2016 Macbook Pro Issue - High Pitched Keyboard Clicking Sound

[atalkingfish]

I got a call from my local apple authorized repair place. They apparently got a bulletin from Apple regarding how to fix this issue. They said they needed to order a part from Apple to perform the fix. I'm weary and not totally convinced, but they said they'd call me when it comes in, and that I could take it in to get fixed.

someone on reddit says apple may have finally decided and settled on a solution. his keys were fixed by installing some sort of mini shims under the keys

This is what I was referring to. They're going to shim up my keys, whatever that means.

 

[ilifecomputer]

well the dude on reddit said it worked perfectly. shim it up.

 

[Hrodriguez77]

well the dude on reddit said it worked perfectly. shim it up.

Do you happen to have a link to this Reddit discussion? I couldn't find it.

 

[Beststeve-316]

I have the same issue. Do any of you guys happen to know whether the fix part is available at Genius bar? I don't want to waste my time at the Apple Store for a day.

 

[soolwan]

Do you happen to have a link to this Reddit discussion? I couldn't find it.

I couldn't find it either. I suppose I'll call Apple today to see if they'll confirm that there's a known fix.

 

[Clairvoyant129]

I couldn't find it either. I suppose I'll call Apple today to see if they'll confirm that there's a known fix.

Please let us know!

 

[Glockworkorange]

Hm. Interesting. Does the "clicky" sound you describe resemble the sound in the video I posted (top post)?

Either way, it's likely they have some kinks to work out in their keyboard manufacturing (makes sense considering this is a new design). I just hope us early adopters will only need our bad keys replaced once they've worked it out.

I had this same issue with the first generation MacBook from 2015. Returned it and they replaced the keyboard.

Take it back--these machines are too expensive to deal with these types of issues.

 

[Sagarmac]

I have the same issue. Do any of you guys happen to know whether the fix part is available at Genius bar? I don't want to waste my time at the Apple Store for a day.

I went to the Genius guys a month back. They didn't had a fix. Better call them before you go. I was looking for to just replace they key that had the issue instead of replacing the whole keyboard.

 

[Beststeve-316]

I went to the Genius guys a month back. They didn't had a fix. Better call them before you go. I was looking for to just replace they key that had the issue instead of replacing the whole keyboard.

Thanks for replying bro. I have talked to the support team and they agreed to allow me to return the laptop. I think I might buy one at the end of the month, I hope the quality control will be fine at that time.

 

[CCisgood]

went to apple Genius Bar this morning
they said "nerve" hear this issue, holy moly~~~
no solution for this issue
all they can do is change the keyboard (top case)

apple suck on MacBook Pro 2016 !

 

[Wrong Turn]

Received my MBP 2016 tuesday last week.
The keyboard was clicking like hell, but i have been sticking with it. Yesterday i noticed it was gone, every single key was okay.
I can't really tell when it changed, but it seems like simply using it would eventually fix it.

Kinda cheap for such an expensive product, but better then having to send it back to get it replaced.

 

[verynice]

Second day of using and testing; no problems even when fully heated up.

I won't reply to this thread again unless the problem starts on this replacement, but should it start, I'll make sure and come back to report.

What a pain in the butt to be afraid of clicky keys. Such a basic feature to have a working keyboard. I consider myself lucky I only needed to go through one replacement.

Good luck to all.

Just wondering, since your name literally means "A mix" in Finnish -- did you possibly get a MacBook w/ nordic keyboard layout?

 

[sekoitus]

Just wondering, since your name literally means "A mix" in Finnish -- did you possibly get a MacBook w/ nordic keyboard layout?

Yes, SWE/FI keyboard.

 

[verynice]

Yes, SWE/FI keyboard.

Yeah, kind of what I suspected. Having watched a few videos posted about this issue, so far it appears that the German / nordic keyboards (like mine) are very affected. I bought my BTO 15" in 10/2016 and the machine I have was made in December.

Did you get your replacement directly from Apple or through a reseller? Also has the issue re-appeared?

 

[sekoitus]

Did you get your replacement directly from Apple or through a reseller? Also has the issue re-appeared?

Direct from Apple, BTO 2.7/1TB/R460P.

Been testing over the weekend and today too, regularly heating up the computer, and the issue hasn't re-appeared (knocking on wood).

Overall the keyboard feels much better than on the first machine, Touch ID is very solid (the first one wobbled), and the keys now make a consistent sound across the keyboard (so center of the keyboard doesn't sound more "hollow").

 

[verynice]

Direct from Apple, BTO 2.7/1TB/R460P.

Been testing over the weekend and today too, regularly heating up the computer, and the issue hasn't re-appeared (knocking on wood).

Overall the keyboard feels much better than on the first machine, Touch ID is very solid (the first one wobbled), and the keys now make a consistent sound across the keyboard (so center of the keyboard doesn't sound more "hollow").

Listening to your experience I am starting to believe that this is indeed a big manufacturing oversight. I have experienced inconsistency across the keyboard (differences in key "hollowness" and stiffness) and a wobbly Touch ID (I thought it was broken at first!).

Since this one obviously has a bad keyboard I am going to go the replacement route as well.

 

[MrGuder]

Direct from Apple, BTO 2.7/1TB/R460P.

Been testing over the weekend and today too, regularly heating up the computer, and the issue hasn't re-appeared (knocking on wood).

Overall the keyboard feels much better than on the first machine, Touch ID is very solid (the first one wobbled), and the keys now make a consistent sound across the keyboard (so center of the keyboard doesn't sound more "hollow").

Which Apple Store did you have the replacement done?

 

[LegolasWang]

Hi guys, just noticed another annoying thing from keyboard. Space button got stuck quite often when typing which is a really bad. It's totally stuck like typing on forcefouch touchpad while computer is off

 

[TripleMoxy]

Hi guys, just noticed another annoying thing from keyboard. Space button got stuck quite often when typing which is a really bad. It's totally stuck like typing on forcefouch touchpad while computer is off

Sorry to hear that. I've read other complaints about this.

 

[Sagarmac]

Got a reply from Apple Support on the issue today:

"Apple has received reports of this behavior and is investigating those reports. At this time we would consider this within specifications and not a hardware failure. A new machine / keyboard will have the same behavior."

"within specifications" .....

There is no timeline when there will be a fix if any.

 

[ninjastic]

I have the same issue with my enter/return key. When the MacBook is warmed up after a couple hours of use the enter key makes the same loud/sharp clicking/popping noise when released. It happens only when I press on the left side of the key, but not on the right side of it.

Will return this MacBook and wait for Apple to release an official statement before I buy a replacement.

Here is the link to a video of my issue:

 

[MrGuder]

Got a reply from Apple Support on the issue today:

"Apple has received reports of this behavior and is investigating those reports. At this time we would consider this within specifications and not a hardware failure. A new machine / keyboard will have the same behavior."

"within specifications" .....

There is no timeline when there will be a fix if any.

The fix will be after the 2017 updated model is released. Why? So as not to impact 2016 sales.

 

[TripleMoxy]

Got a reply from Apple Support on the issue today:

"Apple has received reports of this behavior and is investigating those reports. At this time we would consider this within specifications and not a hardware failure. A new machine / keyboard will have the same behavior."

"within specifications" .....

There is no timeline when there will be a fix if any.

So there you have it. It suggests that all or most of the keyboards could have that problem to some extent and that they are happy for someone to pay a premium price for the type of inconsistency you wouldn't have with most budget products (at least as far as the keyboard is concerned).

This would appear to be a lowering of the bar in their quest for excellence, accompanied by an increase in price. A trend with most companies, but disappointing.

 

[emde]

As my MBP is currently in service, I just called and provided a link to your video to a senior support rep. They watched the video and forwarded it to engineering. If I hear anything back from them I will post here. Thanks for researching!

This is fantastic and explains the issue very well. I just sent my MBP in for "repairs". I am going to contact support to let them know of the exact cause in hopes that they will fix it. Nice work! Hopefully Apple engineers will eventually see your video!

My MacBook has been repaired and is scheduled to be delivered back to the Apple Store by tomorrow morning. Hopefully it is fixed. I will post my findings tomorrow.

 

[Bonaqua]

I have the same issue with my enter/return key. When the MacBook is warmed up after a couple hours of use the enter key makes the same loud/sharp clicking/popping noise when released. It happens only when I press on the left side of the key, but not on the right side of it.

Will return this MacBook and wait for Apple to release an official statement before I buy a replacement.

Here is the link to a video of my issue:

I'm having the exact same problem with my enter key. Sigh.