tech giant. Though it says problems are relegated to a small percentage of MacBook owners, Apple last month initiated a service program for those with affected machines.
The immediate assumption, was that no, the newly designed keys did not nullify key failures. Indeed, in comments to certain media outlets, Apple said the revamped keys are not intended to improve reliability.
Digging deeper, a patent issued to Apple seems to confirm that theory. The patent describes the exact protectant film we see in the new keyboards and is described as to "prevent and/or alleviate contaminant ingress."
Source: USPTO
Fixing MacBook's keyboard is a big deal for Apple, and one it most definitely wants to address. Explaining the company's dismissive statements is a separate issue altogether. With so many lawsuits currently pending, it can be speculated that Apple is hesitant to admit that the new design "fixes" a keyboard problem it never necessarily deemed "defective" in the first place.
Comments
Apple are not going to specifically advertise that the new keyboard design addresses the dust/crumb issue.
I'm sorry, but this keyboard thing has always been overblown. Sure Apple wants to improve their products when problems are identified, but a very small percentage of MacBooks had any problems at all.
That being said, i think it will definitely not as rugged as the rubber dome, because simpler parts have less failure, even if the third-generation fixed all the “dust” issues. But that doesn’t mean it will not work most of the time, though (In fact, it’s not that complex compared to many other “mechanical” switches).
I suppose Apple will push for out of court settlements to avoid being pressed for disclosure of the reports on particle accumulation testing (because it isn't reasonable to assume no such reports exist) and to why the membrane wasn't included on the first and second generation keyboards (assuming the patent pre-dates the release of the first generation model).
Hopefully these new keyboards can be fitted to older machines when the first and second generation keyboards need replacing.
Here, they blow sand over the updated keyboard and the sand grains are blocked from getting in:
No mechanical parts will be completely impervious to failure but this looks like it will do a pretty good job of improving the reliability and the key cushioning is a benefit too. If older models are brought in for repair, they could easily switch them out for the updated ones with the membrane.
They could update the design in future with more easily removable keys and if they can get rid of the switch and put a mechanism in the hinge, that could increase the travel by removing some of the base plate or they could make the keys like the trackpad with small feedback units so you can do a harder press on a key and it can insert accented characters or capitals or the alt-character for the number keys and they can put any kind of cushioning under the key. They could reduce the key travel even more, the comfort is more about sponginess of the press. Old mobile devices used rubber keys and were very comfortable to type on due to the softness of the rubber. A hard key with a soft fixed base would probably be ok to type on and easily replaced.
No doubt the lifespan will be much longer than rubber dome, I’m just saying that simpler design are less prone to failure, even though I fully support the new key design. Most cherry keyboard are prone to liquid damage, and that didn’t stop the one who loves it.
I also think the new mechaism (after second generation) is highly inspired by all the buttons you’d found in iDevices, check out how much similarities between the keys and a volume control. The feedback are pretty strong for something this thin (that being said, I think the term “feedback” are very subjective, and only the majority will give the direction on where it should go).
Overheard inside Apple a few months ago:*
‘Hey boss, were getting a lot of negative publicity about the MacBook keyboard problems, a few lawsuits, and even a petition calling for a recall.’
‘Can we fix it in time for the next MacBook update?’
‘No, because that would require a complete reengineering of the butterfly mechanism.’
‘We can’t delay this launch – we haven’t updated the MacBooks in ages.’
‘We could do a temporary fix by applying a silicone membrane to stop the dust getting in. This would also make the keyboard quieter.’
‘Good idea. Let’s do it.’
‘The only problem is that this might cause a heat issue because the membrane will reduce ventilation, and it won’t fix the other problems.’
‘What other problems?’
‘Lack of ports, no escape key and insufficient keyboard travel…’
‘Ignore all that stuff. People’s fingers will adjust to the keyboard – and if they don’t like it, they shouldn’t type so much.’
‘But…’
‘No buts! Apple’s strategic priority is to create thin-ness, even if this means sacrificing functionality. We will not create fat products, only thin ones. Remember what Wallace Simpson said, “You can never be too thin”.’
‘I don’t think she was referring to laptops.’
‘Doesn’t matter. She uttered an eternal truth that we must uphold.’
*Imaginary conversation
Really? Ever heard of the Challenger space shuttle? Gaskets, seals, and similar parts can have a massive impact on system integrity.