henrybay

Jdw is absolutely right (refer his earlier post). The issue that Apple refuses to acknowledge is the lack of keyboard travel on these new MacBooks. These butterfly keyboards are terrible for extended writing - not much better than typing on a virtual keyboard. I know 3 full time writers who have used MacBooks for years but are now refusing to upgrade until Apple reintroduces a decent amount of key travel. This can’t be too difficult to fix - it just means introducing some more millimetres of travel. It’s not rocket science. 

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

 

The new MacBook keyboards are too SHALLOW for extended typing. There is insufficient key travel. Apple, please fix this problem. Don’t sacrifice the MacBooks for ‘thin-ness’. 

foregoneconclusion said:

henrybay said:

The class action should also include the lack of adequate keyboard travel on the new MacBooks. Shallow keys are terrible for long writing sessions. They are not much better than writing on an iPad. 

My own suspicion is that what people think is a lack of "travel" or "feel" is actually a lack of "wobble". The butterfly mechanism was specifically introduced to cut back on the wobble of the key when struck vs. the hinge design. It also seems unlikely when looking at prior keyboard designs that the keys are really traveling much further physically. There may be a difference, but you're probably talking about fractions of a millimeter.

Nope, it’s definitely a travel issue rather than a wobble issue. The keys on my old 11inch MacBook Air travel nearly twice the distance of the MacBook Pro according to the calibrated calipers I use. Hence, the older machine is much more comfortable to type on - but the screen is inferior to the MacBook Pro. My ideal computer would combine the wonderful older keyboard with the new retina screen.  

After the novelty wore off, I switched my iPhone X for the iPhone 8 after 10 days, and could not be happier. Touch ID on the iPhone 8 is faster and easier to use than Face ID - and enables me to open my phone before it leaves my pocket. I was also worried about the impact of beaming infrared laser dots into my eyes 30 times a day (10,000 times a year). I prefer the rectangular screen of the 8 to the one on the X with its curved corners and weird inset. Best of all, I can orientate my phone simply by feeling the touch ID button - even in the dark or in a pocket. I can also see exactly how much battery percentage I have left, and closing apps is a snap compared to the X.

The iPhone 8 is brilliant - it's fast, simple and familiar to use. By comparison, the iPhone X feels gimmicky. Its so-called innovations make it harder to use.

It would not surprise me if sales of the X are not meeting expectations. It does not take the iPhone forward, but sideways, and in some respects, backwards.